There is something utterly delightful about a soft, tender cupcake bursting with the sweet freshness of strawberries, topped with a luscious swirl of tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting. This Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute favorite in my kitchen, combining the juicy brightness of fresh strawberries with a creamy, dreamy frosting that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes will bring smiles and happy sighs all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a special role to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the fluffy cupcakes to the silky frosting, you’ll find these essentials are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen for the best result.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Softened to add rich flavor and tender crumb to the cupcakes.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter just right for bright strawberry notes.
- Large eggs (3): Provide structure and moisture, keeping the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, familiar essence.
- Strawberry extract (1 tsp): Intensifies that fresh strawberry flavor in both batter and frosting.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture to keep the cupcakes soft and tender.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the cupcakes moist longer than butter alone.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and maintain a light texture.
- Fine sea salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cupcake structure.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, finely chopped): Brings juicy bursts of natural strawberry flavor and pretty pink speckles.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the frosting, adding that classic creamy tang.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Makes the cream cheese frosting luxuriously smooth and rich.
- Strawberry extract (1 tsp): Adds extra pink-hued strawberry goodness in the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Balances the frosting flavor.
- Powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect swirlable consistency.
- Pink food coloring (optional): For that extra fun, vibrant rosy frosting color.
How to Make Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your cupcake tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this is the key to a soft cake texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and strawberry extracts for that fantastic fragrance that will hint at the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This dry mix will ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning in the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk and vegetable oil, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which could toughen the cupcakes.
Step 3: Incorporate Fresh Strawberries
Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries. This step is important to do delicately to keep the pieces intact, allowing bursts of strawberry to shine through rather than bleed color into the batter. The fresh strawberries not only add moisture but also infuse your cupcakes with genuine fruity flavor and lovely pink flecks.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
To make the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth and creamy. Add the strawberry and vanilla extracts, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until thick and spreadable. If you want a pop of color, mix in a few drops of pink food coloring. This frosting will bring a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet, fruity cupcakes.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top. You can add extra flair with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles for an inviting, festive look. These cupcakes are a visual treat as well as a taste sensation.
How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even edible flowers make gorgeous garnishes that complement the natural strawberry flavor. A hint of crushed pistachios or toasted coconut flakes can add an unexpected crunch and pop of color, making your presentation even more appealing.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes shine on their own but can be paired wonderfully with a simple glass of milk, a cup of your favorite tea, or even a fresh berry salad. Light and refreshing sides enhance the strawberry theme without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cupcakes on a tiered stand at a party or arranging them in pretty pastel cupcake wrappers to match any occasion. Wrapping them individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes a charming homemade gift, perfect for spreading joy as well as sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cupcakes airtight in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese frosting and prevent the fruit from spoiling. They will stay delicious for up to four days, perfect for creating a sweet treat stash.
Freezing
You can freeze these cupcakes without frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before frosting. This is a fantastic way to prepare ahead for events or just save some for stressful days needing comfort food.
Reheating
To warm a cupcake, remove the frosting if stored separately, then microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through. Let it cool slightly before adding back the frosting for a melt-in-your-mouth experience reminiscent of freshly baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they retain their texture and color better. However, if you want to use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the batter that could affect the cupcake’s texture.
Is there a way to make these cupcakes dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use a vegan cream cheese for the frosting. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly but will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from becoming runny?
Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted, and sift the powdered sugar before adding it to avoid lumps. Also, chilling the frosting for a bit before frosting the cupcakes can help it hold its shape better.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum or a similar binder. The cupcakes may have a slightly different texture but should still taste fantastic.
How long do the cupcakes stay fresh at room temperature?
Since these cupcakes contain fresh strawberries and cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep them refrigerated. At room temperature, they should be consumed within a few hours to avoid spoilage.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe the very next time you’re craving something sweet and special. It’s a comforting yet uplifting dessert with layers of flavor and texture that always brighten up any occasion. Once you make them, I’m sure they’ll become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire just like they are in mine.
Print
Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful homemade Strawberry Cupcakes, featuring a tender vanilla and strawberry infused cake base topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, these cupcakes combine fresh strawberries with subtle extracts for a refreshing berry twist.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with 18 paper liners.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the 1/4 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by vanilla and strawberry extracts.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt to ensure even distribution.
- Add Milk and Oil: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture with the milk and vegetable oil to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the finely chopped fresh strawberries into the batter to distribute evenly.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove cupcakes from oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter together until smooth and creamy. Add strawberry and vanilla extracts.
- Add Sugar and Color: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition until frosting is smooth and fluffy. Optionally, add pink food coloring to achieve desired shade.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously using a spatula or piping bag with the strawberry cream cheese frosting.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange cupcakes on a serving platter and enjoy your delightful strawberry treat with friends and family!
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor; if unavailable, frozen can be used but thaw and drain excess liquid first.
- Pink food coloring is optional and purely for aesthetic purposes.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to cream cheese frosting, best consumed within 3 days.
- For dairy-free variation, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
