Sweet Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you have a soft spot for fruity desserts bursting with flavor and a touch of tangy sweetness, you are going to adore this Sweet Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes are a delightful celebration of fresh strawberries folded into tender, moist cake, topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with strawberry goodness. The combination is simply irresistible, marrying the bright, juicy notes of strawberries with a rich and silky frosting that elevates every bite to pure bliss. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe promises to bring smiles and happy tummy moments to everyone lucky enough to taste them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step to making these cupcakes shine. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous pink hue that makes these Strawberry Cupcakes so visually enchanting.

• Fresh strawberries (10 oz, quartered): The star fruit bringing natural sweetness and beautiful color to the batter and frosting.
• Granulated sugar (6 tbsp + 3/4 cup): Sweetens the strawberries and the cupcake batter, balancing acidity perfectly.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a bright, fresh note.
• Cake flour (1 1/4 cup): Provides a soft, tender crumb for the cupcakes.
• Baking powder (3/4 tsp): Helps the cupcakes rise to fluffy perfection.
• Baking soda (1/8 tsp): Works alongside baking powder for lift and texture.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Unsalted butter (5 tbsp + 1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture to both the cake and frosting.
• Egg whites (2, at room temperature): Lighten the batter, giving the cupcakes a delicate structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Adds warm, comforting aroma that blends beautifully with strawberries.
• Buttermilk (1/2 cup, at room temperature): Makes the cupcakes incredibly moist and tender with a subtle tang.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, cold): The base of the frosting, providing creamy texture and a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
• Freeze-dried strawberries (3/4 cup): Intensifies strawberry flavor and adds a pretty pink tint to the frosting.

How to Make Sweet Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Base

Begin by combining the quartered fresh strawberries, 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let them macerate until they become juicy and fragrant. This step unlocks the natural strawberry sweetness and infuses the batter with fresh fruit essence that will permeate every bite.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend will ensure your cupcakes rise beautifully and have a light, tender crumb without being too dense or cakey.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar (3/4 cup) together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the batter, contributing to a soft texture and rich flavor in the finished cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

Gradually add the egg whites to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This step enhances the structure and adds a lovely vanilla undertone that complements the strawberries perfectly.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Alternate adding the dry mixture and the buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition to keep the batter smooth but avoid overmixing, which could make the cupcakes tough.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberry Mixture

Carefully fold the macerated strawberries, including their juices, into the batter. This distributes fresh strawberry flavor and moisture evenly, ensuring each cupcake is fruity and moist.

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into a lined cupcake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting your creamy topping.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter and cold cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by the powdered freeze-dried strawberries, mixing until the frosting is thick, smooth, and vibrantly pink. This frosting is tangy yet sweet, with a burst of concentrated strawberry flavor from the freeze-dried berries.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Generously pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cupcakes. You can garnish with additional freeze-dried strawberries or small fresh strawberry slices for an eye-catching finish.

How to Serve Sweet Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder, or a delicate mint leaf elevate the cupcake’s look and add an extra pop of flavor. Whipped cream or edible flower petals also make lovely decorative touches for presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with light accompaniments like a crisp green salad with a balsamic glaze or a refreshing citrusy fruit salad. A cup of slightly bitter black tea or sparkling lemonade beautifully balances the sweetness of these cupcakes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your cupcakes in colorful wrappers or on a tiered dessert stand to impress guests. You can also use mini cupcake liners for bite-sized versions perfect for parties or package them in pretty boxes as heartfelt homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and maintains the tender texture of the cupcakes.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature completely before frosting, ensuring your cupcakes stay moist and delicious.

Reheating

If you prefer your cupcakes at room temperature, remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and alter the texture. Enjoy them as fresh as possible for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh in this Sweet Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

While fresh strawberries yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if thawed and drained well to avoid extra moisture that could affect the cupcake batter consistency.

How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from being too soft?

Using cold cream cheese and chilled butter helps. Also, beat the frosting until smooth but not overly whipped, and refrigerate it slightly if it becomes too soft before applying to the cupcakes.

Can I make the frosting without freeze-dried strawberries?

Absolutely! You can substitute with a bit of fresh strawberry puree or strawberry jam for flavor, but freeze-dried strawberries help maintain the frosting’s thickness and vibrant pink color.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, with ingredient swaps like plant-based butter, aquafaba instead of egg whites, dairy-free cream cheese, and suitable milk alternatives, you can adapt this recipe thoughtfully.

How long does it take to make the whole Sweet Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

From start to finish including baking and cooling, expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The careful buildup of flavors and textures is well worth the time investment.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of biting into a perfectly moist, flavorful cupcake, especially when it’s a Sweet Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe like this one. The fresh fruit, tender crumb, and dreamy frosting come together in the kind of harmony you’ll want to share again and again. So grab your mixing bowls, enjoy the process, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these sunny, sweet delights!

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