Triple Strawberry Cupcakes

When it comes to indulging in the sweet pleasures of life, few fruits can rival the delightful and delectable strawberry. Its vibrant red hue, juicy texture, and sweet-tart flavor make it a favorite in the world of desserts. Today, we’re going to dive into a scrumptious treat that takes the essence of strawberries to a whole new level – Triple Strawberry Cupcakes. These cupcakes are a mouthwatering symphony of strawberry flavor, combining fresh strawberries, strawberry puree, and a luscious strawberry frosting. If you’re a fan of this beloved berry, you’re in for a real treat!

Ingredients

To create these triple strawberry cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cupcakes:

1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
5. 1 cup granulated sugar
6. 2 large eggs
7. 1/2 cup whole milk
8. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
9. 1/2 cup strawberry puree (made by blending fresh strawberries)
10. 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries

Strawberry Frosting:

1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2. 4 cups powdered sugar
3. 1/4 cup strawberry puree
4. 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
5. A pinch of salt

Triple Strawberry Process

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Add Strawberry Flavors: Gently fold in the strawberry puree and diced strawberries. This will infuse your batter with that lovely strawberry flavor.
7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Strawberry Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
11. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the strawberry frosting. You can use a piping bag for a beautiful finish.
12. Garnish: For a final touch, garnish your cupcakes with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles.

Additional Tips and Variations:

1. Strawberry Filling: For an extra surprise, you can add a dollop of strawberry jam or preserves in the center of each cupcake before baking. Simply fill the cupcake liners halfway, add a small spoonful of jam, and then cover with more batter.
2. Cream Cheese Frosting: If you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting, consider swapping out the strawberry frosting for a cream cheese version. The tangy creaminess of cream cheese pairs wonderfully with the strawberry flavor.
3. Chocolate and Strawberry Combo: For a twist on the classic, drizzle some melted chocolate over the strawberry frosting or incorporate chocolate chips into the cupcake batter for a delightful chocolate-strawberry fusion.
4. Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
5. Storage: Store your triple strawberry cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They should last for 2-3 days, but they are so delicious that they might not make it that long!
6. Custom Decorations: Get creative with decorating your cupcakes. You can use edible glitter, colored sprinkles, or even chocolate-covered strawberries as a topper for an added touch of elegance.