Description
Delight in these Real Strawberry Cupcakes, bursting with authentic strawberry flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly moist with a hint of lemon zest and a touch of vanilla, these cupcakes are a sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 8 large fresh strawberries, or as needed
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix (optional)
- 1 drop red food coloring (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¾ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Spray or line cupcake pans with paper liners to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Puree Strawberries: Blend 8 large strawberries until smooth and strain to remove seeds for a silky puree. Set aside about ¾ cup of this puree to incorporate into the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and the prepared strawberry puree together until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, instant vanilla pudding mix (if using), and red food coloring (if desired) into the wet mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Fill Cupcake Pans: Pour the batter into the cupcake cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, allow cupcakes to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pans.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting is creamy and well blended.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese frosting on each cooled cupcake. Top each with sliced strawberries for an elegant and fresh garnish.
Notes
- Straining the strawberry puree helps create a smooth texture by removing seeds.
- Optional instant vanilla pudding mix adds extra moisture and flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- Red food coloring enhances the pink hue but is not necessary for flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth frosting.
- These cupcakes are best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
