Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe: Fluffy Berry Treats for All

Sweet summer strawberries weave magic into these delightful strawberry cupcakes that burst with fruity flavor.

Soft, tender crumbs mingle perfectly with fresh strawberry chunks throughout the batter.

Delicate pink frosting crowns each cupcake with a dreamy swirl of creamy goodness.

Every bite delivers a luscious combination of light cake and bright berry notes.

These cupcakes shine as a delectable dessert for afternoon tea or weekend celebrations.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up this simple yet impressive treat in no time.

Prepare to fall in love with the most irresistible strawberry cupcakes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Always Taste So Bright

• Boost Your Baking Skills: Master a delightful strawberry cupcake recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet dessert, perfect for bakers looking to elevate their kitchen expertise.
• Burst of Fresh Flavor: Capture the essence of ripe strawberries through homemade strawberry paste and vibrant buttercream, creating a dessert that delivers intense, natural fruit taste in every bite.
• Impressive Presentation: Wow your guests with beautifully piped frosting and a fresh strawberry garnish, turning these cupcakes into a show-stopping treat that looks professionally crafted.
• Quick Weekend Delight: Enjoy a baking project that's straightforward enough for home cooks yet sophisticated enough to impress family and friends at gatherings or special occasions.

All The Essentials For Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Success

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries that provide the signature flavor and color for the cupcakes.
• Eggs: Essential for creating a light and fluffy cupcake texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Flour: The primary structural ingredient that gives the cupcakes their soft base.

• Milk, Butter: Create a rich and moist cupcake with smooth texture.
• Oil: Ensures the cupcakes remain soft and tender.
• Vanilla: Provides a classic background flavor that complements the strawberry.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cupcakes rise and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Red Food Gel: Optional ingredient that intensifies the strawberry color.
• Strawberry Paste: Concentrated strawberry flavor made from fresh strawberries.

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Instructions For Fluffy Results

Step 1: Craft Strawberry Puree

Wash and hull fresh strawberries.

Slice them in half and transfer to a food processor.

Pulse until the mixture becomes completely smooth with zero lumps.

Step 2: Transform Puree

Pour strawberry puree into a large non-stick saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-10 minutes.

Watch for the puree to thicken and deepen in color.

Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to cool.

Step 3: Warm Up the Oven

Set oven temperature to 120C (250F) with fan on, or 140C (285F) with fan off.

Position the rack in the middle of the oven.

Place white cupcake liners in the tray.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set mixture aside.

Step 5: Whip Eggs and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to beat eggs on medium-high speed for one minute until frothy.

Gradually add sugar while mixing.

Continue beating for six minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and increases in volume.

Step 6: Blend Ingredients

Add half the dry ingredients and strawberry paste to egg mixture.

Mix on low speed until just combined.

Incorporate remaining dry ingredients.

Expect a thick batter with small lumps.

Step 7: Prepare Milk Mixture

Heat milk and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir constantly until temperature reaches 60C (140F) or small bubbles form around edges.

Avoid boiling.

Step 8: Finalize Batter

• Half of hot milk mixture
• Oil
• Vanilla
• Red food gel (optional)

Blend on low speed.

Add remaining milk and mix until smooth.

Batter will become thin.

Step 9: Bake Cupcakes

Fill cupcake liners just above 3/4 full.

An ice cream scoop works perfectly.

Bake for 25 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly pressed.

Transfer to cooling rack.

Step 10: Create Frosting

Prepare strawberry buttercream frosting using your preferred recipe.

Step 11: Decorate Beautifully

Attach an open star tip to a piping bag.

Swirl frosting onto each cupcake.

Garnish with half a fresh strawberry on top.

Tips From The Pros For Strawberry Cupcakes

• Reduce homemade strawberry paste intensely to concentrate natural sweetness and create deeper, more robust fruit notes.
• Sift dry ingredients before mixing to ensure smooth, clump-free cupcake texture and even ingredient distribution.
• Watch milk and butter temperature carefully to maintain proper batter consistency and prevent potential separation.
• Use room temperature eggs and mix thoroughly to create maximum volume and light, airy cupcake structure.
• Choose vibrant red food gel sparingly to achieve natural-looking strawberry color without artificial appearance.

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Ideas For Extra Flair

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same fruity flavor and moist texture.
• Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative that's kind to animals.
• Low-Sugar Strawberry Cupcakes: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate more fresh strawberries for natural sweetness without compromising taste.
• Dairy-Free Strawberry Cupcakes: Replace milk and butter with almond milk and vegetable oil, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy this delightful dessert.

Creative Ways To Serve Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

• Strawberry Delight Plating: Arrange cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with fresh strawberries scattered around, creating a charming farm-to-table presentation.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these cupcakes alongside light Earl Grey tea or champagne for an elegant dessert experience that elevates the sweet treat.
• Summer Party Centerpiece: Display cupcakes on tiered cake stands with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers, making them a stunning focal point for garden gatherings or bridal showers.
• Gifting Gorgeous: Package individual cupcakes in clear boxes with a ribbon, perfect for homemade gifts or wedding favors that showcase your baking skills.

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Storage Tricks For Softness

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Unfrosted cupcakes can sit at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for 1-2 days before losing moisture and freshness.
• Wrap individual unfrosted cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Consume fresh strawberry decorations within 24 hours of placing them on cupcakes to maintain their best texture and flavor. Replace or remove strawberry garnishes if storing longer than a day.

FAQs

• How do I know if my strawberry paste is smooth enough?

Run the strawberries through the food processor and pulse until no visible chunks remain. The texture should be completely smooth and uniform without any lumpy bits.

• Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are recommended, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid to prevent watery puree. Pat them dry before processing to maintain the right consistency.

• Why do I need to beat eggs for 6-7 minutes?

Beating eggs for this duration creates volume and incorporates air, which helps the cupcakes become light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale, thick, and significantly increased in volume.

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet strawberry cupcakes bring summer’s essence right to your plate, perfectly balancing delicate fruit notes with light, fluffy cake. Delightful homemade treats will transport dessert lovers straight to berry-filled bliss with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Strawberry Cupcakes Ingredients:

Fruits:

• 200 grams (7.05 ounces) strawberries, cleaned and halved
• Fresh strawberries for decoration, cleaned, dried and halved

Dry Ingredients:

• 160 grams (5.64 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 160 grams (5.64 ounces) caster sugar

Wet and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 135 grams (4.76 ounces) full fat milk
• 40 grams (1.41 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed
• 25 grams (0.88 ounces) vegetable oil
• 14 grams (0.49 ounces) vanilla extract
• 2 drops red food gel (optional)
• 1/2 batch strawberry buttercream

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Instructions

1. Prepare strawberry puree by thoroughly washing strawberries, removing stems, and blending in a food processor until completely smooth and lump-free.
2. Transfer puree to a non-stick saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens and darkens to a rich red color. Cool to room temperature after covering with plastic wrap.
3. Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 120C (250F) with fan on, or 140C (285F) with fan off. Line cupcake tray with white liners.
4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.
5. Using an electric mixer, beat eggs on medium-high speed for 1 minute until frothy. Gradually incorporate sugar while mixing for approximately 1 minute. Continue beating for 6 more minutes until mixture becomes pale, voluminous, and tripled in size.
6. Gently fold half the dry ingredients and strawberry paste into egg mixture on low speed. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined, allowing small lumps to remain.
7. Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until temperature reaches 60C (140F) or small bubbles form around edges. Avoid boiling.
8. Incorporate half the hot milk mixture into batter, then add oil, vanilla, and optional red food gel. Mix on low speed. Add remaining milk and blend until smooth, creating a thin batter consistency.
9. Fill cupcake liners slightly above 3/4 full using an ice cream scoop. Bake for 25 minutes or until tops bounce back when lightly pressed. Transfer to cooling rack.
10. Prepare strawberry buttercream frosting while cupcakes cool completely.
11. Use a piping bag with an open star tip to create elegant frosting swirls. Garnish each cupcake with a fresh strawberry half for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Preserve Strawberry Flavor Concentrate the strawberry puree by cooking it down, which intensifies the natural sweetness and creates a more robust fruit flavor in the cupcakes.
• Prevent Overmixing Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture to maintain the delicate, airy texture and avoid deflating the batter, which could result in dense cupcakes.
• Ingredient Temperature Matters Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better volume and incorporation, and use warm milk to help create a smoother, more consistent batter.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, or use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives for a vegan-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 138mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg