Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
If you're looking for a delicious and easy dessert to impress your friends and family, look no further than homemade strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting! This classic recipe is perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to potlucks to casual get-togethers. With fresh strawberries, rich cream cheese frosting, and a moist, fluffy cake, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pureed strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Instructions:
For the cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the milk, pureed strawberries, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
For the cream cheese frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and diced strawberries.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cupcake, then top with additional diced strawberries if desired.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success:
- Be sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- To puree the strawberries, simply blend them in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- Don't overmix the batter once you've added the dry ingredients, as this can result in tough, dry cupcakes.
- If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a few drops of strawberry flavoring to the frosting.
With these helpful tips and a little bit of patience, you'll have delicious homemade strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting in no time!