Irresistible Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
There is nothing quite as delightful as biting into Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting—these cupcakes are perfectly sweet, incredibly moist, and topped with a luscious, smooth cream that melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with the fresh, natural flavor of ripe strawberries balanced by the silky sweetness of the frosting, making this recipe a true gem for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, these cupcakes offer a fresh and satisfying twist on a classic favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simply Irresistible Flavor: Fresh strawberries bring a juicy sweetness that elevates every bite.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The cupcakes remain soft and fluffy, never dry or crumbly.
- Creamy Frosting Perfected: A smooth, luscious frosting complements the cake without overpowering it.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or casual treat, these cupcakes shine.
- Easy To Customize: Options to tweak flavor and ingredients suit dietary needs or personal tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting are simple, wholesome, and easy to find, making this delightful recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Each component contributes uniquely to a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- Fresh Strawberries: Diced strawberries add natural sweetness and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a light, fluffy crumb.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise to a tender, airy perfection.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth to the flavor, ensuring moistness.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while aiding caramelization for a lovely crust.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while contributing to a velvety texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture to the cupcakes.
- Powdered Sugar: The base of the creamy frosting, smoothing and sweetening it perfectly.
- Cream Cheese or Butter for Frosting: Creates that signature creamy, tangy frosting that’s light and fluffy.
Variations for Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
Feel free to personalize this recipe to make it your own! It’s incredibly simple to adapt Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting based on what’s available in your kitchen, your dietary needs, or simply your flavor preferences.
- Vegan Twist: Substitute dairy with plant-based butter and milk, and use flax or chia eggs for egg replacement.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy these cupcakes without gluten.
- Strawberry-Lemon Combo: Add lemon zest to the batter and frosting for a bright, citrusy zing.
- Chocolate Strawberry Fusion: Mix cocoa powder into the batter for a rich chocolate base with the fresh strawberry topping.
- Extra Fruity: Toss in some crushed freeze-dried strawberries for concentrated strawberry flavor and texture.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by washing, hulling, and finely dicing your fresh strawberries. Gather all other ingredients and ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This blend sets the foundation for the cupcake’s light and tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process aerates the batter, which helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next for a smooth batter. Follow with the vanilla extract to infuse warmth and depth.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
Step 6: Fold in the Fresh Strawberries
Carefully fold the diced strawberries into the batter to distribute them evenly while preserving the lightness.
Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the Creamy Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, whip together cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla until smooth and fluffy, ready to spread.
Step 9: Frost and Garnish
Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost generously with the creamy frosting and garnish with small strawberry slices or sprinkles for an extra-special touch.
Pro Tips for Making Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
- Use Cold Ingredients for Frosting: Keep your cream cheese or butter chilled to achieve that perfect, spreadable texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make cupcakes dense; mix just until ingredients are combined for fluffiness.
- Pat Dry Strawberries: Excess moisture can affect batter consistency, so gently pat diced strawberries dry before folding in.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh fruit provides the best natural flavor and color; frozen works in a pinch but may add extra moisture.
- Cool Cupcakes Completely: Frosting melts if cupcakes aren’t fully cooled, so patience pays off.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
Garnishes
Enhance presentation with halved fresh strawberries, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a charming finish that makes every cupcake look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with a light, refreshing fruit salad or a hot cup of tea or coffee to balance sweetness and create a satisfying treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve cupcakes on tiered stands for elegant gatherings or in cute, themed cupcake wrappers for birthday parties to add a festive vibe that delights guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cupcakes with frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and moist.
Freezing
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months; frost after thawing to retain creamy frosting texture.
Reheating
Allow cupcakes to reach room temperature before serving; avoid microwaving after frosting as it can melt the creamy topping and affect texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Is there a dairy-free version of the frosting?
Absolutely! Substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan margarine and cashew cream for a dairy-free creamy frosting.
How long do Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, these cupcakes maintain their freshness and flavor for about 3 days.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the cupcakes shortly after mixing the batter to ensure a light and airy texture; however, you can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours if needed.
What is the best way to avoid soggy cupcakes?
Make sure not to overfold the strawberries, use fresh (not frozen) fruit when possible, and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the best of fresh fruit and luscious cream for a cupcake that feels both special and approachable. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe’s simplicity and impressive results will warm your heart—and your taste buds. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of baking these irresistibly moist and creamy cupcakes!
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Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting are moist, tender cupcakes bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. Topped with a smooth and luscious cream cheese or butter frosting, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of fruity flavor and creamy texture, ideal for any occasion from casual treats to celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
For the Creamy Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese or butter, cold
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Wash, hull, and finely dice the fresh strawberries. Gather all ingredients and ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This forms the base for the cupcake’s light and tender crumb.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color, which aerates the batter for better rise.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract to infuse warmth and depth of flavor.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in the Fresh Strawberries: Carefully fold the diced strawberries into the batter to evenly distribute them while keeping the batter light.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly into lined cupcake tins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Creamy Frosting: While cupcakes cool, whip together the cold cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Garnish: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost generously with the creamy frosting. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles for an extra-special touch.
Notes
- Use cold cream cheese or butter for frosting to achieve the perfect, spreadable texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and fluffy.
- Pat diced strawberries dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Fresh strawberries yield the best natural flavor and color; frozen can be used if properly thawed and drained.
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: strawberry cupcakes, creamy frosting, fresh strawberries, moist cupcakes, dessert, party treats, homemade cupcakes