Name: Strawberry Conversation Heart Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups freeze-dried strawberries; 1/2 cup melted coconut oil; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/3 cup high quality strawberry jam; 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature; 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons cream or milk; 3-4 tablespoons ground strawberry powder (from processed freeze-dried strawberries); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon Meyer or regular lemon juice; 1 tablespoon water (plus more as needed); Marbles or pretzel rod sticks or marble-sized foil balls (to create heart shape inside cupcakes); Foil pieces (optional, for wedging heart shape)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 29 reviews

There is nothing quite like sharing the magic of Valentine’s Day in dessert form and that is exactly what makes the Strawberry Conversation Heart Cupcakes Recipe so special. These cupcakes are bursting with the vibrant flavor of freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry jam, complemented by a creamy strawberry-infused frosting that’s light and fluffy. The subtle heart-shaped surprise baked right inside adds a charming touch that’s sure to delight everyone at your table. Imagine the sweet tang of strawberries melting into tender, moist cupcakes, finished with a delicate glaze and your favorite love notes on top. Perfect for celebrations, gifts, or simply indulging your own sweet tooth with a dose of heartfelt joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal muffin tray with nine cups, each lined with white paper liners filled with light beige batter. In three of the cups, a pretzel stick wrapped in silver foil is placed vertically in the batter, breaking the smooth surface. The batter has a slightly lumpy texture with tiny darker specks spread throughout. The tray is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the texture, flavor, and unmistakable pink hue of these cupcakes. From the fruity punch of freeze-dried strawberries to the richness of cream cheese in the frosting, every element works in harmony to craft a truly memorable treat.

2 cups freeze-dried strawberries: Ground into powder to infuse real strawberry flavor without adding moisture.
1/2 cup melted coconut oil: Adds moistness with a subtle tropical hint; melts seamlessly into the batter.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps with browning for a perfect crust.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances depth of flavor and complements the fruitiness beautifully.
2 large eggs at room temperature: Provide structure and help bind the batter.
1/3 cup high-quality strawberry jam: Boosts the strawberry punch while keeping the crumb moist.
1/2 cup milk: Hydrates the dry ingredients and keeps the texture tender.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft yet sturdy cupcakes.
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the batter to create a light crumb.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to give the cupcakes lift and softness.
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature: Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that isn’t overly sweet.
4 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
1 to 2 tablespoons cream or milk: Adjusts frosting texture for easy spreading.
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze and gives it that shiny finish.
1 tablespoon Meyer lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty contrast that cuts through the sweetness of the glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Conversation Heart Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Powder

Start by blitzing your freeze-dried strawberries in a blender or food processor until they form a fine, fragrant powder. This strawberry powder will pack a powerful punch of natural strawberry flavor into both the cupcake batter and the frosting, so don’t skip this step. Set the powder aside while you prepare your cupcake pans and preheat the oven to 350° F.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In your mixer bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, strawberry jam, and milk. Beat these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and creamy. Next, sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and then add 4 tablespoons of your freshly ground strawberry powder. Mix gently until you achieve a smooth batter free of lumps. This batter will be beautifully pink and fragrant – already hard to resist.

Step 3: Create the Heart Shape Surprise

Line 16 cupcake molds with foil liners, then fill each cupcake liner halfway with the batter. To get the iconic heart shape inside each cupcake, place a marble or a pretzel rod stick between the liners in each muffin cup. If you need, gently wedge a small piece of foil to keep it snug in place. When baked, the batter will rise around the shape creating that unique heart silhouette that makes this recipe stand out for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 22 minutes, until the tops are just set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Avoid over-baking to keep them light and tender. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, beat together cream cheese and salted butter until light and fluffy, about two minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually add 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar and 3 to 4 tablespoons of your strawberry powder, blending until smooth. Add milk by the tablespoon to reach a spreadable consistency. The strawberry powder gives the frosting a lovely pink tint and an authentic burst of strawberry flavor that perfectly matches the cupcake.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze

Combine powdered sugar, Meyer lemon juice, and a tablespoon of water in a bowl, whisking until you have a smooth, drizzly glaze. Adjust thickness by adding water one tablespoon at a time—aim for a glaze that flows easily but still clings to the frosting and cupcake edges. This glaze adds just the right touch of brightness and shine.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cupcake, then drizzle with your lemon glaze. Finish with adorable conversation heart messages like “XO” or any Valentine’s Day phrases you love written or arranged on top for a festive flair that makes this recipe a showstopper.

How to Serve Strawberry Conversation Heart Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows several heart-shaped cupcakes with a soft tan base. Each cupcake has a thick layer of pink frosting spread on top, with smooth, slightly textured swirls. On top of the frosting, white icing words like

Garnishes

Adding a few small garnishes not only elevates the look but boosts flavor and texture. Fresh strawberry slices, edible rose petals, or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder perfectly complement the cupcakes’ natural strawberry essence. Tiny pastel sprinkles create a festive Valentine’s vibe, making the presentation feel extra special and personal.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Conversation Heart Cupcakes shine on their own but pairing them with a lightly whipped vanilla bean cream or a scoop of strawberry sorbet makes for a delightfully indulgent treat. Fresh fruit salad with mint adds a refreshing contrast and keeps the strawberry theme running strong without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, arrange these cupcakes on a tiered stand or place them in pastel-colored cupcake boxes tied with a satin ribbon, perfect for gifting. You can also serve them alongside your Valentine’s Day brunch spread or holiday dessert table with romantic décor accents like candlelight and rose petals to create a truly inviting atmosphere.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Make sure they are well covered to prevent drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. You can also freeze fully decorated cupcakes but always thaw in the fridge to keep the frosting stable.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, if frozen, bring cupcakes to room temperature by letting them sit out for about 20-30 minutes. Avoid microwaving frosted cupcakes as the frosting may melt. For unfrosted cupcakes, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can refresh softness before frosting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries?

Fresh strawberries add moisture, which can throw off the cupcake batter’s balance and texture. Freeze-dried strawberries are crucial for concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid. However, you can use extra strawberry jam to boost fresh strawberry flavor if preferred.

What can I use instead of coconut oil?

Light vegetable oil or melted butter can substitute for coconut oil, but keep in mind that coconut oil adds a subtle flavor and moisture that complements the strawberry well. Butter will make cupcakes richer, while vegetable oil keeps them light.

How do I create the heart shape inside the cupcake?

The secret is placing a marble or pretzel rod stick between the foil liners in the cupcake pan before baking. The batter bakes around the shape, creating an indented heart silhouette inside once the cupcake is cut or bitten in half.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on eggs, cream cheese, and butter for texture and flavor, but adaptations are possible. Use vegan cream cheese, plant-based milk, and egg replacers to make a dairy-free or vegan version, though the texture and taste will differ slightly.

How long do these cupcakes stay fresh after baking?

When properly stored, these strawberry conversation heart cupcakes stay fresh and soft for about 2 days at room temperature and up to 4 days refrigerated. Always keep them covered tightly to maintain moisture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cupcake recipe that captures both festive fun and delicious strawberry flavor, the Strawberry Conversation Heart Cupcakes Recipe is a winner. Its playful shape, luscious frosting, and heartfelt notes make every bite an experience worth sharing. Give this recipe a try for your next celebration, and watch how it brings smiles and sweet conversations to the table!