Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Highlighted under: Dreamy Dessert Lab
Delight in the sweetness of Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes, perfect for any occasion or a simple treat.
These Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining fluffy vanilla cupcakes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
- Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
- Fresh strawberries enhance the sweetness of each bite
- Perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations
The Joy of Homemade Cupcakes
There's something truly magical about baking your own cupcakes. The process of mixing, pouring, and watching them rise in the oven fills your kitchen with delightful aromas that no store-bought treat can replicate. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes, in particular, offer a wonderful marriage of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family and friends. When you bite into one, the light, fluffy cake combined with the fresh, juicy strawberries creates a burst of summer in every mouthful.
Making these cupcakes at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the sweetness to your liking. You can experiment with different flavors or even add a hint of lemon zest for a citrus twist. The satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch is not just a treat for your taste buds but also for your soul.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, these cupcakes serve as an ideal dessert. Their vibrant color and delightful presentation add a festive touch to any gathering, ensuring they will be a hit among guests of all ages.
Additionally, these cupcakes can be easily adapted to suit seasonal themes. For instance, you can swap out strawberries for other fruits like peaches or blueberries, depending on what’s fresh and available. This flexibility allows you to enjoy delicious cupcakes year-round, keeping your dessert game exciting and varied.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother batter and contributes to the cupcakes' light texture. When measuring flour, it's essential to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to dense cupcakes, which is not what you want.
Another helpful tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. This can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tougher cupcake. Mix just until combined for the perfect airy treat. Lastly, remember to let your cupcakes cool completely before adding the whipped cream topping, ensuring that it stays fluffy and doesn’t melt.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gather all ingredients before starting for an enjoyable baking experience!
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
Make the Cupcake Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
Bake the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
Prepare the Topping
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
Assemble the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled, top each with a generous dollop of the strawberry whipped cream mixture. Serve and enjoy!
Enjoy these delicious cupcakes at your next gathering!
Storing Your Cupcakes
If you have leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes, storing them properly is key to maintaining their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to enjoy them later, consider storing the cupcakes and the whipped cream topping separately. This way, the cupcakes remain moist, and the whipped cream stays fluffy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes without the topping. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and top with freshly whipped cream and strawberries.
Pairing Suggestions
These Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. For a refreshing option, serve them alongside iced tea or lemonade, which complements the sweetness of the strawberries. If you're looking for a warm pairing, consider a light cup of chamomile or green tea, which can balance the flavors nicely.
For adult gatherings, a glass of sparkling wine or prosecco can elevate your dessert experience. The bubbles and acidity from these drinks will enhance the fruity notes of the cupcakes, making for a delightful pairing. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different drinks to find your perfect match!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture.
→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance but add the topping just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or whipped topping if you're looking for a dairy-free option.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Delight in the sweetness of Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes, perfect for any occasion or a simple treat.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Dreamy Dessert Lab
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes
What You'll Need
For the Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
Once the cupcakes have cooled, top each with a generous dollop of the strawberry whipped cream mixture. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g