Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Moist and delicious, Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat at home. These delightful cupcakes feature lemon-infused cake, a luscious lemon curd filling, and a vibrant strawberry buttercream frosting. Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, they bring a burst of flavor that will impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright flavors: The combination of lemon and strawberry creates an irresistible taste that is refreshing and fun.
• Versatile for occasions: Perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful cupcakes.
• Beautiful presentation: Topped with fresh strawberries, these cupcakes are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
• Surprise filling: The lemon curd center adds an exciting twist that keeps everyone guessing what’s inside!

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, gather the essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cupcake pan
• Paper liners
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Piping bags
• Sharp knife or cupcake corer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Cupcake pan: A sturdy cupcake pan ensures even baking for perfectly shaped cupcakes.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort in creaming ingredients together smoothly.
• Piping bags: They allow for easy application of frosting, giving you professional-looking results.

Ingredients

Moist homemade lemon cupcakes with strawberry buttercream frosting and a surprise lemon curd filling! A fun treat for spring and summer!

For the Cupcakes

• 1/4 C unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 C granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 C all purpose flour
• 6 Tbsp sour cream

For the Lemon Curd Filling

• 1 batch lemon curd

For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

• 1 C unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 C strawberry jam
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract
• 1 drop red gel food color
• 2 1/2 C powdered sugar

To Finish

• Fresh strawberries (for topping)

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

Prepare the lemon curd ahead of time according to your preferred recipe. Keep it chilled until you are ready to use it in your cupcakes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with 8 paper liners.

Step 3: Make the Cupcake Batter

In a large bowl or stand mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add salt and baking powder; mix until just combined.
5. Gradually alternate adding flour and sour cream, mixing until fully combined with no streaks remaining.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared baking cups using a large cookie scoop or fill them roughly 2/3 full:
1. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Cool in the pan until easy to handle; then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Once cooled:
In another mixing bowl or stand mixer:
1. Beat together softened butter, vanilla extract, strawberry jam, and strawberry extract until fully combined.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar in batches while mixing until fully incorporated.
3. If you desire a brighter pink shade, add one drop of red gel food color.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Using a sharp knife or cupcake corer:
1. Remove the center of each cooled cupcake without cutting through to the bottom.
2. Fill each cavity with chilled lemon curd using a spoon or pastry bag.
3. Trim off the bottom portion of each removed core before placing it back on top of each filled cupcake.

Step 7: Frosting Time!

Transfer your prepared frosting into a piping bag fitted with your desired piping tip:
Frost each cupcake as desired and add fresh strawberries on top before serving.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to several days.

Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes at your next gathering!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their bright flavors make them ideal for spring and summer gatherings. Here are some fun ways to serve these cupcakes.

At a Summer Picnic

• Pack in a cooler: Keep them chilled in a cooler with ice packs to maintain their freshness.
• Add fresh fruit: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or lemon slices for a refreshing touch.

Birthday Parties

• Creative cupcake stand: Display on a tiered cupcake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Themed decorations: Use lemon and strawberry-themed decorations to enhance the presentation.

Family Gatherings

• Serve with ice cream: Pair each cupcake with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for extra indulgence.
• Coffee pairing: Offer coffee or iced tea to complement the sweet flavors.

Picnics in the Park

• Individual packaging: Wrap each cupcake in clear plastic wrap for easy transport and serving.
• Snack boxes: Include them in snack boxes with other treats like cookies or fruit bars.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

For perfecting your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, follow these helpful tips to ensure they turn out moist and delicious every time.

• Bold use of fresh ingredients: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• Bold cream butter well: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to achieve airy cupcakes.
• Bold measure accurately: Use precise measurements, especially when it comes to flour and sugar, to maintain texture.
• Bold check doneness early: Start checking your cupcakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
• Bold chill before frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and ensures better decoration.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

When serving Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus; it’s refreshing and light.
2. Lemon Sorbet: A tangy frozen dessert that cleanses the palate perfectly after enjoying sweet cupcakes.
3. Mini Sandwiches: Light sandwiches filled with cucumber or chicken salad offer a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that pair nicely with fruity flavors.
5. Veggie Tray with Dip: Crisp vegetables served with hummus or ranch dip provide a crunchy side that balances sweetness.
6. Iced Tea Bar: Set up an iced tea station with various flavors (lemon, peach) so guests can create their own refreshing drinks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can lead to dense cupcakes. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cupcakes. Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag for accurate measurements.

• Skipping cooling time: Frosting hot cupcakes melts the frosting. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

• Using stale ingredients: Old baking powder or expired ingredients can affect rising. Always check expiration dates before starting your recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Cupcakes will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely to avoid drying it out.
• Stovetop: Place a cupcake in a covered pan over low heat for about 5 minutes, checking regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes:

Can I use different fruit jams?

Yes! You can substitute strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam for a unique twist on flavors.

How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that it’s designed for baking.

What is the best way to frost Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes?

Using a piping bag with your favorite tip allows you to create beautiful designs that enhance presentation.

How do I know when my cupcakes are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready!

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different fruit flavors or add sprinkles on top for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress anyone who tries them!