Strawberry milkshake cupcakes bring together the best of both worlds—the rich, creamy flavor of a classic strawberry milkshake and the soft, fluffy texture of a cupcake. These delightful treats are infused with real strawberries, a hint of vanilla, and a touch of malted milk powder to recreate that old-fashioned milkshake taste. Topped with luscious strawberry buttercream and garnished with a cherry or striped straw, they are not just delicious but also irresistibly charming.

Perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or any occasion where you want a fun and whimsical dessert, these cupcakes are easy to make yet look bakery-worthy. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic diner-style milkshakes or simply love strawberry-flavored treats, these cupcakes will be a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy strawberry milkshake cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Strawberry puree (fresh)	½ cup
Malted milk powder	2 tbsp
Whole milk	½ cup

For the Strawberry Buttercream

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup
Powdered sugar	3 cups
Strawberry puree (strained)	3 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Heavy cream	2 tbsp
Pink food coloring (optional)	1-2 drops

For Garnishing

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh strawberries (sliced)	As needed
Maraschino cherries	As needed
Paper straws (cut into thirds)	As needed

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
Electric mixer: Helps to cream butter and sugar for a smooth batter.
Cupcake liners & muffin tin: To bake the cupcakes evenly.
Piping bag & large star tip: For beautifully swirled buttercream.
Blender or food processor: To make smooth strawberry puree.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cupcake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and malted milk powder. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Blend in the strawberry puree for a natural fruit flavor.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

2. Baking the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Making the Strawberry Buttercream

Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well.
Pour in strawberry puree and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
Add heavy cream a little at a time, whipping until the frosting is light and fluffy. If desired, add a drop or two of pink food coloring.

4. Decorating the Cupcakes

Pipe the buttercream onto cooled cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Garnish each cupcake with a slice of fresh strawberry, a maraschino cherry, and a small paper straw for that milkshake effect.

Tips and Variations

Stronger Strawberry Flavor: If you want an even more intense strawberry taste, add freeze-dried strawberry powder to both the cupcake batter and frosting.
Malted Milk Boost: For a richer milkshake taste, increase the malted milk powder to 3 tbsp.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and egg replacer to make these cupcakes dairy-free.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are best served slightly chilled for that milkshake feel. Pair them with a classic strawberry milkshake or a glass of cold milk for an extra indulgent experience.

For a party setup, arrange them on a retro-style cake stand with pink and white striped napkins for a 1950s diner aesthetic.

Pairings

Beverage: Serve with a classic strawberry or vanilla milkshake, or even a refreshing strawberry lemonade.
Cocktail Pairing: For adults, pair with a strawberry daiquiri or a rosé wine to enhance the fruity flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months, then frost them fresh after thawing.
Reheating: Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~290
Carbohydrates	40g
Protein	3g
Fat	13g
Sugar	30g

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

Conclusion

Strawberry milkshake cupcakes are the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence, capturing the essence of a classic diner-style milkshake in a soft, fluffy dessert. The combination of fresh strawberries, malted milk powder, and creamy buttercream creates a treat that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re baking these for a party, a special occasion, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. The playful garnishes, like cherries and striped straws, add a fun touch that makes these cupcakes even more delightful.

Beyond their irresistible flavor, these cupcakes are also versatile—easy to customize for different dietary needs and occasions. You can enhance the strawberry flavor with freeze-dried fruit, make them gluten-free, or even add a chocolate drizzle for a twist. Pair them with a refreshing strawberry milkshake or a light rosé wine for an unforgettable treat. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these strawberry milkshake cupcakes are a surefire way to bring sweetness and joy to your kitchen!