Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Moist and delightful, Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are a perfect treat for any occasion. With their zesty lemon flavor and strawberry buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are ideal for spring and summer celebrations. The surprise lemon curd filling adds a refreshing twist, making each bite a burst of flavor that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon and strawberry creates a refreshing taste that is perfect for warm weather.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes fit right in.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with fresh strawberries, these cupcakes look as good as they taste.
• Fun to Customize: You can experiment with different fillings or toppings to suit your tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Cupcake pan
• Paper liners
• Large cookie scoop
• Piping bag with desired tip
• Sharp knife or cupcake corer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: A stand mixer makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture in your cupcakes.
• Cupcake pan: Using a cupcake pan ensures even baking and perfect portion sizes.
• Piping bag: A piping bag allows you to frost your cupcakes beautifully, adding an elegant touch.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, you will need the following ingredients:

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 lemon curd ahead, as directed. Keep chilled until ready to use.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with 8 paper liners.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large bowl or stand mixer:
1. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scrape the bowl as needed.
3. Add salt and baking powder; mix until just combined.
4. Alternate additions of flour and sour cream until fully combined without streaks.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

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

Step 5: Prepare Frosting

When cupcakes have cooled:
1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together butter, vanilla, strawberry jam, and strawberry extract until fully combined.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully mixed. If desired, add red gel food color for brightness.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcakes

Using a sharp knife or cupcake corer:
– Remove the center of each cupcake carefully.
– Fill with lemon curd using a spoon or pastry bag.
– Trim off the bottom portion of removed core; place back on top.

Step 7: Frost the Cupcakes

Frost cupcakes with prepared frosting as desired. Top off each cupcake with a fresh strawberry prior to serving.

Step 8: Storage

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

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are not just a delightful treat; they also make a beautiful presentation for any gathering. Here are some fun and creative ways to serve these cupcakes at your next event.

For a Picnic

• Pack in Style: Place cupcakes in individual cupcake boxes or use clear plastic containers to keep them fresh while traveling.
• Garnish with Mint: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top of each cupcake for an extra pop of color and freshness.

At a Birthday Party

• Themed Decorations: Decorate the serving table with lemon and strawberry-themed decorations to match the flavor profile.
• Cupcake Stand: Use a tiered cupcake stand to display the cupcakes beautifully, making them the centerpiece of the dessert table.

During Spring Gatherings

• Floral Accents: Surround your cupcakes with fresh flowers like daisies or peonies for a seasonal touch.
• Serve with Lemonade: Pair these cupcakes with chilled lemonade for a refreshing drink option that complements the flavors.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

To ensure your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and strawberries for vibrant flavors and optimal texture.
• Measure Accurately: Properly measure your flour and sugar; too much can lead to dry cupcakes.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add more lemon zest or adjust the strawberry jam amount based on your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and balances the richness of the cupcakes.
2. Lemon Sorbet: This light and refreshing dessert makes a perfect palate cleanser alongside rich strawberry flavors.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses pairs well with sweet treats, offering a delightful contrast in flavors.
4. Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches can complement the sweetness of the cupcakes, creating a balanced snack table.
5. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light cucumber sandwiches provide freshness and are easy to prepare for gatherings.
6. Iced Tea Station: Set up an iced tea station with various flavors to refresh guests while enjoying their cupcakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with cupcakes. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Lemon Curd: Not preparing the lemon curd in advance can lead to a rushed baking process. Make it ahead and chill it for the best results.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can result in dense cupcakes. Mix just until ingredients are combined for light and fluffy texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cupcakes. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect your cupcake rise. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Filling Cupcake Liners Too Much: Overfilling can cause cupcakes to overflow. Fill liners about two-thirds full for perfect baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Place cooled cupcakes in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a covered pan on low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes:

What makes Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes special?

These cupcakes combine zesty lemon flavor with sweet strawberry frosting, creating a delightful spring or summer treat.

Can I use other fruit jams?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different fruit jams like raspberry or blueberry for varied flavors.

How do I store leftover Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for freshness.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

You can substitute eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter and sour cream alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by trying different fruit toppings or using alternative flavors in the frosting. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying a sweet treat during warmer days. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!