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!