If you’re a fan of strawberries, this recipe is for you! These strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream frosting are packed with fresh strawberry flavor in every bite. The moist, tender cupcakes are made with real strawberries and are perfectly complemented by the rich and creamy strawberry buttercream. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes will impress everyone who tries them. Read on to discover the perfect strawberry cupcake recipe with step-by-step instructions and expert tips to make these delightful treats!

What Are Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream?

Strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream are a double dose of berry goodness. These cupcakes feature a soft, fluffy cake infused with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, while the buttercream frosting adds a smooth, rich, and intensely strawberry-flavored topping. Unlike many strawberry desserts that rely on artificial flavoring, this recipe uses fresh strawberries to create a dessert that is bursting with real fruit flavor. These cupcakes are ideal for spring and summer celebrations, but they’re so delicious, you’ll want to make them year-round.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Cupcakes

To get started, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for the strawberry cupcakes. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
2 tablespoon strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)

These ingredients come together to create cupcakes that are light, moist, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. The strawberry puree intensifies the natural sweetness, while the finely chopped strawberries add texture and bursts of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Buttercream

To make a creamy and flavorful strawberry buttercream, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar (depending on your desired sweetness)
¼ cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional)

The key to this buttercream is using fresh strawberry puree, which gives the frosting a natural pink color and a fruity flavor without the need for artificial coloring or extracts.

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to personalize this recipe or adjust it to your dietary needs, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter in both the cupcake and frosting with a plant-based alternative, and use almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend made for baking.
Strawberry Jam Filling: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, fill the cupcakes with strawberry jam by hollowing out the center of each cupcake and adding a spoonful of jam before frosting.
Lemon-Strawberry Cupcakes: Add the zest of one lemon to the cupcake batter for a zesty twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

These substitutions and variations can help you customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect strawberry cupcakes.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Prepare the Strawberry Puree: In a blender or food processor, blend ½ cup of fresh or frozen (and thawed) strawberries until smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the puree for the cupcake batter, and set aside the remaining puree for the frosting.
Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold in the 2 tablespoons of strawberry puree and the chopped strawberries until evenly distributed.
Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

How to Cook Strawberry Cupcakes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the essential steps to ensure your strawberry cupcakes turn out perfectly:

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients – Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easy mixing, and prepare the strawberry puree ahead of time.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter – Combine the ingredients carefully to avoid overmixing, which can result in dense cupcakes. The goal is to keep the batter light and airy.
Step 3: Baking – Bake the cupcakes just until they are set and a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking can cause the cupcakes to dry out.
Step 4: Cooling – Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe like strawberry cupcakes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the cupcake batter can lead to dense, tough cupcakes. Mix the ingredients only until they are just combined.
Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, and cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle.
Frosting Warm Cupcakes: Always wait until the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting them, or the buttercream will melt and lose its shape.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream, presentation can make all the difference. Here are some tips to make your cupcakes look just as good as they taste:

Pipe the Frosting: Use a piping bag with a large star tip to create elegant swirls of buttercream on top of each cupcake.
Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Add a slice of fresh strawberry or a small whole berry on top of each cupcake for a simple but stunning garnish.
Add a Drizzle: Drizzle a little extra strawberry puree or strawberry sauce over the top of the frosting for a more decadent presentation.

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes

Strawberry cupcakes are perfect for a wide variety of occasions, and they pair beautifully with several beverages and desserts. Here are some ways to serve them:

For Parties: Serve them on a tiered cake stand for a visually striking display at parties, baby showers, or bridal showers.
Afternoon Tea: Pair these cupcakes with a pot of tea or coffee for an indulgent afternoon treat.
For Gifting: Place each cupcake in a cupcake box or wrap them individually in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cupcakes

Want to make your strawberry cupcakes stand out? Here are a few creative presentation ideas:

Use Edible Flowers: Garnish your cupcakes with small edible flowers like pansies or violets for a springtime look.
Colorful Liners: Use pink or floral-patterned cupcake liners to match the strawberry theme.
Decorative Toppers: Add fun cupcake toppers like small strawberry-themed flags or edible glitter for a festive touch.

Strawberry Cupcake Recipe Tips

To ensure the best results, follow these expert tips:

Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. If you must use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar before making the buttercream to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Store Properly: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
A: Yes, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid making the batter too wet.

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted. Frost them just before serving for maximum freshness.

Q: How do I store leftover cupcakes?
A: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I freeze strawberry cupcakes?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and frost before serving.

Conclusion

Strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream are a delightful, fruit-filled dessert that will brighten any occasion. Made with fresh strawberries in both the batter and the frosting, these cupcakes are bursting with real strawberry flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow the step-by-step instructions and tips to create your own batch of these delicious strawberry cupcakes, and enjoy the sweet, fruity taste of summer in every bite!