This easy recipe for Strawberry Cupcakes brings a delightful twist to your dessert table. Made with freeze-dried strawberries, these cupcakes have a beautiful pink hue and a rich flavor that will please any crowd. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or just treating yourself, these strawberry cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Plus, the pink cream cheese frosting is made without artificial dyes, making it a healthier and more appealing option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Beautiful Color: The use of freeze-dried strawberries gives the cupcakes a lovely pink color without the need for food coloring.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal even for beginners.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and strawberry powder creates an intense strawberry flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for various occasions like birthdays, baby showers, or simply as a sweet treat at home.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy frosting balances the sweetness of the cupcakes and enhances the overall taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on your delicious strawberry cupcakes, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin pan
- Paper liners
- Blender
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
- Piping bag with large tip
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: Essential for creating the fine strawberry powder that enhances flavor and color.
- Stand Mixer: Makes whipping cream cheese and butter effortless, yielding a fluffy frosting.
- Muffin Pan: Holds the batter while it bakes evenly to form perfect cupcake shapes.
Ingredients
This easy recipe for strawberry cupcakes are made with freeze dried strawberries for a naturally pink cupcake color and pink cream cheese frosting without any food dyes!
For the Cupcakes
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ounce bag freeze-dried strawberries
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
For the Frosting
- 8 ounce block cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder (from above)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your muffin pan with paper liners to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Strawberry Powder
Use a blender to turn the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Reserve 3 tablespoons of this powder for the frosting.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining strawberry powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until blended. Add vanilla extract and vegetable oil; mix until fully incorporated. Then add Greek yogurt and stir until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Fold in the dry ingredients from step 3 into the wet mixture carefully until no lumps remain.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Pan
Scoop or pour batter into each lined muffin cup until they are about ¾ full.
Step 7: Bake Cupcakes
Bake in preheated oven for 14-17 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool Cupcakes
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make Frosting
In your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, place softened cream cheese and butter. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy.
Step 10: Add Strawberry Powder to Frosting
Add reserved freeze-dried strawberry powder to the mixture. Beat until well combined.
Step 11: Incorporate Vanilla and Sugar
Add vanilla extract; then sift in powdered sugar gradually while beating until you reach a smooth consistency.
Step 12: Chill Frosting
Transfer frosting into a piping bag with a large tip. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 13: Pipe Frosting onto Cupcakes
Once your cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe on your delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cupcake. Enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes
Strawberry cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. They are perfect for celebrations, casual gatherings, or as a sweet indulgence at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your strawberry cupcake experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Add a few fresh strawberries on top of each cupcake for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve alongside blueberries or raspberries to create a beautiful berry medley.
Ice Cream Pairing
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness of the cupcakes perfectly.
- Try pairing with strawberry ice cream for an extra fruity kick.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of strawberry powder on top for decoration.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cupcakes on a decorative platter with assorted mini desserts for variety.
- Include items like chocolate truffles or cookie bites to create an appealing dessert spread.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cupcakes
To ensure your strawberry cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. These simple steps can make a big difference in taste and presentation.
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs and dairy, are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
- Measure accurately: Use precise measurements when mixing your dry and wet ingredients; this leads to the best results in baking.
- Don’t overmix: Fold the batter gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Check doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cupcakes are done baking.
- Cool completely: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting; warm cupcakes can cause frosting to melt and slide off.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cupcakes
Complementing your strawberry cupcakes with tasty side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness with tartness.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant touch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruit or treats alongside their cupcakes.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries as a refreshing side that complements the flavors of the cupcakes.
- Mini Pastries: Offer assorted mini pastries or tarts for variety, allowing guests to try different flavors.
- Savory Bites: Serve small savory snacks like cheese puffs or stuffed mushrooms to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making strawberry cupcakes can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome.
- Skipping the measuring: Precise measurements are crucial in baking. Always use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not cooling properly: Allowing cupcakes to cool in the pan too long can lead to sogginess. Transfer them to a wire rack shortly after baking.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different; using an oven thermometer can help ensure you’re at the right temperature for baking.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store strawberry cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Cupcakes
- Duration: You can freeze strawberry cupcakes for up to 3 months.
- Container: Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating Strawberry Cupcakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cupcakes on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cupcake on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place cupcakes in a covered skillet over low heat for approximately 5 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these strawberry cupcakes pink?
These strawberry cupcakes get their beautiful pink color from freeze-dried strawberries, ensuring a natural hue without artificial dyes.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but they will alter the texture of the cupcake. Ensure they are finely chopped and excess moisture is removed before adding.
How do I store leftover strawberry cupcakes?
Store leftover strawberry cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months.
Can I make mini strawberry cupcakes?
Absolutely! Just adjust your baking time to around 10-12 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
This easy recipe for strawberry cupcakes is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its natural pink hue. They are perfect for any occasion and can be customized with different toppings or fillings. Give it a try and enjoy these delightful treats!
Strawberry Cupcakes
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of these easy-to-make Strawberry Cupcakes, perfect for any occasion. With a stunning natural pink hue from freeze-dried strawberries, these cupcakes not only look beautiful but also burst with rich strawberry flavor. Topped with creamy, homemade cream cheese frosting, they’re a healthier alternative to store-bought options that rely on artificial dyes. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, these strawberry cupcakes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ounce bag freeze-dried strawberries
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
- Blend freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Set aside.
- In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and reserved strawberry powder.
- In another bowl, mix eggs and sugar until blended; add oil, yogurt, and vanilla.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into muffin cups (¾ full) and bake for 14-17 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes before frosting with the cream cheese mixture made from whipped cream cheese, butter, strawberry powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg