Delicious Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes

Looking for a delightful way to showcase the sweetness of seasonal strawberries? Look no further than these luscious Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes! I stumbled upon this recipe during a summer strawberry bonanza and never looked back. The secret lies in a simple strawberry reduction that infuses both the cake and frosting with a burst of fresh berry flavor. These cupcakes boast a moist, tender crumb that’s as pretty as a picture and tastes like pure sunshine.

I vividly remember the moment at my neighbor’s baby shower when skeptics turned into believers with just one bite of these Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes. The genuine taste of real strawberries won over even the toughest critics. To ensure your cupcakes turn out just right, take the time to cook down the strawberry paste to perfection. Planning ahead by making the paste a day prior not only enhances the flavor but also streamlines your baking process. Serve these pink beauties on a tiered stand adorned with fresh strawberries for a show-stopping display that’s perfect for any celebration.

Quick Benefits

• Captures the essence of fresh strawberries in both the cake and frosting, using a simple strawberry reduction for intense berry flavor
• Stays incredibly moist with a tender crumb, perfect for spring gatherings, birthday parties, or any occasion
• Versatile recipe with options for flavor enhancements like almond extract, strawberry preserves, or white chocolate chips
• Can be stored for 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen for make-ahead convenience

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

• Intense Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The cupcakes and frosting use a simple strawberry reduction that intensifies the berry flavor, capturing the essence of fresh strawberries.
• Tender and Moist Texture: The cupcakes have a tender crumb and stay incredibly moist, making them irresistible.
• Natural Pink Color: The cupcakes have a beautiful natural pink color, making them perfect for spring gatherings, birthday parties, or any occasion where a pop of color is appreciated.
• Versatile Flavor Variations: Add almond extract for a subtle enhancement, strawberry preserves for a tangy surprise center, or white chocolate chips for sweet pockets throughout the cake.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The cupcakes can be made ahead and stay moist for 3-4 days in an airtight container, or frozen for future enjoyment, making them perfect for planning parties and special occasions.
• Visual Impact: Display these pretty pink cupcakes on a tiered stand surrounded by fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a stunning visual impact, perfect for baby showers, Valentine’s Day, or spring birthdays.
• Rave Reviews: Countless positive reviews and recipe requests from friends and family make this recipe worth the extra effort over a box mix, as the natural strawberry flavor just can’t be matched by artificial alternatives.

Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes

For the Strawberry Paste

• 200g strawberries, cleaned and halved (400g if also making strawberry frosting)

For the Cupcakes

• 160g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 14g vanilla extract
• 2 drops red food gel (optional)
• 40g unsalted butter, cubed
• 135g full fat milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 160g all-purpose flour (plain flour)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 large eggs (55g each), room temperature
• 25g vegetable oil (can use canola oil)

For the Frosting

• Fresh strawberries for decoration, cleaned, dried and halved
• 1/2 batch strawberry buttercream

How to Make Delicious Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes

Step 1: Make the strawberry paste

Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them in half. Place them in a food processor and pulse until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the strawberry puree

Transfer the strawberry puree to a large non-stick saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-10 minutes until it thickens, deepens in color, and reaches a jam-like consistency. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare for baking

Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F) with the fan on, or 140°C (285°F) with the fan off. Place the oven rack in the middle position and line a cupcake tray with white liners.

Step 4: Mix dry ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 5: Beat eggs and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 1 minute until frothy. Gradually add sugar and beat for about 7 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume.

Step 6: Combine dry ingredients with eggs

Combine half of the dry ingredients and strawberry paste with the egg mixture on low speed until just mixed. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until combined. Small lumps are okay; the batter will be thick.

Step 7: Prepare milk mixture

Heat milk and butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches 60°C (140°F) or small bubbles form around the edges. Avoid boiling.

Step 8: Complete the batter

Pour half of the hot milk mixture into the batter along with the oil, vanilla, and red food gel (if desired). Mix on low speed until combined. Blend in the remaining milk until smooth. The batter should be thin.

Step 9: Bake the cupcakes

Fill cupcake liners just over 3/4 full using an ice cream scoop. Bake for 25 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly pressed. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make the frosting

Once the cupcakes have cooled, make the strawberry buttercream frosting following your recipe.

Step 11: Decorate

Prepare a piping bag with an open star tip. Frost each cupcake with a swirl of frosting and decorate with half a fresh strawberry on top.

Storage Tips

After making these delightful Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes, ensure they stay moist and delicious by storing them properly. If planning to enjoy them within 3-4 days, store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. The oil in the batter helps maintain their freshness. However, if your kitchen tends to be warm, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator, but remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving to retain their ideal texture and flavor.

For longer storage or make-ahead convenience, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator, unwrap them, and frost them before serving. This method allows you to have a batch of these delicious strawberry cupcakes ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice, making them a convenient and tasty treat for any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have fresh strawberries on hand, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained well. Make sure to adjust the quantity accordingly based on the water content of the frozen berries. You can also experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile while still maintaining the fruity essence of the cupcakes.

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the full-fat milk with any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut milk. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of oil, such as coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor, feel free to make that substitution. To make the cupcakes eggless, you can try using a flax egg or commercial egg replacer following the package instructions. These simple swaps can accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions while still achieving delicious results reminiscent of fresh strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful presentation, serve these fresh strawberry cupcakes on a tiered stand surrounded by halved fresh strawberries and mint leaves. The vibrant colors will pop and create a stunning visual impact, perfect for spring gatherings or baby showers. If you want to showcase the cupcakes individually, consider placing each one in a clear plastic cup with the sides removed to highlight the pretty liners and keep the frosting intact.

For a fun twist, try adding a surprise center to these cupcakes by coring out a small portion of each cooled cupcake and filling it with a teaspoon of strawberry preserves before frosting. This adds an extra burst of flavor and makes each cupcake extra special. Another variation to consider is adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a subtle flavor enhancement that complements the strawberries beautifully. These creative serving suggestions will elevate your fresh strawberry cupcakes and impress your guests with both taste and presentation.

FAQs for Delicious Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw them before using and adjust the amount of sugar slightly if needed, as frozen strawberries tend to be slightly sweeter.

Can I omit the red food gel in the recipe?

Yes, the red food gel is optional and is used to enhance the pink color of the cupcakes. You can omit it if you prefer a more natural color or if you don’t have it on hand.

How can I prevent the cupcakes from turning out too wet?

To prevent the cupcakes from being too wet, make sure to cook the strawberry paste down enough to remove excess moisture. Also, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour, as this can result in a dense texture.

Can I make the strawberry paste ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the strawberry paste a day ahead of time. This not only saves time on baking day but also allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a better strawberry flavor in the cupcakes.

Conclusion

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes are truly a delightful treat that never fails to impress both in flavor and appearance. The vibrant pink hue and the natural sweetness of the strawberries shine through in every bite, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Remember, baking is a journey of experimentation and learning. Don’t be discouraged by any mishaps along the way, as they only help you grow as a baker. By taking the time to properly prepare the strawberry paste and handle the batter with care, you’ll be rewarded with moist and flavorful cupcakes that are worth every effort. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the world of baking these scrumptious Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes. Your friends and family will thank you for it!