Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

These Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes are the ultimate sweet treat, perfect for any occasion. With their soft and moist texture, they combine the delightful flavors of fresh strawberries and freeze-dried strawberries. Topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are sure to impress at birthday parties, picnics, or simply as a delightful dessert after dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh and freeze-dried strawberries creates a rich flavor that is both vibrant and refreshing.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can whip up these tasty cupcakes without hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together, these cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the frosting or add more fruit toppings to suit your taste.
• Soft and Moist Texture: The mix of flours and buttermilk guarantees that every bite is light and fluffy.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cupcake pan
• Cupcake liners

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes allows for efficient mixing of dry and wet ingredients without cross-contamination.
• Electric mixer: Ensures thorough blending of ingredients for a fluffy batter.
• Cupcake pan: Designed specifically for baking cupcakes, ensuring even cooking and perfect shapes.

Ingredients

These strawberry cupcakes are super soft and moist cupcakes. The cupcakes have both fresh strawberries and freeze-dried strawberries. It is topped with strawberry cream cheese frosting.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 3/4 cups Cake flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 TBSP Oil (canola or vegetable)
• 1 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 oz Freeze dried strawberries
• 1 cup Lightly pureed strawberries
• 1 tsp White granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 8 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 cups Powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup Ground freeze dried strawberries (ground the strawberries then measure)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients

• 6 Strawberries (cut into small pieces)
• 1 tsp White granulated sugar

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. This will make it easy to remove the cupcakes once they’re baked.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cake flour
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

This helps to aerate the mixture for fluffy cupcakes.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Oil
3. White granulated sugar

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in:
1. Large eggs
2. Pure vanilla extract

Mix well until fully combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Strawberries

Gently fold in:
1. Freeze dried strawberries
2. Lightly pureed strawberries

This will enhance the flavor profile of your batter.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 8: Fill Cupcake Liners

Spoon the batter into prepared cupcake liners about two-thirds full.

Step 9: Bake Cupcakes

Bake in preheated oven for about 16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 10: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Cream cheese

Add powdered sugar gradually along with ground freeze-dried strawberries until smooth.

Step 11: Frost Cupcakes

Once cooled, frost each cupcake generously with strawberry cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag.

Step 12: Garnish & Serve

Top each frosted cupcake with small pieces of fresh strawberries sprinkled with white granulated sugar for added sweetness before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes!

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

Serving fresh strawberry cupcakes can elevate any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a picnic, or simply a delightful treat at home. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these delicious cupcakes.

For a Festive Gathering

• Decorate with Fresh Strawberries: Top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra creamy touch.

At Outdoor Picnics

• Pack in Individual Boxes: Place each cupcake in its own box for easy transport and serving during picnics.
• Pair with Lemonade: The sweetness of the cupcakes pairs perfectly with refreshing lemonade.

As a Sweet Snack

• Enjoy with Coffee or Tea: These cupcakes make an excellent companion to your favorite brew.
• Add Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

How to Perfect Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

To ensure your fresh strawberry cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Boldly Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Boldly Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cupcakes; too much flour can affect the rise.
• Boldly Puree Strawberries Well: Ensure strawberries are well pureed for even distribution in the batter.
• Boldly Test Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done, ensuring moist but not undercooked cupcakes.
• Boldly Cool Before Frosting: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before adding frosting to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

Fresh strawberry cupcakes can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweetness and flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Bold Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
3. Bold Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cheddar to create savory-sweet combinations.
4. Bold Spinach Salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to sweet desserts.
5. Bold Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combo enhances the cupcake experience.
6. Bold Mini Quiches: Serve savory mini quiches as a hearty addition to your dessert table.

These side dishes will not only complement your fresh strawberry cupcakes but also impress your guests!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can prevent your cupcakes from rising properly. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for a light and airy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to too much flour. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the strawberry preparation: Fresh strawberries should be pureed and freeze-dried strawberries ground before adding them to the batter. This enhances flavor and texture.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Always keep an eye on the baking time. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. Adjust your oven’s temperature if needed.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cupcakes for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds until slightly warm; do not overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes moist?

Moisture comes from using both fresh and freeze-dried strawberries along with buttermilk in the recipe. Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Can I use other fruits in Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can substitute fresh strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile while maintaining moisture.

What frosting goes well with Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes?

Strawberry cream cheese frosting complements these cupcakes perfectly, but you may also try vanilla buttercream or whipped cream.

How long do Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes last?

When stored properly, they will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container, or freeze them as mentioned above for longer storage.

Conclusion

These Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes are delightful treats that bring joy with their soft texture and rich strawberry flavor. Their versatility allows for various customizations, such as using different fruits or frostings. Try making them today for a sweet addition to any occasion!