Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Moist homemade lemon cupcakes with strawberry buttercream frosting and a surprise lemon curd filling are perfect for any occasion. These Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are not only delightful to eat but also visually stunning. Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, they bring a burst of flavor that everyone will love. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet strawberry makes them a standout treat that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of fresh lemon and strawberry creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a summer barbecue, these cupcakes fit right in.
• Surprise Filling: The lemon curd center adds an unexpected twist that elevates the cupcake experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can succeed.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with fresh strawberries, these cupcakes look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cupcake pan
• Paper liners
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Piping bag with tip
• Sharp knife or cupcake corer

Importance of Each Tool

• Cupcake pan: Essential for shaping the cupcakes evenly, ensuring they bake perfectly.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, helping achieve a light and fluffy texture.
• Piping bag with tip: Allows for beautiful frosting application, giving your cupcakes an appealing finish.

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 Filling:

• 1 batch lemon curd

For the 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

For Topping:

• Fresh strawberries (for topping)

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

Prepare your lemon curd ahead of time as directed in your recipe. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 3: Mix the Batter

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

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide batter between prepared cupcake liners using a large cookie scoop or fill each liner about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan until easy to handle, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

Once cooled, prepare your frosting:
1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together softened butter, vanilla extract, strawberry jam, and strawberry extract until fully combined.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar in batches, mixing until fully blended.
3. If desired, incorporate one drop of red gel food color for an enhanced pink shade.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcakes

Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip. Using a sharp knife or cupcake corer:
1. Remove the center from each cupcake carefully without cutting all the way through.
2. Fill each cavity with chilled lemon curd using a spoon or pastry bag.
3. Trim off part of the removed cupcake core before placing it back on top.

Step 7: Frost & Serve

Frost each filled cupcake as desired using your prepared frosting. Finally, top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry before serving.

These delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply enjoying a sunny day, these cupcakes can brighten any gathering. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your cupcake experience.

At a Picnic

• Serve cupcakes in individual liners for easy transport and enjoyment outdoors.
• Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing touch.

Birthday Parties

• Create a colorful dessert table featuring Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes alongside other treats.
• Use fun cupcake toppers to match your party theme and add visual appeal.

Afternoon Tea

• Serve cupcakes on elegant cake stands with tea and lemonade for a sophisticated touch.
• Offer a variety of flavors alongside the strawberry lemonade for diverse options.

Family Gatherings

• Arrange cupcakes on large platters for family-style sharing.
• Encourage guests to personalize their cupcakes with extra toppings like sprinkles or whipped cream.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Perfecting your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes can elevate them from good to great. Here are some essential tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemons and strawberries will enhance the flavor of your cupcakes significantly.
• Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to achieve the ideal texture.
• Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and better incorporation into the batter.
• Don’t overmix: Combine your batter until just smooth; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow cupcakes to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts or citrus zests for varied flavor profiles that complement the lemon and strawberry.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are delicious on their own but pairing them with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.
2. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors of the cupcakes.
3. Iced Tea: A cold glass of iced tea complements the fruity flavors while keeping everyone refreshed.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer savory notes that balance the sweetness of the dessert.
5. Mini Sandwiches: Light sandwiches, such as cucumber or turkey, provide a savory counterpart that pairs well with sweets.
6. Vegetable Crudités: Crisp veggies with dip create a healthy option that contrasts nicely with rich desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with a delightful treat like Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold phrase: Skipping the lemon curd. Failing to fill the cupcakes with lemon curd means missing out on a burst of flavor. Always prepare your lemon curd ahead of time.
• Bold phrase: Overmixing the batter. Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Bold phrase: Ignoring cooling times. Frosting warm cupcakes can lead to melted frosting. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
• Bold phrase: Forgetting the frosting consistency. If your frosting is too runny, it won’t hold shape when piped. Adjust with powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness.
• Bold phrase: Not checking oven temperature. An inaccurate oven temperature can ruin your baking efforts. Use an oven thermometer for accurate readings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cupcakes for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a steamer basket over simmering water for gentle reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well in the frosting. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing.

How do I make vegan Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes?

You can substitute butter with plant-based butter and sour cream with non-dairy yogurt or silken tofu.

What type of flour is best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is ideal, but you can also use gluten-free flour blends if needed.

Can I make these Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them in advance and store them as instructed above, then frost before serving.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for any spring or summer occasion. With their moist texture, fresh flavors, and vibrant strawberry buttercream, these cupcakes are sure to impress! Feel free to customize them by adding more fruit or adjusting sweetness levels according to your preference.