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Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

These Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are a delightful treat featuring moist strawberry-flavored cupcakes topped with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting and a crunchy strawberry shortcake crumble. Perfect for celebrations or an indulgent snack, they combine freeze-dried strawberry powder for an intense berry flavor and optional red food coloring for a lovely pink hue.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • Baking spray, for greasing
  • 1.2 oz bag freeze-dried strawberries (blended into a powder)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp strawberry extract
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • 1 1/4 cup cake flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2–4 drops red food coloring (optional, to deepen the pink color)

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
  • 4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Topping

  • Strawberry shortcake crumble, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Spray the liners with baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make strawberry powder: Place freeze-dried strawberries into a blender or food processor and pulse until they become a fine powder. Set aside for incorporating into the batter.
  3. Beat eggs and extracts: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, pure vanilla extract, and strawberry extract until the mixture turns fluffy and light in texture.
  4. Whip sugar: Add granulated sugar to the egg mixture and whip until fully incorporated and fluffy.
  5. Add wet ingredients: Mix in the vegetable oil and sour cream until the batter is smooth and uniform.
  6. Combine dry ingredients: Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture along with the strawberry powder until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  7. Add color: If desired, add 2 to 4 drops of red food coloring to the batter and gently stir until the color is evenly distributed.
  8. Fill cupcake liners: Using a cupcake scoop or measuring cup, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles for even baking.
  9. Bake cupcakes: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the centers are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.
  10. Prepare frosting: In a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
  11. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing continuously until fully combined.
  12. Mix in cream and flavoring: Add salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to the frosting mixture. Continue beating for 1-2 minutes until the texture is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
  13. Decorate cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over each cupcake. Immediately sprinkle the strawberry shortcake crumble on top to add a crunchy texture and finish.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature for better batter consistency and rise.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep cupcakes tender.
  • Freeze-dried strawberries can be found in specialty stores or online and add a natural strawberry flavor without moisture.
  • Red food coloring is optional but enhances the visual appeal of the cupcakes.
  • Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • For dairy-free option, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: Strawberry cupcakes, strawberry crunch, vanilla buttercream frosting, easy cupcake recipe, berry desserts, baked cupcakes

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/strawberry-crunch-cupcakes-recipe/