There’s something undeniably enchanting about the combination of fresh strawberries and rich cream. It’s a pairing that evokes warmth, sunshine, and the simple pleasures of life. Today, we’re diving into a dessert that perfectly captures this delightful essence: Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes. These aren’t just any cupcakes; they are a celebration in miniature form, boasting a tender strawberry-infused cake base crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting and a vibrant fresh strawberry garnish. They’re the kind of treat that brightens any occasion, from a casual summer get-together to a special birthday celebration. I recently had the pleasure of preparing a batch of these for a teacher’s 40th birthday party, and the unanimous verdict was clear: absolutely super yummy!
The classic ‘strawberries and cream’ flavor profile is a timeless favorite for a reason. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of ripe strawberries beautifully complement the creamy, rich texture of dairy. This harmony creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying taste experience. In these cupcakes, this beloved duo is elevated to new heights, offering a dessert that feels both gourmet and comforting. If you’re a fan of the bright, refreshing notes of strawberries and the velvety tang of cream cheese, prepare to fall in love. This recipe promises to make you a ‘forever fan’ from the very first bite, making it a staple in your summer dessert repertoire.
While many classic desserts shine in a large-format cake, there’s a special charm to the humble cupcake. These individual portions are perfect for parties, making serving a breeze and ensuring everyone gets their own perfectly frosted delight. They offer a delightful presentation, easy handling, and ideal portion control, making them a popular choice for any gathering. Imagine a platter of these beautiful Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes, each adorned with a vibrant red strawberry half – they’re not just a treat for the palate, but a feast for the eyes too. They fit perfectly into small hands and are a hit with both children and adults alike, making them an excellent choice for any event where you want a charming and delicious individual dessert.
The foundation of any great cupcake is its cake, and this recipe delivers a remarkably moist and flavorful strawberry base. What makes it particularly appealing is its clever use of a white cake mix, transforming a simple shortcut into something truly spectacular. By incorporating a box of strawberry Jell-O and a generous cup of blended fresh strawberries, we infuse the cake with an intense fruity flavor and a beautiful pink hue that artificial colorings simply can’t match. The addition of buttermilk and oil ensures a tender crumb and incredible moisture, making each bite melt in your mouth. This isn’t just a cake mix anymore; it’s a gourmet cupcake batter with minimal effort. This smart combination guarantees a vibrant, moist, and utterly delightful cake that perfectly sets the stage for the rich frosting to come. For best results, ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature to encourage a smooth, emulsified batter and even baking. This attention to detail will elevate your strawberry cupcakes from good to extraordinary.
Now, let’s talk about the star player that takes these cupcakes from delicious to divine: the cream cheese frosting. This isn’t your standard stiff, pipe-able buttercream. Instead, it’s wonderfully luscious, gooey, and spreadable – a frosting that truly lives up to the ‘cream’ in ‘strawberries and cream.’ Its texture is deliberately soft and rich, designed to be spooned generously over each cupcake, creating a rustic yet elegant finish. The tanginess of softened cream cheese blends seamlessly with the natural sweetness of more blended fresh strawberries and powdered sugar. A secret ingredient, Cool Whip, is folded in to lend an airy lightness and irresistible smoothness, making the frosting utterly irresistible. This frosting is so good, you might just want to eat it by the spoonful! Its forgiving nature also makes decorating a joy – no fancy piping bags needed, just a spoon and a steady hand to create beautiful, enticing swirls on top of each treat.
The beauty of these Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes lies not only in their taste but also in their charmingly simple presentation. Each cupcake is elegantly topped with half of a fresh, ripe strawberry, adding a burst of color and a final touch of natural sweetness. This simple garnish elevates the entire dessert, signaling the fresh, fruity goodness within. For an extra touch of flair, consider a sprinkle of delicate white chocolate shavings, a tiny mint leaf, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar over the fresh strawberry. These small additions can enhance the visual appeal without overpowering the delicate flavors. Remember, presentation is key to tantalizing the taste buds even before the first bite, making these cupcakes as visually appealing as they are delicious.
One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its incredible versatility. While designed to make delectable individual cupcakes, the same batter and frosting can effortlessly transform into a stunning 9×13 inch sheet cake. The original recipe, in fact, was for a cake I found on Favorite Family Recipes, and it’s a variation I highly recommend trying next! A sheet cake is ideal for larger gatherings, potlucks, or when you simply prefer slicing generous portions. The luscious, gooey frosting, which might spread a bit on a cupcake, finds its perfect home contained within the edges of a pan, making for a beautifully moist and easy-to-serve dessert. Whether you choose to prepare these as cupcakes or as a larger cake, the delightful flavors of fresh strawberries and rich cream cheese remain consistently exceptional. If making a cake, adjust baking time slightly, typically around 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Either way, you have to make this! It’s summertime, and strawberries are everywhere, so take advantage and try this delightful recipe.
These Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes truly shine during the warmer months, especially when fresh, ripe strawberries are in abundance at your local market. They embody the essence of summer, making them the perfect centerpiece for picnics, garden parties, or Fourth of July celebrations. Beyond seasonal events, their universally appealing flavor profile makes them suitable for birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, or simply as a comforting weekend treat. Pair them with a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea for the ultimate summer indulgence. Whenever you need a dessert that’s both impressive and effortlessly delicious, these cupcakes are your go-to recipe. They are guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet memories to any table, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
To ensure your Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, keep these key tips in mind:
- Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The quality of your strawberries will significantly impact the flavor. Choose berries that are bright red, fragrant, and firm for the best taste and aroma.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cupcakes. Mix just until ingredients are combined and no dry streaks remain.
- Softened Cream Cheese: For the frosting, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and well-softened. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to spread.
- Cool Completely: Always allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the delicious cream cheese topping to melt and slide off, creating a mess.
- Refrigerate: Since the frosting contains cream cheese, these cupcakes should be refrigerated for at least one hour before serving to allow the frosting to set. Always store them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture. Take them out about 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
- Portion Control: Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full to prevent overflowing and ensure even baking, resulting in beautifully domed cupcakes.
Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply craving a sweet escape, these Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes offer a delightful journey for your taste buds. They combine the best of a fruity dessert with the indulgence of a rich, creamy topping, all wrapped up in a charming package. So, why wait? Head to your kitchen, gather those beautiful red berries, and whip up a batch of these unforgettable treats. You’ll be thanking yourself later for discovering this perfectly balanced, incredibly delicious recipe. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
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Print Recipe
Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes
Ingredients
- Cake:
- 1 15.25 oz box white cake mix
- 1 3 oz box strawberry jell-o
- 1 cup fresh strawberries blended
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup oil
- 4 eggs
- Frosting:
- 2 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup fresh strawberries blended
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup Cool Whip
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line cupcake pans with liners.
- Place strawberries in the blender and puree. Measure and set aside for cake and frosting.
- Combine cake mix and Jell-o in a large mixer bowl. Add oil, eggs and buttermilk, mix for about 2 minutes, slowly blend in strawberries.
- Pour into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth in a medium bowl. Add in the reserved blended strawberries, incorporating until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well until fully combined and smooth. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until just combined. Frost cooled cupcakes generously using a spoon or offset spatula. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the frosting to set. Garnish each cupcake with half of a fresh strawberry.
- To prepare as a cake: Pour prepared batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once cooled completely, pour frosting over the cake and spread evenly.