Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes

Name: Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, puréed; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

I absolutely adore these Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes! It all started when I had some fresh strawberries lying around and decided to pair them with a light, fluffy vanilla cupcake. The result was nothing short of a delightful explosion of flavor. The strawberry frosting is not only vibrant but also gives a lovely sweetness that perfectly balances the cake. This recipe is my go-to for spring gatherings or just a fun afternoon baking session. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how beautiful they turn out!

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-02-05T15:49:27.723Z

When I first combined strawberries with my classic cupcake recipe, I was amazed by the results. The cupcakes turned out not just tasty but also incredibly moist and fragrant, thanks to the fresh strawberries. It’s all about using ripe, sweet strawberries, which makes a world of difference in both flavor and texture. I ensure to fold them gently into the batter to maintain their shape, allowing for delightful bursts in every bite.

Another favorite part of this process is preparing the strawberry buttercream. By puréeing fresh strawberries and incorporating them into the frosting, I achieve a color and taste that’s simply irresistible. I recommend letting the cupcakes cool completely before icing them; this avoids any melting and keeps those beautiful swirls intact!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Fresh strawberries create a burst of flavor in every bite
Light and fluffy texture topped with creamy strawberry frosting
Perfectly sweet for celebrations or just a special treat

Understanding Your Ingredients

The key to these Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes lies in the freshness and quality of your strawberries. Fresh strawberries not only elevate the flavor, providing a sweet and tangy profile, but they also add beautiful color and texture to the cupcakes. When selecting strawberries, opt for firm, ripe fruits with vibrant color, as they will yield the best results. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them completely to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

Another important ingredient in these cupcakes is the butter. Using unsalted butter is crucial as it allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe. Softened butter should be at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar, which creates a light and airy structure in your cupcakes. If you're in a time crunch, you can soften butter quickly by cutting it into small cubes and letting it sit out for about 10-15 minutes; just be cautious not to melt it.

Perfecting Your Technique

When mixing the batter, it's essential to avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the desired light and fluffy texture. Mix just until the flour is incorporated, and then gently fold in the strawberries. This ensures the natural juices from the strawberries remain intact, contributing to the cupcakes' moisture and flavor without creating a gummy texture.

As for baking, keep an eye on your cupcakes to prevent overbaking, which can dry them out. A good visual cue is to look for a slight golden edge and a springy top. After inserting a toothpick, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Every oven is different, so knowing your oven's idiosyncrasies and testing for doneness around the 18-minute mark can help you achieve perfect results.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delightful cupcakes to life:

For the Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh strawberries, puréed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake and frost your cupcakes:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Mix the Batter

In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Add Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries into the batter.

Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add the strawberry purée and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Adjust with milk for your desired consistency.

Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the strawberry buttercream and add additional strawberry slices on top for garnish.

Pro Tips

For an extra pop of color, consider adding edible flowers on top of the frosting. They not only enhance the visual appeal but also complement the floral notes in these cupcakes.

Storing and Serving Tips

After your Flower Power Strawberry Cupcakes have cooled completely, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be mindful that refrigeration might slightly alter the texture of the frosting, so they are best enjoyed fresh. For special occasions, you can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them before serving to maintain their delightful texture.

For a fun serving idea, consider adding a fresh fruit garnish on top of each frosted cupcake right before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also mirrors the freshness of the strawberries in the cupcake. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even infuse the frosting with lemon zest for a citrusy twist, which pairs beautifully with strawberries.

Variations and Customizations

Although these cupcakes are delicious as is, feel free to customize them to suit your preferences. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a nuttier flavor and a slightly different texture. Keep in mind that this may alter the cupcake structure a bit, so it's best to experiment with small batches first.

For a chocolate version, you could replace some of the flour with cocoa powder, creating a rich chocolate-strawberry cupcake that would be a hit at any gathering. Additionally, mixing in a few chocolate chips into the batter before baking can add a delightful surprise in every bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store the cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the frosting a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just give it a quick mix before using.

→ Is there a substitute for butter in the cupcake recipe?

You can use vegetable oil or applesauce as a substitute, though it may alter the texture slightly.