Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Introduction

Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting are the epitome of sweetness and charm in cupcake form. These cupcakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, topped with a velvety, rich strawberry buttercream frosting that is nothing short of dreamy. The combination of the soft, moist cake and the smooth, fruity frosting creates a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The addition of real strawberries makes these cupcakes feel wholesome while still being a decadent treat.

These cupcakes have a special meaning for me. I first made them for a birthday celebration, and they became an instant hit with everyone. The vibrant pink hue of the frosting, paired with the delicate aroma of fresh strawberries, fills the room with a feeling of happiness and celebration. The frosting is the star of the show, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang that complements the fluffy cake beautifully.

Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a birthday party, or just an afternoon treat. They’re light enough to enjoy with a cup of tea but decadent enough to feel like a special indulgence. If you want a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress, these cupcakes are the perfect choice!

Perfect for:

Birthdays and celebrations
Summer gatherings and picnics
Dessert lovers and bakers
Those with a sweet tooth
Special events that call for a pop of color

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting will become your go-to cupcake recipe:

Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The cupcakes and frosting are made with real strawberries, ensuring a naturally sweet and refreshing taste.
Fluffy Texture: The cupcakes are light and moist, with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
Homemade Frosting: The rich, strawberry-infused buttercream is a perfect balance of creamy and sweet, complementing the cupcakes beautifully.
Visually Stunning: The soft pink frosting and delicate cupcake base create a treat that’s both tasty and beautiful.
Versatile: Great for all occasions, these cupcakes are easily adaptable with different fillings or toppings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

To make your Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
¾ cup fresh strawberries, pureed

For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or as needed for consistency)
Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Strawberries: Essential for both the cupcakes and frosting, providing natural sweetness and flavor.
Buttermilk: Creates a soft, moist texture in the cupcakes and balances the sweetness.
Butter: Both in the cupcakes and frosting, butter provides richness and flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Key for making the buttercream frosting smooth and spreadable.
Heavy Cream: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for the frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

Make the Cupcakes:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Add Strawberry Puree: Gently fold in the fresh strawberry puree.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 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 to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in Strawberry Puree and Vanilla: Stir in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Whip the Frosting: Beat the frosting on high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe or spread the strawberry buttercream frosting onto each cupcake.
Garnish (Optional): Top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry for an extra touch of freshness and color.

How to Serve

Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting are best served fresh, but can be enjoyed in various ways:

On a Cake Stand: Display them beautifully on a cake stand for a more elegant presentation.
For a Party: Arrange them on a platter at a birthday party, picnic, or baby shower.
As a Dessert for Any Meal: Serve as a sweet ending to a family dinner or brunch gathering.
With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent treat.
Mini Versions: For smaller portions, make mini cupcakes and frost them the same way.

Additional Tips

Follow these tips for the best Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries for both the cupcakes and the frosting.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Chill the Frosting: If the frosting is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before piping.
Try Different Toppings: Top with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or crushed graham crackers for a fun twist.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to customize your Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes: Add cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a chocolate-strawberry twist.
Lemon Strawberry Cupcakes: Add lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice for a zesty balance.
Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
Strawberry Jam Filling: Fill the cupcakes with strawberry jam for an added burst of flavor inside.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cupcakes: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
Strawberry Cheesecake Frosting: Mix in cream cheese for a tangy, creamy frosting option.
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes: Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a shortcake-inspired treat.
Strawberry Coconut Cupcakes: Add shredded coconut to the cupcake batter for a tropical flavor.
White Chocolate Strawberry Frosting: Mix white chocolate chips into the frosting for a creamy, sweet finish.
Minty Strawberry Cupcakes: Add finely chopped mint leaves to the batter and frosting for a refreshing flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place them in an airtight container, and freeze before frosting. Frost when ready to serve.
Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Frosting Storage: Leftover frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Re-whip before using.

Special Equipment

Here are some items that make preparing Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting easier:

Muffin Tin: Essential for baking uniform cupcakes.
Cupcake Liners: Helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer is perfect for beating the batter and frosting.
Piping Bags and Tips: Ideal for decorating the cupcakes with smooth, professional-looking frosting.
Wire Rack: Helps cool the cupcakes evenly and prevents sogginess.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for ingredients.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of bowls and spreading frosting.
Strawberry Puree Maker: A blender or food processor will help puree fresh strawberries easily.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting are a delightful treat that brings a burst of sweetness and elegance to any occasion. The cupcakes themselves are perfectly moist, with the subtle, fresh flavor of strawberries shining through in every bite. The strawberry buttercream frosting is the star of the show—creamy, smooth, and decadently sweet, it complements the cupcakes beautifully.

What makes this recipe truly special is its vibrant combination of flavors and textures. The fluffy cake contrasts wonderfully with the rich, velvety frosting, and the natural sweetness of the strawberries elevates the overall experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a well-deserved sweet moment, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or just a fun dessert at home, Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting will undoubtedly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. I’m excited for you to try these delicious treats—don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media. Enjoy every bite of these berry-filled delights!