If you're craving a sweet treat that's both delicious and simple to make, look no further! My Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a casual snack. You’ll love how easy these cupcakes are to whip up with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream. Let's dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet strawberries combined with light, fluffy cupcakes create an irresistible treat that delights the taste buds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These strawberry shortcake cupcakes are versatile, making them ideal for everything from birthdays to summer picnics.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the strawberries and whipped cream make these cupcakes visually stunning, adding a festive touch to any dessert table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients Overview
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
The main ingredients create a soft, tasty cupcake. All-purpose flour gives structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Softened butter keeps the cupcakes moist. Eggs help with binding and richness.
Additional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
The additional ingredients enhance the flavor and texture. Vanilla extract adds depth. Baking powder and baking soda help the cupcakes rise. Sea salt balances the sweetness. Buttermilk gives a tender crumb, while fresh strawberries add juicy bits.
Whipped Cream Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Extra fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
Whipped cream is the crowning touch. Heavy whipping cream makes it rich and creamy. Powdered sugar sweetens it just right. Extra strawberries for garnish add color and a fresh taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Start by setting your oven to the right temperature. This step helps the cupcakes rise well. Lining the tin makes it easy to take the cupcakes out later.
Preparing the Batter
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract.
- Whisk together dry ingredients.
In a bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar. Use a mixer to beat them until the mix looks light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla next. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This part helps to mix the leavening agents evenly.
Combining Ingredients
- Alternate adding dry mixture with buttermilk.
- Gently fold in diced strawberries.
Now, mix the dry ingredients with the wet ones. Add them in three parts, switching with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour. Mix gently to keep the batter tender. Then, use a spatula to fold in the diced strawberries. Be careful not to mash them!
Baking the Cupcakes
- Fill muffin cups with batter.
- Bake and cool cupcakes.
Spoon the batter into the lined muffin cups. Fill each about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if they are done. Let the cupcakes cool completely before moving them to a wire rack.
Making the Whipped Cream
- Beat heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
While the cupcakes cool, make the whipped cream. In a bowl, beat cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar. Keep mixing until stiff peaks form. This takes about 3-5 minutes.
Assembling the Cupcakes
- Cut a well in each cupcake.
- Fill with whipped cream and garnish with strawberries.
Once cool, use a knife or cupcake corer to cut a small hole in each cupcake. Fill the well with whipped cream. Top with a fresh strawberry slice for a pretty touch. If you want, you can add more whipped cream on top and more strawberry slices. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Fluffy Cupcakes
To make your cupcakes fluffy, focus on mixing well. Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results. Next, add room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Room temperature ingredients blend better, ensuring a smooth batter.
Whipped Cream Perfection
For the best whipped cream, use cold heavy cream. Beat it until stiff peaks form, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Adding powdered sugar helps sweeten and stabilize the cream. You can also try flavor variations. Consider adding vanilla extract or even a touch of almond extract for a twist.
Presentation Suggestions
Presentation is key for these cupcakes. Arrange them on a pastel-colored cake stand for a cheerful look. You can slice extra strawberries to add on top. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. This makes your cupcakes not just tasty but also beautiful!
Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and contributes to a lighter cupcake texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to prevent dense cupcakes. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
- Whipped Cream Consistency: For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve stiff peaks.
- Strawberry Freshness: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are completely thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Variations
Flavor Alternatives
You can change the flavor of your cupcakes. Swap pure vanilla extract for almond extract. This gives a nice twist. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter. They make a sweet treat even better.
Fruit Substitutions
Want to use other fruits? Try blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries. They add color and flavor. You can also make a mixed berry version. Combining different berries makes it even more exciting.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour. It works just as well in this recipe. For those avoiding dairy, make whipped cream with coconut cream. It tastes great and keeps it creamy.
Storage Info
Storing Cupcakes
To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain softness and flavor. If you have frosted cupcakes, place a piece of wax paper between the cupcakes and the lid. This prevents the frosting from sticking. If you have un-frosted cupcakes, you can skip this step. Keep them at room temperature for the best taste.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing cupcakes is simple. First, cool them completely. Then, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, and seal it tightly. This keeps out air and moisture. To thaw, remove the cupcakes from the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about one hour. If you want to frost them, wait until they are fully thawed for the best results.
Shelf Life
Cupcakes last about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Check for signs of freshness. If they feel dry or hard, they may not taste good. If you see mold or an off smell, it's best to throw them away. Always use your best judgment when it comes to food safety.
FAQs
What makes this cupcake recipe "easy"?
This cupcake recipe is easy for two main reasons:
- Simple ingredient list: You only need basic items like flour, sugar, butter, and strawberries.
- Quick preparation steps: The steps are straightforward, making it fun to bake. You can whip these up in about 20 minutes.
Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Yes, you can make these cupcakes ahead of time.
- Suggestions for make-ahead preparation: Bake the cupcakes a day before. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also prepare the whipped cream a few hours in advance. Keep it in the fridge until you need it.
How do I prevent strawberries from sinking?
To prevent strawberries from sinking, follow these tips:
- Tips for evenly distributing fruit in batter: Toss the diced strawberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended while baking. Also, fold them gently into the mix, so they don't break apart.
What can I do with leftover whipped cream?
You can use leftover whipped cream in many tasty ways.
- Storage tips and usage ideas: Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Use it on pancakes, desserts, or in coffee. You can even freeze it in ice cube trays for future use in drinks or desserts.
This blog post covered a simple cupcake recipe with strawberries and whipped cream. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for baking. Remember to preheat your oven and use fresh ingredients for the best results. With the variations and storage tips provided, you can easily customize and enjoy these treats. Happy baking!
