🍓 Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes: A Dreamy Delight

Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy cupcake infused with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, topped with a cloud-like swirl of vanilla whipped cream. Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes are a perfect balance of fruity freshness and velvety richness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a summer picnic, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

Inspired by the classic combination of strawberries and cream, this recipe transforms a simple dessert into a gourmet experience. The moist vanilla cupcake base is dotted with fresh strawberry pieces, ensuring a burst of natural sweetness in every bite. Topped with a light and airy whipped cream frosting and garnished with juicy strawberry slices, these cupcakes are as stunning as they are delicious.

🛒 Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Baking soda	¼ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Eggs	2 large
Pure vanilla extract	2 tsp
Whole milk	½ cup
Fresh strawberries (diced)	1 cup
Heavy whipping cream	1 ¼ cups
Powdered sugar	¼ cup
Additional strawberries (for garnish)	As needed

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Milk: Buttermilk can be used instead of whole milk for a richer texture.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cupcake, reduce the granulated sugar to ½ cup.
• Frosting Alternative: Cream cheese frosting works well if you prefer a more structured topping.

🔪 Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (for dry and wet ingredients)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer (for smooth batter and whipped cream)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy)
• Cupcake tin and liners (to ensure even baking)
• Spatula (for folding in strawberries)
• Piping bag with a star tip (for a professional-looking swirl of frosting)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

2. Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

Using a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn into butter.

4. Frost and Garnish

Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a generous swirl of whipped cream onto each cooled cupcake. Top with a fresh strawberry slice or a whole strawberry for a beautiful finishing touch.

💡 Tips and Variations

• Prevent Soggy Cupcakes: Toss the diced strawberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
• Stabilized Whipped Cream: For longer-lasting frosting, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch or gelatin while whipping the cream.
• Chocolate Twist: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-strawberry flavor combination.
• Lemon Zest: A teaspoon of lemon zest in the batter enhances the freshness of the strawberries.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Presentation is everything! Place the cupcakes on a decorative tray and dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant look. You can also drizzle them with a bit of melted white chocolate for added decadence.

Pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of macerated strawberries for an extra indulgent dessert. If serving at a party, arrange them on a tiered cupcake stand for a visually appealing display.

🍷 Pairings

Strawberries and cream naturally complement a variety of beverages.

• Tea: A cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea pairs wonderfully with the light sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Sparkling Wine: A glass of Prosecco or Champagne enhances the fresh strawberry flavor.
• Coffee: A vanilla latte or a cappuccino balances the richness of the whipped cream.
• Mocktail: A strawberry basil lemonade is a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

❄️ Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Since these cupcakes are topped with whipped cream, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Reheating

To refresh refrigerated cupcakes, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture.

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	230
Carbohydrates	28g
Protein	3g
Fat	12g
Sugar	17g
Sodium	105mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

🍓 Conclusion

Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes are a delightful combination of light, fluffy cake, fresh strawberry bursts, and a dreamy whipped cream topping. Their simple yet elegant flavor makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. The balance of sweetness and freshness ensures that each bite is both indulgent and refreshing, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, with easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, even beginner bakers can achieve stunning results.

Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, a sparkling drink, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. Their versatility allows for creative variations, from adding chocolate chips to incorporating citrus zest for an extra flavor boost. So why not give this recipe a try? Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the irresistible charm of strawberries and cream in cupcake form!