Name: Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 100 g Granulated sugar; 113 g Unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 Egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 135 g All purpose flour; ½ teaspoon Baking powder; ½ teaspoon Salt; 120 g Whole milk (room temperature); ½ teaspoon Baking soda; ½ teaspoon White vinegar; 170 g Strawberries (Cut into very small pieces); 20 g Granulated sugar; ¼ tablespoon Lemon juice; 113 g Unsalted butter (82% fat, at room temperature); 60 g Powdered sugar (sifted); 226 g Cream cheese (full fat (33%+) eg. Philadelphia)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 68 reviews

If you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, the Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute winner. These cupcakes are perfectly moist with little bursts of fresh strawberries baked right in, topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that’s flecked with a homemade strawberry jam. The balance between sweet and tart, plus the velvety frosting, makes every bite a celebration of flavor and texture. Believe me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to whenever you crave something sweet and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various baking ingredients arranged neatly. In the center is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour. Above it, a glass measuring cup holds a powdery white substance, likely powdered sugar. To the right of the flour bowl, a clear glass bowl contains bright red cut strawberries. Next to the strawberries are two sticks of butter wrapped in paper, pale yellow in color. Surrounding these main items are smaller white bowls and containers holding ingredients like white sugar, a light yellow liquid, two raw egg yolks in a white bowl, a small white bowl with cream, a white bowl with red jam, and two small wooden bowls with white salt and baking powder. The background is clean and bright, with everything neatly spaced. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect strawberry cupcakes starts with simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create that soft crumb and rich frosting. Each ingredient plays an essential role: from the buttery base of the cupcake to the fresh strawberries that infuse color and sweetness, right through to the creamy tang of the frosting. Here’s what you’ll need:

Granulated sugar (100 g): Adds the perfect sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Unsalted butter, room temperature (113 g): Enriches the batter with moisture and flavor.
Egg, room temperature (1): Binds ingredients and adds structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
All purpose flour (135 g): The base that gives the cupcakes their soft texture.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Makes the cupcakes rise beautifully and become fluffy.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
Whole milk, room temperature (120 g): Adds moisture for a tender crumb.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with vinegar to give a light texture.
White vinegar (½ teaspoon): Reacts with baking soda to help rise and keep cupcakes soft.
Strawberries (170 g, very finely chopped): Fresh, juicy bursts of flavor and natural sweetness.
Granulated sugar (20 g): For the strawberry jam in the frosting.
Lemon juice (¼ tablespoon): Brightens the strawberry jam with a fresh tartness.
Unsalted butter at room temperature (113 g): Creates the creamy base for the frosting.
Powdered sugar, sifted (60 g): Sweetens and smooths the frosting for that perfect consistency.
Cream cheese, full fat (226 g): Adds rich tanginess and creaminess to the frosting.

How to Make Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by lining your cupcake tin with muffin liners and preheat your oven to 175℃ (347℉). In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this is key for a tender texture. Next, beat in the egg slowly and add the vanilla extract. Gradually pour in room temperature milk while continuing to whip, combining flavors evenly throughout the batter.

Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure no lumps, then gently fold this mixture into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula. Folding carefully helps keep the batter light and prevents overworking the gluten, which could make the cupcakes dense.

Step 3: Activate the Leavening

Mix the baking soda and white vinegar in a small bowl — watch it bubble up! Fold this bubbly mixture into the batter right away, which helps the cupcakes rise beautifully with a soft crumb.

Step 4: Add the Strawberries and Bake

Fold in the finely chopped strawberries thoughtfully to distribute them evenly without breaking them down too much. Spoon or pipe the batter into your liners, filling about three-quarters full, and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness — it should come out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cupcakes cool, cook the chopped strawberries with sugar and lemon juice over medium heat until reduced to a jam-like consistency, then let it cool to room temperature. Whip softened butter until light, then add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Incorporate the cream cheese next and whip again, adding the strawberry jam slowly to infuse the frosting with that fresh strawberry essence.

Step 6: Frost the Cupcakes

Chill the frosting slightly so it’s pipeable, then decorate each cupcake with a generous swirl. This homemade cream cheese frosting with strawberry jam is what sets this recipe apart — it’s tangy, sweet, and irresistibly creamy.

How to Serve Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A light golden cupcake with a soft, slightly textured surface forms the base, topped by several thick swirls of pale pink frosting that has tiny darker pink specks inside, giving it a creamy and smooth look with gentle ridges from piping. The frosting curls up in a layered, ruffled pattern, creating a soft peak where a metal piping tip is adding the final touch, held by a woman's hand. The cupcake sits on a metallic cooling rack against a white marbled texture background, with a blurred second cupcake visible behind it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your strawberry cupcakes even more stunning, top with a fresh strawberry slice or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a little crunch and color contrast. Edible flowers can also elevate the look for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a light cup of herbal tea or a refreshing glass of cold milk. For brunch or a party, a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream works beautifully alongside, accentuating the strawberry notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cupcakes on a tiered stand for a charming display at afternoon tea or birthdays. You can also place them in decorative paper liners that match your event’s theme. For a fun twist, place a small spoonful of the leftover strawberry jam inside each cupcake before frosting for a hidden fruity surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and maintains the delicate crumb and creamy frosting for up to 2 to 3 days.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze well without losing flavor or texture. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To warm frozen or chilled cupcakes, allow them to reach room temperature naturally or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese frosting from melting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch but fresh ones really make a difference in texture and vibrant flavor, especially in the cupcake batter and frosting jam.

Why do we add vinegar and baking soda to the batter?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, which help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.

Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?

The tangy flavor of cream cheese is key to this frosting’s character, but you can substitute with mascarpone for a milder taste or use buttercream for a sweeter alternative.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake them. Check them starting at 20 minutes with a toothpick; once it comes out clean, they’re done!

Can I double this Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in batches or use multiple tins. Make sure not to overcrowd your oven for even baking.

Final Thoughts

There is something so incredibly satisfying about sharing the Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with friends and family. It’s a recipe that is approachable yet impressive, with flavors that feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you make these cupcakes, they’ll become a shining star in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every delicious moment of baking and sharing these delightful treats!