These Strawberry Cupcakes are light, tender, and filled with real strawberry flavor, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Topped with a sweet, simple glaze, these cupcakes are a fresh and pretty dessert that's easy to love.
I was inspired to create a lighter cupcake after baking my Strawberry Yogurt Muffins, another recipe I enjoy during berry season. This cupcake recipe reminds me of the simple, wholesome sweets my mom and I would bake together when strawberries were in peak season.
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Why You'll Love Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes
- They're lower in fat but still moist and flavorful.
- Real strawberries give them a bright, natural taste.
- Perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Recipe Variations
Make them into mini cupcakes for a sweet bite-size dessert perfect for parties.
Add a handful of mini white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.
Stir finely chopped fresh basil into the glaze for a lightly herbal twist.
Top cooled cupcakes with a fluffy whipped cream frosting instead of a glaze.
Top Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding the glaze so it sets nicely.
Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter.
Don't overbake - remove the cupcakes when a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
How to Store
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months and glaze them after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cupcakes with a glass of Strawberry Mojito for a light and refreshing treat. They're also lovely alongside a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, or for a brunch table, serve them with a Strawberry Basil Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Related Recipes
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes
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Ingredients
- 1¼ cups sliced strawberries
- 2¼ cups flour
- 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 cup lowfat buttermilk
- Cooking spray
- ⅓ cup 3 ounces ⅓-less-fat cream cheese
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier orange-flavored liqueur
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 12 whole strawberries optional (I pureed strawberries and put about ¼ cup of the puree in the frosting mix)
Instructions
For the cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with cupcake liners and set aside.
- Place sliced strawberries in a food processor and process until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another large bowl, using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, beat sugar and ½ cup butter until well blended.
- Add eggs to sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, beat in egg whites.
- Add flour mixture and buttermilk to sugar mixture alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Add pureed strawberries and mix until just blended.
- Using a large cookie scoop (or ¼ cup measure), scoop batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.
For the frosting
- Place cream cheese, butter, and liqueur in a medium bow. Using an electric hand mixer, beat at medium speed until well blended and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, and beat just until blended.
- Frost cupcakes and decorate with fresh cut strawberries if desired.
Lori says
These are pretty. I want make these! Strawberries in the fridge, Check. Grand Marnier in the pantry. check. hmmm.
Tangled Noodle says
Gone in two bites - that's how long these sweet and pretty little cupcakes would last with me!
Elyse says
Ooo, these cuppies are so pretty! I love what the strawberry puree does for the color--as well as what it does for the taste, too, I'm sure. These are perfect, summery treats!
Creative One says
Cute delicious looking cupcakes. Love that they are strawberry, my favorite.
delightfullysweet says
I have been holding on to this recipe. Yours look amazing!! Can't wait to make them now...
honeyb says
Those look really good and refreshing from too many brownies at our house lately!
Katy ~ says
I love that these have strawberries in them! (smacking lips) I've been looking for a cake/cupcake recipe that uses fresh strawberries, and this looks delicious!
I just LOVE the pink!! They make me happy.
Miranda says
These look amazing.
I subscribe to cooking light. I am going to have to check it out. Thank you.
I hope you can stop by sometime.
Miranda
averagebetty says
So fun! So pink! So yummy!
the ungourmet says
These look very moist and delicious! I am such a fan of cupcakes!
Glad to have found your blog! Have a great day!
Hillary says
You can tell these cupcakes are super moist just by looking at the photos. Yum!
Pam says
I love strawberry cupcakes! I marked those to try in the magazine.
Pam says
Aren't they cute! They also look very delicious...looking forward to trying these Shelby.
Jessie says
these cute cupcakes remind me of that movie pretty in pink (it's all about the pink color)
I'm always tweaking recipes according to our perferred taste because sometimes some dishes need that extra zest or more flavoring.
I'm sure you will figure out how to make these cupcakes to your liking 🙂
Bellini Valli says
Cooking Light is always a source of inspiration. I have several choices for this months magazine. Perhaps we could collaborate?
Dawn says
Love the ingredients in that frosting! Must try these
Barbara Bakes says
The strawberry puree in the frosting was a great idea!
shellyfish says
I've never met a cupcake I didn't like!
Cristine says
They look so good! Hope you can make them just the way you want them! 🙂
teresa says
Oh wow, these look great!
cindy says
They look delish!
Ingrid says
Very pretty. Can't wait to see how your changes work out.
~ingrid
J.Danger says
they are so adorable!
Linda says
Well, someone took a big bite!
Patsyk says
Your cupcakes came out so nice! I love that you used strawberry puree in your frosting, wish I had thought of that!
thanks for the link!
Bunny says
Shelby these are so pretty!! I hope you get them tweeked the way you want them!