Description
These fresh strawberry cupcakes are a delightful treat featuring moist, flavorful cakes infused with homemade strawberry reduction, topped with a luscious strawberry buttercream and garnished with macerated fresh strawberries. Perfect for any special occasion or a sweet summer indulgence.
Ingredients
Strawberry Reduction
- 1 lb fresh ripe strawberries
Strawberry Topping
- 6 small or medium strawberries, sliced 1/8-1/4 inch thick
- 12 grams granulated sugar
Cupcake Batter
- 180 grams cake flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 200 grams granulated sugar
- 60 mL canola oil (or any neutral oil)
- 56 grams unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 56 grams sour cream
- 4 ounces strawberry reduction (room temperature)
Strawberry Buttercream
- 227 grams unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 480 grams powdered sugar (spooned and leveled)
- 2 ounces strawberry reduction (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- tiny pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- Make Strawberry Reduction: Cut the stems off the strawberries and place all into a food processor. Pulse at full speed until completely blended. Pour the puree into a small pot and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the volume reduces by half (about 1/2 lb or 8 ounces left). Transfer into a jar or bowl and let it come to room temperature, or chill over ice bath until ready to use.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: Slice 6 small to medium strawberries thinly (1/8 to 1/4 inch). Toss with 12 grams granulated sugar in a small bowl and refrigerate until needed to macerate.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) convection. Line 12 muffin tins with cupcake liners, preferably using a light-colored pan for even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, salt, and 200 grams sugar thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add 60 mL canola oil and 56 grams room temperature unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Beat until mixtures are combined evenly.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the 2 large egg whites and 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste into the batter, mixing until fully combined.
- Add Sour Cream and Strawberry Reduction: Add 56 grams sour cream and 4 ounces of the prepared strawberry reduction to the batter. Mix on medium speed until just combined, then scrape down the bowl edges and mix lightly until smooth.
- Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 to 3/4 full, roughly 55-60 grams of batter per cupcake. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes. Cupcakes are done when the center springs back to touch or a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
- Make Strawberry Buttercream: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with whisk attachment, beat 227 grams unsalted butter at full speed until pale and fluffy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add Sugar and Salt: Lower mixer speed and add 480 grams powdered sugar and a tiny pinch of fine sea salt. Beat on low until sugar is incorporated, then increase to medium-high and beat for 1-2 minutes, scraping bowl halfway through.
- Add Vanilla and Strawberry Reduction: Add 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste and 2 ounces of strawberry reduction. Beat on medium-high speed until fully combined, scraping bowl edges thoroughly.
- Frost Cupcakes: Use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to frost the cooled cupcakes with strawberry buttercream. Use a small spoon or offset spatula to create a swirl on top.
- Garnish: Top each cupcake with 1-2 slices of the macerated strawberries for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberry reduction is cooled to room temperature before adding to batter and buttercream to prevent melting.
- Use a light-colored muffin pan for more even baking and easier monitoring of cupcake doneness.
- To save time, prepare the strawberry reduction in advance and refrigerate.
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting buttercream.
- For best results, spoon and level flour and powdered sugar to ensure accurate measurements.
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract if unavailable.
- Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor in reduction and topping.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 48 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American