Ingredients
For the Strawberry Puree (used in both cupcakes and frosting):
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1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries (about 12–14 medium strawberries)
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1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on strawberry sweetness)
For the Cupcakes:
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1 2/3 cups (217g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
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1 cup (207g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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2 large egg whites
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/4 cup (60ml) milk
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1/2 cup (120ml) strawberry puree (from the fresh strawberries)
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
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1 1/4 cups (285g) unsalted butter, room temperature
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5 cups (575g) powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 tablespoons strawberry puree (from the same batch above)
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Pinch of salt
Preparation:
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Strawberry Puree: Start by making the strawberry puree. Blend the chopped strawberries until smooth. Place the puree in a small saucepan over medium heat and simmer until reduced by about half (roughly 15–20 minutes). You should end up with approximately 3/4 cup. Cool completely before using in the batter or frosting.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
- Add the egg whites one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is smooth and light.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk and strawberry puree.
- Start with one-third of the dry mix, then add half the milk, another third of the dry, then the remaining milk and puree, followed by the final dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Fill and Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Strawberry Buttercream:
- Beat the butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat until incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and cooled strawberry puree. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high for about 3–5 minutes until the frosting is fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit of milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Use a piping bag with your favorite tip or a spatula to frost the cooled cupcakes.
- You can decorate with halved strawberries, a slice of lime, or edible flowers for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients mix smoothly and gives the cupcakes a more even texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make your cupcakes dense instead of fluffy. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour, resulting in too much flour and dry cupcakes.
- Reducing the Puree is Essential: The strawberry puree should be thick and syrupy when reduced, not watery. This concentrates the flavor and ensures the right moisture level in the batter.
- Let Everything Cool: Don’t frost the cupcakes while they’re warm. The heat will melt the buttercream, causing it to slide right off.
- Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes