Description
These Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are a burst of sunshine, combining the sweet-tartness of strawberries with zesty lemon in a light, fluffy cupcake.
Topped with a silky strawberry lemonade buttercream, they’re the ultimate spring and summer treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For the Strawberry Lemonade Buttercream:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp fresh strawberry puree
- 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Fresh lemon slices or strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Puree fresh strawberries until smooth.
- 2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- 3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- 4. Combine Dry & Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- 5. Fold in Flavor: Gently fold in 1/2 cup strawberry puree and lemon zest until just incorporated.
- 6. Bake: Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- 7. Make Buttercream: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar. Add 2-3 tbsp strawberry puree, 1-2 tbsp lemon juice, and an optional pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- 8. Frost & Garnish: Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread buttercream on top. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or strawberries if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins