Get ready to enjoy a sweet treat that’s sure to impress! Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are easy to make and packed with flavor. These soft cupcakes, combined with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, create a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. In this guide, I’ll share simple steps and handy tips to help you bake these irresistible delights. Let’s dive right into the fun of baking these tasty cupcakes!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet strawberries perfectly complement the light and fluffy cupcake, creating a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a birthday, picnic, or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser that fit any event.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the strawberries on top of the whipped cream frosting make these cupcakes visually stunning and tempting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
Add-ins & Toppings
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced for the batter
- 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for frosting)
- Additional sliced strawberries for garnish
When making strawberry shortcake cupcakes, the right mix of ingredients is key. I love starting with the dry ingredients. You need 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. This gives the cupcakes their structure. Next, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder. It helps them rise. You also need ½ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of salt. This combo balances the sweetness.
Then, let’s move on to the wet ingredients. Use ½ cup of softened unsalted butter. This makes the cupcakes rich. Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness. You’ll need 2 large eggs for binding. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract! It adds lovely flavor. Finally, mix in ½ cup of buttermilk. This keeps the cupcakes moist.
Now for the fun part: add-ins and toppings. Use 1 cup of fresh strawberries, diced. They give the cupcakes a fruity burst. For frosting, whip 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix in 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. A little more vanilla extract is also nice. Finish with additional sliced strawberries on top. They look pretty and taste great!
With these ingredients, you’re set for a delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This mix is the base for your cupcakes.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy.
Mixing the Batter
- Add 2 large eggs to the butter mixture one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture. Alternate this with ½ cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix until just combined for a smooth batter.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of diced strawberries. This adds freshness and sweetness to the cupcakes.
Baking & Cooling
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This helps them rise perfectly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frosting and Garnishing
- For the frosting, whip 1 cup of heavy cream in a mixing bowl until it starts to thicken. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the whipped cream.
- Top each cupcake with a few sliced strawberries for a beautiful finish and extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
How to check for doneness To check if your cupcakes are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. This step ensures your cupcakes are light and fluffy.
Recommended oven settings Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking. This temperature works well for even cooking. Always preheat your oven before placing the cupcakes inside. This helps them rise evenly and maintain a soft texture.
Frosting Tips
Achieving the perfect whipped cream To make the best whipped cream, start with cold heavy cream. Whisk it in a chilled bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract once it thickens slightly. Continue whisking until you see stiff peaks. This makes for a light and airy frosting.
Alternate frosting options If you want a twist, try cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache. Both add a new flavor to your cupcakes. You can also use store-bought frosting for a quicker option.
Presentation Tips
Arranging cupcakes for serving Place your cupcakes on a beautiful platter or a tiered stand. This adds a nice touch to your dessert table. Make sure to leave space between each cupcake for easy access.
Garnishing suggestions Top each cupcake with sliced strawberries for color and texture. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a sweet finish. For an extra touch, serve with a bowl of whipped cream on the side.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh, ripe strawberries. They will enhance the sweetness of the cupcakes and provide a burst of freshness in every bite.
- Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Chill the Whipped Cream: For easier frosting, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This helps achieve stiff peaks more quickly and results in a better texture for your frosting.
- Frost Just Before Serving: To keep the whipped cream from wilting, frost the cupcakes just before serving. This ensures they look fresh and appealing for your guests.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change up the classic strawberry shortcake cupcake easily.
- Lemon-infused strawberry shortcake cupcakes: Add zest from one lemon to the batter. This brightens the flavor. The lemon pairs well with strawberries, making every bite fresh and zesty.
- Chocolate strawberry cupcakes: Mix in cocoa powder with the dry ingredients. This creates a rich chocolate cupcake. You can still top it with whipped cream and strawberries for a fun twist.
Dietary Adjustments
You can enjoy these cupcakes while sticking to your diet or preferences.
- Gluten-free strawberry shortcake cupcakes: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Ensure the baking powder is gluten-free too. This keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Dairy-free frosting alternatives: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Chill the coconut cream first, then whip it like regular cream. This gives you a tasty dairy-free frosting.
Seasonal Variations
Make these cupcakes fit the season or holiday.
- Using different fruits for seasonal twists: Try blueberries in summer or pumpkin in fall. Each fruit brings a new taste and look to your cupcakes.
- Holiday-themed decorations: For Halloween, add orange sprinkles. For Christmas, use red and green decorations. This makes your cupcakes festive and fun for any celebration.
Storage Info
Storing Cupcakes
To keep your strawberry shortcake cupcakes fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. If you want to store them for longer, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to cover them well to maintain their taste. Use plastic wrap or a container with a tight lid. Cupcakes last about three days in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze your cupcakes, do it right. First, cool them completely. Then, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. This keeps them fresh for about three months.
For the frosting, freeze it separately. Place it in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag. When you are ready to enjoy, thaw both the cupcakes and frosting in the fridge overnight.
To serve, frost the cupcakes after they are thawed. Add sliced strawberries on top for that fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious treat anytime!
FAQs
Common Questions
How do I make strawberry shortcake cupcakes from scratch? To make strawberry shortcake cupcakes, start by gathering your ingredients. You need flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and fresh strawberries.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and cream butter and sugar in another.
3. Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mix, then combine with the dry mix, alternating with buttermilk.
4. Gently fold in diced strawberries and fill the cupcake liners.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool the cupcakes before frosting them with whipped cream and adding sliced strawberries.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the recipe? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh ones give the best taste. If you use frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well before adding. This keeps the batter from getting too wet.
Troubleshooting
Why are my cupcakes flat? Flat cupcakes may result from several factors. Check if your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder may not rise well. Also, ensure you don't overmix the batter; it can make cupcakes dense. Finally, fill the liners only two-thirds full to allow proper rising.
What should I do if my frosting is too runny? If your frosting is runny, try chilling it in the fridge for a short time. This can help it firm up. You can also add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it. Whip it again after adding sugar for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
What to serve with strawberry shortcake cupcakes? These cupcakes pair well with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fun twist. A small bowl of extra whipped cream on the side makes it even better.
How to pair cupcakes with beverages? Strawberry shortcake cupcakes go great with tea or lemonade. They also match well with a light rosé wine. Choose beverages that balance the sweetness of the cupcakes for the best experience.
To sum it up, making strawberry shortcake cupcakes is simple and fun. You need both dry and wet ingredients, plus add-ins for flavor. Follow the step-by-step instructions, from mixing to frosting, to craft delicious cupcakes. Remember to check out the baking tips for the perfect texture and explore variations for seasonal fun. Store them correctly to enjoy later. With this guide, you can create treats anyone will love. Get baking and enjoy your strawberry shortcake cupcakes!
