Strawberry Filled Cupcakes

Cupcakes are always a crowd-pleaser, and these Strawberry Filled Cupcakes take the concept of the classic treat to a whole new level. With a soft, fluffy base, a sweet strawberry filling in the center, and a smooth, creamy frosting on top, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion — especially when you’re celebrating something special, like Valentine’s Day, spring gatherings, or a family dessert night. The combination of fresh strawberries and vanilla flavors creates a light and refreshing treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling overly heavy.

Making these cupcakes from scratch is a rewarding process, and the end result is well worth the effort. You can make the strawberry filling ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even more intense berry taste. These cupcakes are perfect for serving at parties, gifting to friends and family, or enjoying as a special dessert after a meal. With each bite, the strawberry surprise in the center adds a delightful burst of flavor that makes these cupcakes stand out from the ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Filled Cupcakes are an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. The soft, moist cupcake is perfectly complemented by a fresh, sweet strawberry filling that adds a burst of flavor in every bite. Topping it off with a light, fluffy frosting makes these cupcakes an indulgent yet balanced treat. They’re a great way to showcase fresh, seasonal strawberries, and they can be enjoyed at any time of year. These cupcakes are also versatile, so you can easily customize them by adding more or less frosting or experimenting with different fillings, such as jam or whipped cream.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a celebration or enjoy a sweet treat with loved ones, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re simple to make, with only a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, making them accessible even for beginners.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk

For the Strawberry Filling:

• Fresh strawberries (finely chopped)
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch

For the Frosting:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Variations

• Different Fillings: Swap out the strawberry filling for other fruit fillings, such as raspberry, blueberry, or lemon curd, for a unique twist on the classic cupcake.
• Frosting Flavors: If you’d like to add more variety, you can experiment with different frosting flavors like chocolate, cream cheese, or a strawberry-flavored frosting to complement the filling.
• Cupcake Decorations: Decorate the tops of the cupcakes with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra flair and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Cupcake Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry filling. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes a jam-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a cupcake corer, small knife, or spoon to carefully remove the center of each cupcake. Spoon or pipe the cooled strawberry filling into the hollowed-out center of each cupcake.

Step 7: Frost the Cupcakes

Using a piping bag or an offset spatula, frost the tops of the filled cupcakes with the prepared frosting. You can pipe the frosting in a swirl pattern or spread it smoothly across the top, depending on your preference.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cupcakes immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These cupcakes are best enjoyed within a day or two to preserve the freshness of the strawberry filling.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be sure to mix the batter just until combined to prevent the cupcakes from becoming tough or dense.
• Allow the Cupcakes to Cool Completely: Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before filling and frosting them. This helps prevent the frosting from melting and the filling from spilling out.
• Adjust the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the strawberry filling by adding more or less sugar based on the ripeness of your strawberries.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries for the filling. Frozen strawberries may release too much water and affect the consistency of the filling.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Filled Cupcakes are perfect for serving at any event. They make a beautiful addition to dessert tables, birthday parties, or Valentine’s Day celebrations. Serve them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also package them in cute boxes as gifts for friends or family. If you’re making them for a special occasion, consider adding decorative sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra touch of glamour.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend their freshness for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, place the cooled cupcakes (without frosting) on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Reheating

To reheat the cupcakes, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Be sure to add the frosting after reheating to prevent it from melting.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if you use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them before making the filling.

2. Can I make the strawberry filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberry filling up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

3. Can I use a different frosting flavor?

Absolutely! You can use cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or even whipped cream for a lighter topping.

4. How can I make the cupcakes more moist?

Ensure that you don’t overbake the cupcakes and that you use room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, for a smoother batter and a more moist cupcake.

5. Can I make the cupcakes without the strawberry filling?

Yes, you can skip the filling and simply frost the cupcakes for a simpler treat. You could also use jam or a different type of filling if desired.

6. Can I use a store-bought frosting?

Yes, you can use store-bought frosting, though homemade frosting gives the cupcakes a richer, more personalized flavor.

7. Can I make mini cupcakes instead of regular ones?

Yes, you can make mini cupcakes by adjusting the baking time. Mini cupcakes usually bake in about 10-12 minutes at 350°F.

8. How do I keep the frosting from melting?

Make sure the cupcakes have completely cooled before frosting them, and consider refrigerating them for a few minutes after frosting to help the frosting set.

9. Can I add food coloring to the frosting?

Yes, you can add food coloring to the frosting to match the theme of your event. Pink or red food coloring would be perfect for Valentine’s Day or spring celebrations.

10. Can I make the cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Strawberry Filled Cupcakes are a delightful and fresh twist on a classic favorite. The combination of soft, fluffy cupcakes, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy frosting makes these treats the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or simply indulging in something sweet, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. With easy-to-follow steps and the ability to customize, this recipe is both beginner-friendly and rewarding. Make these cupcakes for a fun baking project and enjoy the delicious results!

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