Delicious Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes: An Easy Recipe Guide

Hello there, baking enthusiasts! It’s so good to be back and sharing delicious recipes with you all. After a bit of behind-the-scenes work getting everything settled on our new WordPress home, I’ve been busy whipping up a storm in the kitchen. The move unearthed some hidden gems, and I’m thrilled to finally share this incredible recipe that I simply can’t believe slipped through the cracks: our beloved Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes!

I distinctly remember the joy of devouring these delightful cupcakes, especially that irresistible strawberry filling. We even had some leftover syrup that we happily finished with spoons – a true testament to its deliciousness! With strawberry season just around the corner, these individual shortcake wonders are definitely making a comeback onto our “must-bake” list, and soon they’ll be a staple on yours too.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

There’s something uniquely charming about a classic dessert reimagined in cupcake form. Strawberry shortcake, with its tender cake, sweet strawberries, and light cream, is a quintessential summer treat. Transforming it into cupcakes makes it not only adorable but also perfectly portioned and incredibly easy to serve at any gathering, from backyard barbecues to elegant brunches.

What makes this recipe truly special is the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. You get a light, fluffy vanilla cupcake base that’s moist and flavorful, a homemade strawberry filling that bursts with fresh fruit goodness, and a simple, airy whipped topping that ties it all together. It’s a symphony of sweet and tangy, soft and slightly textured, creating an unforgettable bite every time.

This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve impressive results. We’ll walk you through each step, from preparing the perfect cupcake batter to crafting that luscious strawberry core and finishing with a cloud of creamy frosting. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these charming, irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes.

The Components of Perfection: Cake, Filling, and Frosting

Each element of these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate dessert experience. Let’s delve into what makes each part shine and how to perfect it.

1. The Fluffy Cupcake Base

Our cupcakes are the foundation, and we want them to be light, tender, and just sweet enough to complement the fruit. Using softened butter is key here, as it creams beautifully with sugar to create an airy base, trapping air for a lighter texture. The combination of flour and baking powder ensures a perfect rise, while a hint of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Remember, sifting your dry ingredients is a small step that makes a big difference in achieving that wonderfully smooth, lump-free batter.

2. The Luscious Strawberry Filling

This isn’t just any filling; it’s the heart of our shortcake cupcake. Made with fresh, ripe strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and a touch of lemon juice, it cooks down into a thick, vibrant, and intensely fruity sauce. The cornstarch is essential for achieving that perfect jelly-like consistency, preventing the filling from making your cupcakes soggy. The lemon juice brightens the flavors, enhancing the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Cooling the filling completely allows it to set up beautifully, ensuring it stays put inside each cupcake.

3. The Cloud-Like Whipped Topping

For ease and consistency, this recipe uses frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), which provides a wonderfully stable and airy frosting. Blending in powdered sugar and vanilla sweetens it perfectly and adds a homemade touch without the fuss of making whipped cream from scratch. This light topping balances the richness of the filling and cake, ensuring every bite is fresh and delightful.

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Yield: 8 muffins

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Additional Time
25 minutes

Total Time
1 hour

Ingredients

• For the Cupcakes:
• 2 eggs
• 7 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Strawberry Filling:
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water
• For the Whipped Topping Frosting:
• 1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Line a standard muffin tin with 8 paper liners. This recipe yields 8 perfectly sized cupcakes.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps, resulting in a lighter, finer crumb in your cupcakes. Set this aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the cupcakes’ tenderness.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture might look slightly curdled initially, but keep mixing. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. Ensure everything is well incorporated for a smooth batter.

5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to tough cupcakes. Mix only until no streaks of flour remain.

6. Bake the Cupcakes: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding. Cooling is vital for easy handling and to prevent the filling from melting.

7. Make the Strawberry Filling: While the cupcakes cool, combine all filling ingredients (cut strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water) in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously and gently mashing the strawberries with the back of your spoon or a fork as they soften. The mixture will thicken considerably, similar to a thick jelly or jam. This process usually takes only about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl. Place the filling in the refrigerator to cool completely. It needs to be cold to maintain its consistency in the cupcakes.

8. Fill the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a small spoon or a cupcake corer to carefully remove a small spoonful of cake from the center of each cupcake. Don’t let those centers go to waste – they’re the chef’s treat! Place about a teaspoon of the cooled strawberry filling into each hollowed-out cupcake, allowing it to mound slightly over the top.

9. Prepare and Frost: In a clean bowl, gently blend the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the thawed frozen whipped topping until smooth. This adds extra sweetness and flavor. Frost the filled cupcakes generously as desired. You can use a piping bag for a decorative touch or simply spread it with a spoon or offset spatula.

10. Garnish and Serve: Keep the finished Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes refrigerated until you are ready to serve them to ensure the frosting and filling remain firm. Just before serving, crown each cupcake with a fresh slice or a small whole strawberry for a beautiful garnish and an extra burst of fresh fruit flavor.

 

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 393Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 242mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 2gSugar: 36gProtein: 5g

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

• Choose Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh, ripe, in-season strawberries. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color will elevate your filling. If fresh aren’t available, high-quality frozen strawberries can be used, just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a lighter cupcake.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, dense cupcakes.
• Cool Completely: It’s crucial for both the cupcakes and the strawberry filling to be completely cool before assembly. Warm components will cause the whipped topping to melt and the filling to become runny.
• Customize Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the strawberry filling based on the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal preference. Taste as you go!
• Homemade Whipped Cream Alternative: While the recipe uses frozen topping for convenience, you can certainly make your own fresh whipped cream. Beat 1.5 cups heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored to savor later. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Because of the fresh fruit filling and whipped topping, they don’t do well at room temperature for extended periods.

Serve them chilled, perhaps alongside a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing summer treat. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, birthday parties, or simply as a delightful indulgence after dinner. The individual portions make them incredibly convenient for any occasion, and their charming appearance is sure to bring smiles all around.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating moments of joy and sharing deliciousness with those you care about. The anticipation of strawberry season, the aroma of vanilla cupcakes baking, and the vibrant burst of fresh fruit make this dessert truly special. We hope you enjoy making and, most importantly, eating these delightful treats as much as we do.

Don’t forget to share your creations with us! We love seeing your baking adventures. Happy baking!