Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
Ingredients:
Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Strawberry Lemonade Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh strawberry puree
Zest of 1 lemon
Fresh strawberries and lemon slices (for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare the Cupcakes:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the lemon zest and juice to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the chopped strawberries.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the lemon juice, strawberry puree, and lemon zest, beating until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice.
Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe or spread the strawberry lemonade frosting on top of each cupcake.
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and lemon wedges for a decorative touch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 320 kcal per cupcake | Servings: 12 cupcakes