Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Recipe

Introduction

Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fluffy vanilla cake with the fresh, fruity flavor of homemade strawberry buttercream frosting. These cupcakes are light, moist, and bursting with natural sweetness, making them an ideal dessert for birthdays, baby showers, picnics, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, indulgent treat.

The base of these cupcakes is a classic vanilla flavor, soft and tender in texture, while the strawberry buttercream adds a touch of summer with its vibrant color and fresh strawberry taste. Topped with a dollop of creamy, slightly tangy frosting, these cupcakes will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results.

Why You’ll Love Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream

• Light and Fluffy Texture: These vanilla cupcakes are perfectly moist and tender, with a light crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Fresh and Fruity Flavor: The strawberry buttercream is made with real strawberries, giving it an authentic, fresh fruit taste that complements the vanilla cupcakes beautifully.
• Versatile and Elegant: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or just baking for fun, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. They also make an impressive addition to dessert tables or gift boxes.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses basic pantry staples and is simple to prepare, even for beginners. With a few steps, you’ll have perfect cupcakes with frosting every time.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness of the buttercream, add extra toppings like sprinkles or chopped fruit, or even swap the strawberry flavor for another berry like raspberry or blueberry to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes for the cupcakes, 10 minutes for frosting preparation
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories per cupcake, depending on the size and frosting.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 14-16g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 22-26g

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional, for extra vanilla flavor)

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for adjusting frosting consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the butter and sugar are light and fluffy. This step is important as it incorporates air into the batter, ensuring your cupcakes will be light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract (and vanilla bean paste, if using), making sure everything is fully combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.

2. Fill the Cupcake Liners

Once the batter is ready, use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. This ensures that the cupcakes have enough room to rise without overflowing.

Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking, as this can cause them to dry out.

Once the cupcakes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

3. Make the Strawberry Buttercream

While the cupcakes are cooling, you can prepare the strawberry buttercream. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The frosting will start to thicken as the powdered sugar is incorporated.

Once all the powdered sugar has been added, stir in the pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The strawberry puree adds both flavor and color, giving the frosting a beautiful pink hue.

If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped onto the cupcakes but still soft enough to spread easily.

4. Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, it’s time to frost them. You can use a butter knife to spread the strawberry buttercream onto the cupcakes, or for a more decorative touch, use a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip.

Start by piping a swirl of frosting onto the center of each cupcake. You can pipe a simple swirl, or get creative with different shapes, depending on your preference. Make sure to cover the top of each cupcake with a generous amount of frosting.

If desired, garnish the cupcakes with additional fresh strawberries or sprinkles for extra decoration. These cupcakes look beautiful as they are, but a few extra toppings can make them even more festive.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once all the cupcakes are frosted, they’re ready to be enjoyed! These Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream are best served at room temperature, but you can also refrigerate them for a few hours before serving if you prefer a firmer frosting.

Serve these cupcakes at a birthday party, family gathering, or simply as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. The sweet, fruity flavor of the strawberry buttercream pairs perfectly with the delicate vanilla cupcakes, making each bite a delightful experience.

Tips for Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend together more easily and prevents a lumpy batter.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give the buttercream its natural flavor and color. If you need to substitute with frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the frosting.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too soft and runny, add a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too stiff, add some cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency for piping.
• Cool Cupcakes Completely: Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting them. If they are still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off the cupcakes.

Variations of Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream

• Other Berry Buttercream: Swap the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to create different berry-flavored buttercreams. You can use the same technique of pureeing the berries and adjusting the consistency as needed.
• Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream: For a twist on the classic, try making chocolate cupcakes instead of vanilla. The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart strawberry buttercream.
• Lemon Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream: For a refreshing citrus twist, add lemon zest to the cupcake batter and lemon juice to the buttercream. The zesty lemon flavor complements the strawberry buttercream beautifully.
• Strawberry Jam Filling: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, you can fill the center of the cupcakes with strawberry jam before frosting them. This creates a delightful surprise in the middle of each cupcake.

Storage and Shelf Life

Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream are best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them for longer, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

You can also freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and frost them as desired.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream

Pair these cupcakes with complementary treats and beverages to elevate your dessert experience:

• Iced Tea or Lemonade: A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade pairs wonderfully with the light, fluffy cupcakes and fruity buttercream. The refreshing citrus notes complement the sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Milk: A classic pairing with cupcakes, a glass of cold milk is the perfect complement to the sweetness and richness of the frosting.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad, made with berries or citrus fruits, provides a light and healthy contrast to the richness of the cupcakes.
• Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavors of coffee or espresso balance the sweetness of the cupcakes, making for a perfect afternoon treat.

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Conclusion

Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream are a delightful and versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of soft, fluffy vanilla cupcakes with sweet, fresh strawberry buttercream creates a harmonious flavor profile that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a special event or just want to treat yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing dessert every time. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness with these irresistible cupcakes!