Sweet Stuffed Strawberry Cupcakes

Name: Sweet Stuffed Strawberry Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 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 milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1-2 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Celebration Table Recipes

When I first decided to make Sweet Stuffed Strawberry Cupcakes, I had no idea how much joy they would bring. The combination of fluffy vanilla cake with a fresh strawberry filling was a delightful surprise for my taste buds. Each bite was bursting with sweetness and made me feel like I was enjoying spring all over again. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a sweet treat. I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-02-19T17:54:23.026Z

Making these Sweet Stuffed Strawberry Cupcakes has been a true labor of love for me. I experimented with various fillings and toppings until I found the perfect balance of flavors. The use of fresh strawberries in both the filling and icing adds a layer of brightness that complements the sweetness of the batter beautifully. I discovered that mixing in a splash of vanilla extract elevates the flavor even more.

After several trials, I decided to add a hint of lemon zest to the frosting for an extra zing, which set these cupcakes apart. Each cupcake is a mini masterpiece, and watching my friends’ faces light up when they take a bite is what makes this recipe truly special. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I did!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Fluffy cake filled with sweet, juicy strawberries
Light and refreshing frosting with a hint of lemon
Perfect for springtime gatherings and special occasions

Baking Techniques for Light and Fluffy Cupcakes

Achieving the perfect fluffiness in your Sweet Stuffed Strawberry Cupcakes relies heavily on the creaming method. When you cream the butter and sugar together, aim for a light and airy texture. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which will expand during baking, resulting in a delicate crumb. Be sure not to overmix after adding the flour to maintain that airiness; just mix until you see the dry ingredients disappear.

Another tip for achieving the perfect texture is to use room temperature ingredients. Warm milk and softened butter blend more easily, helping to create an emulsion that results in a moist and tender cake. If you forget to take butter out to soften, you can cut it into small pieces or microwave it on low for just a few seconds, ensuring it’s soft but not melted.

Mastering the Strawberry Filling

For the strawberry filling, using fresh strawberries is crucial for that vibrant flavor. Be sure to select ripe berries with a deep red color. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries, but remember to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in your filling. This will help avoid soggy cupcakes and maintain structural integrity.

When cooking the strawberry filling, stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan and burning. The cornstarch acts as a thickener, so allowing the mixture to simmer until it thickens not only improves flavor but also gives the filling a pleasing texture that complements the light cupcake.

Decorating and Serving Suggestions

Once your cupcakes are frosted, consider garnishing them with extra fresh strawberries or lemon zest for a pop of color and added flavor. A sprinkle of chopped mint can also add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. Placing a single strawberry on top can make for a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests at any event.

These cupcakes can be made a day in advance, making them a great option for parties. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. If you plan to make them ahead of time, consider frosting them on the day of serving to ensure the lemon frosting retains its lightness and prevents sogginess from the filling.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you get started:

For the Cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Filling

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

For the Lemon Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1-2 tablespoons milk

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious cupcakes:

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries are softened. Allow to cool.

Prepare the Lemon Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a small knife to cut out a cone shape from the center of each cupcake. Fill the hole with strawberry filling, then replace the top. Frost with lemon frosting and decorate with additional strawberries if desired.

Enjoy your Sweet Stuffed Strawberry Cupcakes at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, you can also use raspberries or blueberries as a filling. These cupcakes can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup in the cupcake batter. However, you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly, as these substitutes add moisture. For a dairy-free version, substitute unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for regular milk, and use vegan butter in both the cupcake batter and frosting.

For those with egg allergies or dietary restrictions, you can replace each egg with a 'flax egg' made from one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water. Allow it to thicken for about 5-10 minutes before incorporating it into the batter for similar binding results.

Serving Ideas

These Sweet Stuffed Strawberry Cupcakes shine as a delightful dessert at gatherings, picnics, or birthday parties. To elevate your serving experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complements the fruity flavor wonderfully. Drizzling a light strawberry sauce over the top can also enhance the visual appeal and taste.

If you have leftover cupcakes, feel free to repurpose them into parfaits! Crumble a cupcake into a glass, layer with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, then top with more whipped cream for an easy yet impressive dessert. This way, you can enjoy the flavors all over again with a refreshing twist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cupcakes come out dense, overmixing the batter is often the culprit. Remember to stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Additionally, ensure ingredients are at the right temperature to blend well and aerate properly during mixing.

Should your strawberry filling turn out too runny, it can be thickened by bringing it back to the heat and adding a touch more cornstarch mixed with a little water. Cook until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thick, a small splash of water or lemon juice can help loosen it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Leftover cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the cupcakes in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and assemble them just before serving.

→ Is the frosting easy to make?

Yes, the lemon frosting is simple to prepare and adds a delicious zing to the cupcakes!