The kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of ripe strawberries, teasing my senses and my cravings. There’s something magical about turning fresh, juicy strawberries into a delightful treat like these Soft Strawberry Cupcakes. With a luscious filling of homemade strawberry jam and a dreamy strawberry cream cheese frosting on top, this recipe is not only a delicious way to celebrate the joys of summer but also offers a quick, crowd-pleasing treat whenever you’re feeling inspired to bake. These cupcakes embody comfort and nostalgia, making them perfect for everything from birthday parties to cozy evenings at home. So, are you ready to whip up a batch and create some sweet memories together?
Why Are These Strawberry Cupcakes So Special?
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with fresh strawberry sweetness and the balancing tartness of homemade jam, elevating your cupcake experience to a whole new level.
Effortless Brilliance: They’re surprisingly simple to make, allowing even novice bakers to impress friends and family.
Versatile Delight: Whether it’s a birthday, summer barbecue, or a cozy night in, these cupcakes are the perfect fit.
Texture Perfection: The softness and moisture in these cupcakes create a melt-in-your-mouth experience, complemented wonderfully by the creamy frosting.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the strawberry jam the day before, saving you time and stress when serving! Try pairing these delightful creations with a scoop of refreshing vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat. For more sweet strawberry inspiration, check out my Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream or Strawberry Shortcake Whipped!
Strawberry Cupcake Ingredients
For the Strawberry Jam
• Quartered Fresh Strawberries – Adds natural sweetness and flavor; avoid frozen strawberries due to excess moisture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the jam without needing substitutes.
• Lemon Juice – Enhances strawberry flavor; fresh juice yields the best results.
For the Cupcakes
• Cake Flour – Ensures a light and fluffy texture; substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser cake.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Essential leavening agents; measure accurately for the best rise.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness; ensure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Egg Whites – Contributes to a lighter texture; let them come to room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the overall taste.
• Buttermilk – Brings tanginess and moisture; for a quick substitute, mix milk with vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar).
For the Frosting
• Cream Cheese – The base of the creamy frosting; keep it cold before mixing.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sift for a smooth finish.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries – Intensifies the strawberry flavor and should be finely processed before combining.
These delectable Strawberry Cupcakes are sure to become a beloved recipe in your home, celebrating sweetness with every bite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Cupcakes
Step 1: Make Strawberry Jam
In a medium saucepan, combine quartered fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-17 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove from heat and let the jam cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare Cupcake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures an even rise. Set the dry ingredients aside while you cream the butter and sugar next.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add in the egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture turns pale and creamy. This process incorporates air for fluffiness in your strawberry cupcakes.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth but still have a few small lumps for a tender texture when baked.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full to allow space for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when touched. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the strawberry cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cold cream cheese until smooth, then add softened butter and mix until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the sifted powdered sugar and then blend in the processed freeze-dried strawberries. Beat until the frosting is airy and well combined, ensuring it’s ready to pipe.
Step 7: Assemble the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a sharp knife or cupcake corer to remove the centers. Fill each cupcake with the cooled strawberry jam, then pipe the strawberry cream cheese frosting generously on top. If desired, decorate with additional fresh strawberries for an extra pop of color and flavor, completing your delightful strawberry cupcakes!
What to Serve with Soft Strawberry Cupcakes
These delightful strawberry cupcakes create a joyful celebration on your table, inviting friends and family to indulge in precious moments of sweetness.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy contrast that melts perfectly on these cupcakes, balancing the sweetness with its rich, smooth texture.
-
Fresh Berries Salad: A medley of ripe berries provides a tart, refreshing element, enhancing the cupcakes’ delicate strawberry flavor while adding a splash of color.
-
Lemonade: The zesty brightness of lemonade cuts through the cupcake’s sweetness, creating a harmonious refreshment for warm sunny days.
-
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Adding a decadent layer of chocolate heightens the cupcakes’ flavor profile and introduces a luxurious dimension.
-
Mint Tea: This herbal infusion brings a refreshing herbal note, acting as a soothing counterpart to the rich cream cheese frosting.
-
Almond Biscotti: These crunchy cookies offer a delightful textural contrast, allowing for a crunchy bite alongside the soft cupcakes.
-
Coconut Whipped Cream: This light and airy topping adds a tropical twist, enveloping the flavors of the cupcakes in a luscious coconut embrace.
-
Fruit Punch: A sweet, fizzy drink elevates festive gatherings and complements the light, airy nature of these delightful treats.
Indulge in these thoughtful pairings to create a meal that truly celebrates the magic of your homemade strawberry cupcakes!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Strawberry Cupcakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the strawberry jam up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the jam by cooking the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice as directed, then allow it to cool completely before refrigerating it in an airtight container. The cupcakes can also be baked up to 3 days ahead of time—just store them at room temperature in a covered container to keep them fresh. For the best results, frost your cupcakes with the strawberry cream cheese frosting just before serving to maintain that exquisite texture. This way, you’ll have delicious, moist cupcakes ready to delight your guests with minimal last-minute effort!
Strawberry Cupcakes Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delectable strawberry cupcakes with these fun and friendly suggestions!
-
Gluten-Free: Substitute cake flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a similar texture everyone can enjoy. These cupcakes will still be soft and flavorful!
-
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter and milk. Delightfully fluffy and guilt-free!
-
Lower Sugar: Cut sugar in the cupcake batter by 25% or use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar to maintain sweetness. Your cupcakes will still taste divine!
-
Add Citrus: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon into the cupcake batter for a bright, zesty twist that complements the strawberries beautifully. It’s a refreshing change that will awaken your taste buds!
-
Chocolate Cover: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the finished cupcakes for a decadent touch. This adds a rich contrast to the fruity flavors and makes your cupcakes extra special.
-
Nutty Crunch: Fold in some finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the batter before baking. This will add a delightful texture and flavor that balances the sweetness.
-
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, comforting aroma that elevates these cupcakes to a new level of yumminess.
-
Simplified Filling: Instead of homemade strawberry jam, use store-bought strawberry preserves or fresh mashed strawberries for a quick and easy filling. Nothing beats the real fruit flavor, and it saves time!
For more sweet strawberry inspiration, don’t miss out on my other delightful recipes like Strawberry Shortcake Whipped or Pineapple Strawberry Swirled. Each offers a unique twist on the beloved strawberry flavor!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Cupcakes
-
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh strawberries and lemon juice for the jam. Avoid frozen strawberries, which can introduce excess moisture, impacting your cupcakes’ texture.
-
Room Temperature Essentials: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and promotes even baking for your strawberry cupcakes.
-
Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so be cautious not to overwork it!
-
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing and leads to lighter, fluffier cupcakes.
-
Cooling Time: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. Otherwise, the warm cupcakes could melt the cream cheese frosting, making it less appealing.
-
Decorative Touch: For an added visual appeal, garnish your finished strawberry cupcakes with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves. It provides a beautiful contrast against the creamy frosting.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cupcakes
Fridge: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
Reheating: If desired, warm the refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enhance the softness just before serving. Enjoy every bite of your delicious strawberry cupcakes!
Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best strawberries for making jam?
Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, look for ones that are vibrant red, plump, and fragrant. Avoid those with dark spots or bruises, as these indicate overripeness. Ideally, they should be firm to the touch to ensure the best flavor for your strawberry jam.
What is the best way to store leftover strawberry cupcakes?
Very important! Store your cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain their moist texture, let them come to room temperature before serving. If you need to keep them longer, the freezer is a great option!
Can I freeze strawberry cupcakes, and if so, how should I do it?
Definitely! To freeze your unfrosted strawberry cupcakes, let them cool completely, then wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then frost them as desired.
What should I do if my cupcake batter is too thick?
Not an issue! If you find your batter is thicker than expected, try adding a tablespoon of buttermilk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Be cautious not to overmix, as that can result in denser cupcakes.
Are these cupcakes safe for pets or individuals with allergies?
Very! However, it’s essential to note that these strawberry cupcakes contain ingredients that may affect certain individuals. The cupcakes are not suitable for dogs, as chocolate and certain sweeteners (like xylitol) can be toxic to them. If you’re accommodating specific allergies, make sure to check for any egg, dairy, or gluten concerns with your guests.
Irresistibly Soft Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine quartered fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 15-17 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add egg whites and vanilla, mixing until pale and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
- Scoop the batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating cold cream cheese until smooth, then mix in softened butter, sifted powdered sugar, and processed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Once cooled, use a sharp knife or cupcake corer to remove centers. Fill with cooled strawberry jam and pipe frosting on top.
Leave a Reply