Strawberry cupcakes with creamy strawberry buttercream are a delightful way to enjoy the sweet, natural flavors of fresh strawberries in both the cupcake batter and the frosting. Perfect for spring celebrations, birthdays, or a sweet weekend treat, these cupcakes are bursting with fruity flavor and are sure to impress. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make moist, flavorful strawberry cupcakes from scratch and top them with a luscious, creamy strawberry buttercream frosting. From substitutions to expert tips, follow along for all you need to create the perfect strawberry dessert.

What Are Strawberry Cupcakes with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream?

Strawberry cupcakes with creamy strawberry buttercream are cupcakes infused with real strawberries, giving the cupcakes a natural sweetness and a moist, tender crumb. The frosting is a classic buttercream base whipped with fresh strawberry puree, creating a smooth, creamy texture with a burst of strawberry flavor. These cupcakes are great for any occasion, combining a light, fruity flavor with a rich, indulgent buttercream frosting.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Cupcakes

These strawberry cupcakes are easy to make and require simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Strawberry Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup whole milk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup fresh strawberry puree (made by blending fresh strawberries)
½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries

Ingredients List for Creamy Strawberry Buttercream

The creamy strawberry buttercream frosting complements the cupcakes perfectly with its rich, velvety texture and fresh strawberry flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Creamy Strawberry Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup fresh strawberry puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

This buttercream is creamy and smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness and a vibrant strawberry flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to make this recipe work for different dietary needs or flavor preferences? Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg), and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
Extra Strawberry Flavor: Add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter for an even more pronounced strawberry flavor.
Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the cupcake batter for a bright, citrusy twist.
Chocolate Strawberry: Top the strawberry cupcakes with a chocolate ganache drizzle or fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for a strawberry-chocolate combination.

These variations let you customize the recipe to suit your preferences while keeping the cupcakes just as delicious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow this easy guide to bake your strawberry cupcakes and whip up the creamy strawberry buttercream frosting.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease the tin if you’re not using liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps create a smooth and well-incorporated batter.

Step 5: Add Strawberry Puree and Vanilla Extract

Mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until well combined. This will give the cupcakes their fresh strawberry flavor.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Then, add the milk and mix again. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Fold in Fresh Strawberries

Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries. This adds texture and bursts of strawberry flavor to the cupcakes.

Step 8: Fill the Cupcake Liners and Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cupcakes

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

How to Cook Strawberry Cupcakes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking these cupcakes is a breeze with this simple guide. Here are the key steps summarized:

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cupcake liners.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Separately: Keep the wet and dry ingredients separate until combining them to avoid overmixing.
Incorporate Strawberry Flavor: Add strawberry puree and chopped strawberries to infuse the batter with natural flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Bake until the cupcakes are golden and spring back when touched.
Cool Completely: Let the cupcakes cool fully before applying the frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls when making strawberry cupcakes and tips to avoid them:

Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.
Not Using Fresh Strawberries: Frozen strawberries can release too much water and affect the texture of your cupcakes. Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and consistency.
Overbaking: Overbaked cupcakes can be dry. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes of baking, and remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Skipping Cooling: Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the buttercream to melt. Be sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make your strawberry cupcakes look as good as they taste by following these presentation tips:

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes

Serve your cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. Perfect for spring picnics, baby showers, or dessert after dinner.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cupcakes

Piped Buttercream: Use a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip to swirl the strawberry buttercream onto the cupcakes for a professional finish.
Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry slice or a small whole strawberry for a pretty and fresh garnish.
Sprinkles or Edible Glitter: Add a touch of edible glitter or colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive look.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the buttercream for an extra touch of decadence and a beautiful presentation.

Strawberry Cupcake Recipe Tips

Here are some final tips to ensure your strawberry cupcakes turn out perfectly:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This ensures smooth mixing and better results.
Fresh Strawberry Puree: Use fresh, ripe strawberries to make the puree. This gives your cupcakes and frosting a naturally sweet and fruity flavor.
Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your buttercream is too thick, add a little more strawberry puree or a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze strawberry cupcakes?

Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.

2. How long will these cupcakes stay fresh?

These cupcakes will stay fresh for about 2 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If refrigerated, they can last for up to 4-5 days, but let them come to room temperature before serving.

3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberry buttercream up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Before using, bring it to room temperature and whip it briefly to restore its creamy texture.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for both the batter and frosting, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.

5. What other frostings can I pair with strawberry cupcakes?

These strawberry cupcakes also pair well with cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even a chocolate ganache for a richer flavor contrast.

Conclusion

Strawberry cupcakes with creamy strawberry buttercream are a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh, fruity taste of strawberries in a delicious, moist cupcake. With the simple instructions and helpful tips provided, you’ll be able to create these beautiful, flavorful treats for any occasion. Whether for a special celebration or just a sweet snack, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, and start baking today! Enjoy your strawberry-filled creations!