Making strawberry filled cupcakes is a delightful way to impress your friends and family with your baking skills. These cupcakes combine the sweetness of vanilla with the tanginess of fresh strawberries, creating a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a picnic, or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the essential steps and ingredients you need to create these delicious strawberry filled cupcakes.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Fresh strawberries (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Strawberry jam | ½ cup |
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. This ensures that you have everything you need at your fingertips, making the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Gather 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and other ingredients listed in the table. Fresh strawberries are key to achieving that delightful filling, so make sure to choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
Prepare the Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes.
Fill the Cupcake Liners
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, fill each liner about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing. Be sure to evenly distribute the batter to ensure uniform baking.
Bake the Cupcakes
Once your cupcake liners are filled, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary based on your oven. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling
While your cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the strawberry filling. In a small bowl, mix the chopped fresh strawberries with the strawberry jam. This combination will create a sweet and fruity filling that will complement your vanilla cupcakes perfectly. You can adjust the amount of jam based on your preference for sweetness and consistency.
Core the Cupcakes
After the cupcakes have cooled completely, it’s time to core them. Using a small knife or a cupcake corer, carefully remove the center of each cupcake. Aim for about an inch deep, creating enough space for the strawberry filling. Be sure to keep the removed tops; you can use them later to cover the filling.
Fill the Cupcakes
Now comes the fun part! Spoon or pipe the strawberry filling into the hollowed-out centers of each cupcake. Be generous with the filling, as this is what makes these cupcakes special. After filling, place the tops back on the cupcakes gently to cover the filling.
Frost the Cupcakes
For an extra touch, frost your strawberry filled cupcakes with your favorite buttercream or cream cheese frosting. You can make a simple vanilla buttercream by mixing butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until fluffy. Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake, and feel free to get creative with your decorating style!
Enjoy Your Strawberry Filled Cupcakes
Once frosted, your strawberry filled cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at your next gathering or keep them as a sweet treat at home. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to delight anyone who takes a bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your filling.
How should I store leftover cupcakes?
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and fill them just before serving to ensure freshness.
References:
– [USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service](https://www.fsis.usda.gov)
– [FDA – Food Safety](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety)
