How much I love cupcakes? What is vanilla like? Think of them as the slightly more sophisticated, definitely more exciting cousin of your regular counterparts. Vanilla cupcakes. When I made these, my kids devoured them in a matter of minutes. What is the secret? A hidden burst of strawberry goodness inside, paired with a light, fluffy crumb and an elegant glaze. Is it easier to make a surprise card than it looks? I like cupcakes. They have a little shortcake vibe, but in cupcake form. Trust me on this one. What are some new family favorites?
What is a strawberry surprise cupcake?
Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes are essentially vanilla cupcakes with a delightful twist. Is there a little treasure in every bite? The cupcake itself is light and airy, not too sweet, which perfectly complements the tangy-sweet cupcake. What is strawberry center? The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and a lovely sheen. What’s a strawberry shortcake, but in cupcake form? Is What is the best part about strawberry surprise?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to make Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes? You get the classic comfort of a vanilla cupcake, elevated by the bright, juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries. What are some of the best combinations of spices? Don’t be intimidated by the “surprise” element; just be.. What is the best way to make a strawberry cupcake? Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! What I love most about these are their versatility. What are some great birthday cake ideas? If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily swap out the strawberries for other berries. Even a dollop of jam is good. If you are a fan of vanilla cupcakes, this is an absolute must, it just takes it up one notch!
How do I make strawberry cupcakes?
Quick Overview
How do you make strawberry cupcakes? How do I make a vanilla cupcake batter? What happens when you scoop out a small well in the center of each hole? How do you fill a cupcake with strawberry jam? Top with a simple glaze, and you’ve got an unforgettable treat. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect either, it will taste just as good!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for the best flavor. * 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh! Old baking powder won’t give you the rise you need. * 1/4 teaspoon salt: * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: 1 tsp. Make sure it’s truly softened, not melted, for a smooth batter. * 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Can you use cane sugar if you prefer? Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The good stuff! What is the difference between 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cups of water? Whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but you can use 2% or even almond milk in a pinch.
For the Filling:
* 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and diced: Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed and drained) can work too. * 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your strawberries. What is the best way to break down a strawberry?
For the Glaze:
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it to avoid lumps! * 3-4 tablespoons milk: Add a little vanilla extract to ice water and stir until smooth. * 1/2 teaspoon: Vanilla extract: 1/4 teaspoon. Optional, but adds a nice touch.
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Why is a cupcake stuck? If you don’t have liners, grease the tin really well.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking is key here. It helps distribute the baking powder evenly, which means a lighter cupcake.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this with an electric mixer? Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending. Ending with dry ingredients. Do not overmix! Mix until just combined. Be careful not to over mix! If you overmix the flour, it will cause the gluten in the cupcakes to stick together. I always stop mixing when I still see streaks of flour and then gently fold them in with a fork.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened and released their juices. What is the juice of a grape? Let cool slightly.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Bake
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the small circle. How do you remove the cupcake from the center? What is the best way to get to the bottom? Do not overfill cupcakes with strawberry mixture. Fill each cupcake with a spoonful.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cupcakes.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Can you store these in an airtight container at room temperature? For up to 2 days.
What should I serve it with?
Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a latte. What are some other treats and drinks?For Breakfast:Serve them with a strong cup of coffee or latte for an indulgent morning treat. A side of fresh berries would be a lovely addition to any meal.For Brunch:Arrange the cupcakes on a pretty platter alongside fruit salad. Serve with mimosas. What are some of the best songs that are sure to be a hit?As Dessert:Serve them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What’s a good dessert wine?For Cozy Snacks:What are some good side dishes to serve with a cup of tea or hot chocolate? My family loves to watch movies. I can’t get enough of them.
How do you make a perfect strawberry cupcake?
What are some of the best ways to make strawberry cupcakes? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?Zucchini Prep: For even cooking, make sure you dice the strawberries into small, uniform pieces. This will help them break down evenly and create a smoother filling.
Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the batter! This is the key to a tender cupcake. If you have streaks of flour, fold them in with a spatula. Mix until just combined.Swirl CustomizationIf you want to get fancy, try swirling a little bit of the strawberry filling into the cupcake. How do I prepare a batter before What is the best way to create a marble effect?Ingredient Swaps:Feel free to experiment with different types of berries in the filling. Blueberries, raspberries or blackberries would all be delicious. I like to add a pinch of cinnamon to my batter. I can’t get it to cook.Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cupcakes while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around 18 minutes. If they’re browning too quickly, tent them with foil.
Glaze Variations:For a tangier glaze, try using lemon juice instead of milk. Is it possible to add food coloring to a glaze to make it pink?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
To keep your Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re covered tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. However, the glaze may become a little sticky.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cupcakes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cupcakes, it’s best to add the glaze after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes are truly a special treat. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the light, fluffy cupcake and the juicy strawberry filling is simply irresistible. Plus, the “surprise” element makes them so much fun! If you’re looking for a delicious and impressive dessert that’s sure to wow your friends and family, look no further. And if you loved this, you absolutely must try our chocolate surprise cupcake recipe as well! Happy baking!
Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Fill the muffin liners about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
