The Best Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes You Will Ever Bake
If you love sweet berries, these strawberry cupcakes are a little dream. They are soft, fluffy, and full of bright strawberry flavor. Each bite tastes fresh and sweet.
These cupcakes are perfect for bridal shower, summer parties, or a simple weekend treat. The pretty pink color also makes them great for celebrations. Best of all, this easy strawberry cupcake recipe is simple to make at home.
Once you try these homemade strawberry cupcakes, you will want to bake them again and again.
Why You Will Love This Strawberry Cupcake Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Real strawberry flavor in every bite
- Simple ingredients you may already have
- Perfect for birthdays and parties
- Easy recipe for beginner bakers
- Great with strawberry or vanilla frosting
These fresh strawberry cupcakes taste light, sweet, and very comforting.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes
- 1 ¼ cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ½ cup milk
Ingredient Notes and Easy Substitutions
Fresh strawberries
Fresh berries give the best flavor for homemade strawberry cupcakes. Chop them very small so they mix well into the batter.
All purpose flour plus cornstarch
This works like cake flour. It helps make the cupcakes soft and tender.
Sour cream or yogurt
Both add moisture. Yogurt is an easy swap if sour cream is not available.
Milk
Whole milk works best, but almond milk or oat milk can also be used.
Egg plus egg whites
The egg gives structure while the extra whites make the cupcakes lighter and fluffier.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cupcake Pan
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the oven to reach the right temperature before baking.
Line a 12-cup muffin or cupcake pan with paper cupcake liners. The liners help prevent sticking and make the cupcakes easier to remove after baking.
Set the prepared pan aside while you make the batter.
Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries well under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Remove the green tops and chop the strawberries into very small pieces. Smaller pieces mix better into the batter and help keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
If the strawberries release a lot of juice, gently blot them with a paper towel. Too much juice can make the cupcakes dense.
Set the chopped strawberries aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, add:
- all purpose flour
- cornstarch
- baking powder
- salt
Whisk the ingredients together until everything is evenly combined.
The cornstarch helps create a softer crumb, similar to cake flour. This step helps make the strawberry cupcakes soft and tender.
Set the bowl aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar.
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed and beat the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes.
The mixture should become light, fluffy, and pale in color. Creaming butter and sugar properly helps create air in the batter, which makes the cupcakes rise well and stay soft.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.
Add the Egg and Egg Whites
Add the whole egg to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
Next add the two egg whites. Continue mixing until the batter looks smooth and creamy.
The whole egg adds structure while the extra egg whites help make the cupcakes lighter and fluffier.
Mix in the Vanilla Extract
Add the vanilla extract to the batter.
Mix for a few seconds until it is evenly combined. The vanilla adds warmth and enhances the sweet strawberry flavor in the cupcakes.
Add the Dry Ingredients, Milk, and Sour Cream
Add half of the dry flour mixture into the bowl and mix gently on low speed.
Next add the milk and sour cream (or yogurt). Mix until smooth.
Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix again just until combined.
Be careful not to over mix the batter. Over mixing can make cupcakes dense instead of fluffy.
The batter should look smooth and slightly thick.
Fold in the Strawberries
Add the chopped strawberries to the batter.
Using a spatula, gently fold the strawberries into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
Folding instead of mixing helps keep the batter light while spreading the fruit throughout the cupcakes.
This step gives the cupcakes their fresh strawberry flavor.
Fill the Cupcake Liners
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two thirds full with batter.
Do not overfill the liners because the cupcakes will rise while baking.
Evenly filled liners help the cupcakes bake at the same rate.
Bake the Cupcakes
Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops look lightly golden.
To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready.
Avoid opening the oven too often during baking because this can cause the cupcakes to sink.
Cool the Cupcakes
Remove the cupcake pan from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Then carefully transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack.
Allow them to cool completely before adding toppings or serving. Cooling fully helps the cupcakes keep their soft texture.
Add Optional Toppings and Serve
Once cooled, you can enjoy the cupcakes as they are or add a simple topping.
Simple Topping Ideas
- Strawberry Buttercream
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Add whipped cream on top
- Top with sliced fresh strawberries
- Drizzle a little honey
- Add a light vanilla glaze
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cupcakes
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Do not over mix the batter or the cupcakes may become dense.
- Let the cupcakes cool fully before frosting.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smooth batter.
- Chop strawberries very small so they mix evenly.
These small tips help create the best moist strawberry cupcakes.
Fun Strawberry Cupcake Variations
Try these ideas to make the recipe even more fun.
Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes
Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter.
Strawberry Cream Cupcakes
Fill the center with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
Strawberry Vanilla Cupcakes
Use vanilla buttercream instead of strawberry frosting.
What to Serve With Strawberry Cupcakes
These fresh strawberry cupcakes pair well with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
They are also great for birthday dessert tables.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Cupcakes
Room Temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the egg and mix well. Add the egg whites and mix again until fully combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix gently.
- Add the sour cream and milk and mix until smooth.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not over mix.
- Fold the chopped strawberries into the batter gently.
- Fill each cupcake liner about two thirds full.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Chop strawberries into very small pieces so they mix evenly into the batter.
- Do not over mix the batter or the cupcakes may become dense.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for the best texture.
- If strawberries release extra juice, lightly blot them with a paper towel.
These homemade strawberry cupcakes are soft, sweet, and full of berry flavor. They are easy to make and perfect for parties, holidays, or a cozy baking day at home.
If you love fresh strawberry desserts, this simple cupcake recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Bake a batch today and enjoy every fluffy bite.
