Description
Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes combine the classic flavors of a strawberry milkshake into a moist, fluffy cupcake topped with a creamy strawberry frosting. This delightful dessert features fresh strawberry puree both in the batter and the frosting, crowned with a graham cracker crumb topping and a fresh strawberry garnish for extra texture and visual appeal—perfect for any strawberry lover or festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 12 fresh strawberries (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy cupcake removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents.
- Cream Butter: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air to create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to emulsify the batter thoroughly.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Mix in the whole milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until fully combined, adding moisture and strawberry flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Scoop the batter into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling doneness.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar on low speed to prevent clouds of sugar. Mix in strawberry puree and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk as needed to achieve spreadable frosting consistency.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are cooled, use a piping bag to generously frost each cupcake with the strawberry buttercream.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the frosting for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish: Finish each cupcake by placing a fresh strawberry on top for a vibrant, decorative touch.
Notes
- Use fresh or good quality frozen strawberries for the puree to enhance natural flavor.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the best mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes tender and fluffy.
- Adjust the frosting consistency with milk carefully to avoid making it too runny.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry cupcakes, milkshake cupcakes, strawberry frosting, homemade cupcakes, dessert recipe
