Description
Making strawberry lemonade cupcakes feels like bottling up a bit of summer right in your kitchen. The process is simple, but every step builds layers of bright, fresh flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. This is where the anticipation begins—the promise of something light and citrusy.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step gives your cupcakes that soft, airy texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. The aroma at this stage is incredible—bright, fresh, and energizing.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to overmix.
- 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.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This step ensures the frosting stays smooth and holds its shape.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in the lemon juice, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.
- Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. You can garnish with a small strawberry slice or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh strawberries for the frosting.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Experiment with additional lemon zest for an extra citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg