Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Extravaganza

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Extravaganza
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries, halved; Whipped cream (optional)

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

I absolutely adore the combination of strawberries and cream, and this Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Extravaganza takes that love to a whole new level. With light, fluffy cupcakes filled with creamy strawberry frosting and topped with fresh berries, these treats are perfect for any occasion. There's something so rewarding about baking with seasonal fruits, and creating this dessert brings delight not only to me but everyone who gets to enjoy it. Trust me, these cupcakes will make your gatherings even sweeter!

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-02-07T17:46:27.604Z

Baking these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake Extravaganzas has become a cherished activity for me, especially during the summer months when strawberries are at their peak. My method involves baking a light vanilla cupcake that perfectly complements the fresh strawberry frosting, and I always make sure to use real strawberries for the best flavor. One helpful tip is to blend some strawberries into the frosting for extra fruitiness!

When I first tried this recipe, the flavor combination just blew me away. I remember serving them at a birthday party, and they were gone in minutes! The cupcakes' moist texture paired with luscious frosting makes them irresistible, and seeing everyone enjoy my baking gives me so much joy. It’s definitely a recipe worth mastering!

Why You Will Love These Cupcakes
Delightfully fluffy cupcakes that melt in your mouth
The vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries in every bite
A perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess

Choosing the Right Strawberries

For the best flavor and sweetness, look for ripe, firm strawberries with a vibrant red color when making your cupcakes. The freshness of the strawberries used in both the cupcake batter and the frosting can greatly elevate the overall taste. Local farmer's markets often have seasonal strawberries that are picked at their peak ripeness. If you're unsure about the quality, give a slight squeeze—ripe strawberries should yield a bit without being mushy.

If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can experiment with frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing, as too much moisture can affect the consistency of your frosting. However, fresh berries undoubtedly bring a bright, lively flavor that will make your cupcakes exceptional.

Achieving the Perfect Frosting

When preparing the strawberry frosting, ensure that your butter is at room temperature for a smooth, creamy consistency. This aids in achieving that light, fluffy texture that every great frosting should have. If your frosting seems too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness; conversely, if it's too thick, a splash of heavy cream can help loosen it up.

Remember, properly pureeing the strawberries is crucial. Use a blender or food processor to get a smooth puree without chunks, which ensures the frosting coats the cupcakes beautifully. I recommend straining the puree to remove any seeds, enhancing the smoothness of the texture and allowing the sweet berry flavor to shine through.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Cupcakes

One key to baking flawless cupcakes is understanding your oven. Since ovens can vary significantly in temperature, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate readings. Keep an eye on your cupcakes starting around the 15-minute mark, and perform the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done.

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy. Once cooled, don’t rush the frosting—the warm cupcakes can melt your fluffy frosting, so waiting until they’re completely cooled is essential for that elegant presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

Fresh strawberries, halved
Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners and bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While cooling, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, pureed strawberries, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, generously frost each cupcake with the strawberry frosting.

Garnish and Serve

Top each cupcake with a halved fresh strawberry and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, consider adding a bit of lemon zest to the frosting for a delightful tang that complements the strawberries perfectly.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

These strawberry shortcake cupcakes can be made ahead of time, which is a real time-saver when planning a gathering. You can bake the cupcakes up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to frost them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.

If you're thinking about freezing them, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. This way, you can always have a delicious treat ready for unexpected guests or special occasions.

Serving Suggestions

Presenting these cupcakes beautifully can enhance any gathering. Consider serving them on a tiered cake stand for an attractive display. To elevate them even further, drizzle a little homemade strawberry glaze or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance.

For an added layer of deliciousness, pair your strawberry shortcake cupcakes with a side of vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream on the plate. The cold creaminess will complement the warmth and softness of the cupcakes perfectly, making each bite a delightful experience.

Creative Variations

Feel free to customize your cupcake recipe! You can incorporate other fruits like raspberries or blueberries into the frosting or as a topping for a mixed berry shortcake cupcake experience. Another variation could include adding lemon zest to the batter, enhancing the flavor with a zesty, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

For a fun texture twist, consider adding crushed graham crackers into the batter for an authentic shortcake feel. This gives each cupcake a little crunchy bite reminiscent of the classic dessert while still delivering that soft and fluffy cupcake texture you're aiming for.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving for best freshness.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but for the best flavor and texture, I recommend using fresh strawberries when making the frosting.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make mini versions of these cupcakes?

Definitely! Just reduce the baking time to about 12-14 minutes.