Name: Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 46 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour; 3/4 cup Cake flour; 1 tsp Baking powder; 1/2 tsp Baking soda; 1/2 tsp Salt; 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 (about 8-10 medium strawberries); 1 tsp White granulated sugar (for pureed strawberries); 3/4 cup Buttermilk (room temperature); 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 8 oz Cream cheese (room temperature); 3 cups Powdered sugar; 1/4 cup Ground freeze dried strawberries; 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 6 Strawberries (cut into small pieces); 1 tsp White granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that embodies the delightful essence of summer in every bite, this Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These cupcakes bring together the perfect balance of moist, tender crumb infused with fresh strawberry goodness and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting dotted with vibrant berry bits. They are not only a feast for the palate but a joy to make, combining simple ingredients into a treat that’s bursting with real strawberry flavor from start to finish.

The image shows a strawberry cupcake sliced in half, revealing a soft, light brown crumb with small red strawberry pieces inside. On top of the cupcake is a thick layer of light pink strawberry frosting with a fluffy texture, decorated with fresh, bright red strawberry chunks. Around the cut cupcake, there are whole cupcakes with swirled pink frosting and strawberry pieces on top, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the all-purpose and cake flour that create the perfect tender base, to the fresh and freeze-dried strawberries that pack an intense fruity punch. The buttermilk adds moistness and tang, while the cream cheese buttercream frosting ties everything together with a smooth, tangy sweetness.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and creates a soft, tender cupcake crumb.
Cake flour: Lightens the texture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give a nice rise and fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and fruity flavors.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes and frosting.
Oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
White granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light crumb.
Large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and help everything bind beautifully.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the strawberry flavors.
Freeze dried strawberries: Concentrate strawberry flavor without adding liquid.
Lightly pureed fresh strawberries: Bring fresh fruit flavor and pretty pink color to the batter.
Buttermilk (room temperature): Brings tang and moisture to balance sweetness.
Cream cheese (room temperature): Adds creamy texture and tang to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
Ground freeze dried strawberries: Give a natural rose-pink hue and extra strawberry pop in the frosting.
Fresh strawberries, chopped: Provide a juicy, fresh topping with a little sparkle of sugar to finish.

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberry Ingredients

Start by lightly pureeing eight to ten medium strawberries in a food processor so there are still small chunks for texture. Spread this mixture on a plate, sprinkle with a bit of sugar, and let it sit to draw out the juices. At the same time, grind freeze dried strawberries into a fine crumb for a concentrated, vibrant strawberry flavor. These two components will infuse your cupcakes with fresh, natural strawberry taste and color that’s truly irresistible.

Step 2: Get Your Oven Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This will ensure your cupcakes bake evenly and release easily from the pan after baking. Setting the oven to the right temperature beforehand gives your cupcakes the perfect rise and crumb.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together both the all-purpose and cake flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting incorporates air and removes any lumps, ensuring your cupcakes stay light and fluffy. Keeping the dry ingredients ready separately makes blending everything a breeze.

Step 4: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the room temperature butter, oil, and sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy and light. This aeration step is crucial as it gives the batter lift, helping the cupcakes bake up soft and tender. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to make sure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Strawberries

Next, mix in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract, ground freeze dried strawberries, and the lightly pureed strawberries. Mixing on medium speed ensures a beautiful even distribution of flavors and moisture throughout the batter without overworking it.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. This gentle folding preserves the fluffy texture while ensuring your cupcakes have the perfect moist crumb and tender bite.

Step 7: Bake Your Cupcakes

Scoop the batter into the lined muffin tin using a cookie scoop and fill each about two-thirds full to allow space for rising. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Sift your powdered sugar and set aside. Beat room temperature butter on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth, then add cream cheese and beat for another minute. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low to avoid a powdered sugar cloud, then stir in the ground freeze dried strawberries and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This frosting is wonderfully tangy with a glorious strawberry hue, perfect for topping your cupcakes.

Step 9: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

Chop 6 medium strawberries into small pieces, sprinkle with sugar, and allow them to sit for 5 minutes. This simple maceration softens the strawberries and brings out their natural sweetness, making a glorious fresh topping for your cupcakes.

Step 10: Decorate Your Cupcakes

Spread or pipe the strawberry cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cupcakes. Top each one with the sugared strawberry bits for a burst of freshness and beautiful, eye-catching color. These cupcakes look as incredible as they taste!

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Beyond the sugared strawberries as a topping, you can add a few fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Adding freeze-dried strawberry crumbs on top gives a lovely texture and emphasizes the strawberry flavor, making the presentation pop at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Fresh strawberry cupcakes pair beautifully with a simple cup of tea or chilled sparkling lemonade, which complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the cupcake wonderfully without competing for attention. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berry salad to create a full berry-inspired dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand with fresh strawberry halves placed in between for visual appeal. You can also use edible flowers tossed lightly over the top for a whimsical touch. Wrapping each cupcake with colorful cupcake liners that match your theme adds flair and makes these treats irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe leftovers (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They should stay delicious for up to 3 days, but for best texture and flavor, enjoy within 24 hours.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and add the frosting just before serving for the freshest taste.

Reheating

If your cupcakes feel chilled from the refrigerator or freezer, bringing them to room temperature naturally is best. Avoid microwaving to preserve the delicate crumb and texture. For frozen cupcakes, thawing slowly overnight prevents condensation, keeping them moist and perfect for frosting.

FAQs

Can I substitute frozen strawberries for fresh in this recipe?

While frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for this Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe. Frozen berries tend to have more water content that can affect the batter consistency, so if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well beforehand.

What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?

Freeze-dried strawberries add a concentrated flavor without extra moisture, but if you don’t have them, you can increase the amount of pureed fresh strawberries slightly. Just note this might alter the cupcake’s moisture level a little, so adjust the dry ingredients accordingly.

How do I know when cupcakes are fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cupcakes are ready. Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent them from collapsing.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still enjoy delicious fresh strawberry flavors.

How do I get the strawberry cream cheese frosting to the perfect consistency?

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing and beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar. If the frosting is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, mix in a teaspoon of milk or cream to soften it just a bit.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe is a true celebration of strawberries at their finest, capturing every juicy, sweet note in a moist cupcake crowned with dreamy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these cupcakes bring joy and smiles with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the delicious magic of fresh strawberries in this charming dessert!