Strawberry Velvet Cupcakes

Name: Strawberry Velvet Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for color); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon strawberry puree for color (optional)

Highlighted under: Classic Bakery Favorites

I love making Strawberry Velvet Cupcakes during strawberry season when the berries are at their peak sweetness. The combination of fluffy, velvety textures with the tartness of fresh strawberries creates a delightful treat that I can’t resist. This recipe is perfect for celebrating special occasions or just indulging in a sweet moment. With a rich cream cheese frosting that pairs perfectly with the cupcakes, every bite is a burst of flavor that makes the effort worthwhile. Trust me, once you try these, they'll quickly become your go-to dessert!

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-01-13T12:49:30.339Z

When I first baked these Strawberry Velvet Cupcakes, I was thrilled to discover how the vibrant strawberries truly elevate the design and flavor of the classic red velvet. The strawberry puree not only gives the cupcakes their unique hue but also contributes to a moist and tender crumb. I experimented with the ratio of strawberries to batter until I found the perfect balance, ensuring that each bite is bursting with fruity goodness.

One of my favorite tips when making these cupcakes is to use fresh, ripe strawberries. They bring natural sweetness and a lovely aroma that frozen ones can’t replicate. I also recommend letting the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to keep that creamy cream cheese layer perfectly intact, resulting in a beautiful presentation that will impress everyone at your next gathering!

        Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
        Deliciously moist texture with a hint of strawberry sweetness
Cream cheese frosting that adds a tangy contrast
Visually stunning, perfect for any occasion
Easy to make with readily available ingredients

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of these Strawberry Velvet Cupcakes is undoubtedly the fresh strawberries. Their natural sweetness not only enhances the flavor profile but also contributes to the moist texture of the cupcakes. Choosing ripe strawberries is essential for achieving maximum sweetness; you want them to have a deep red color and a fragrant aroma. For a richer strawberry flavor, you can even roast the strawberries beforehand to concentrate their sweetness.

Additionally, the cream cheese frosting plays a significant role in balancing the flavors. The cream cheese adds a delightful tang that cuts through the sweetness of the cupcakes. When choosing cream cheese, look for a full-fat variety for the best texture and flavor. If you're looking to lighten the frosting, you can substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, which will also add a unique twist to the flavor.

Baking to Perfection

For best results, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the batter mix evenly, resulting in cupcakes that rise evenly and have a consistent texture. Pay close attention to the baking time; start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Overbaking can lead to dry cupcakes, so keep an eye on them!

Another tip is to avoid overmixing your batter once the dry ingredients are incorporated. Mix until just combined; this helps create a lighter, fluffier cupcake. If you find your batter is a bit lumpy, that's perfectly fine! The lumps will bake out, and overmixing can lead to denser cupcakes. Also, remember to fill your liners only two-thirds full to give the cupcakes enough space to rise without overflowing.

Ingredients

Before we start, gather your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking experience.

For the Cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
½ cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for color)

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon strawberry puree for color (optional)

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the preparation steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Strawberry Velvet Cupcakes!

Preheat the oven and prepare the cupcake pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake tin with paper liners.

Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract.

Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder (if using), and salt.

Combine wet and dry mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk until everything is just combined. Do not overmix!

Fill and bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and frost

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. In the meantime, prepare the frosting by beating together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.

Frost the cooled cupcakes and decorate as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Velvet Cupcakes, perfect for any celebration!

Pro Tips

For the best results, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. You can add more or less strawberry puree for color and flavor according to your preference!

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Velvet Cupcakes are visually stunning and are excellent for special occasions like birthdays or holidays. For an extra pop of color, you can garnish them with fresh strawberry slices or edible flowers. If you're serving them at a gathering, consider presenting them on a colorful platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

You can get creative with toppings as well! Consider adding a drizzle of strawberry sauce or incorporating a chocolate ganache for a different flavor dimension. A sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries can also add an exciting texture and an intensified strawberry flavor to your cupcakes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to make these cupcakes ahead of time, consider baking them a day in advance. Once cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or even freeze them. Just be sure to freeze them without frosting, as the cream cheese frosting won't hold up well once frozen.

When freezing, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. To serve, thaw the cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight before frosting them. This way, you can whip up a batch in advance and have an impressive treat ready to go for any event, making your preparation stress-free!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

While you can use frozen strawberries, they'll provide a different texture and may make the batter more watery. I recommend using fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the cupcakes shortly after mixing the batter. If you need to prepare earlier, consider mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.