Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Moist and delicious, Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are the perfect treat for spring and summer. These delightful cupcakes feature homemade lemon cake filled with tangy lemon curd and topped with a luscious strawberry buttercream frosting. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or celebrating a birthday, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon and sweet strawberry creates an irresistible taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or just because, these cupcakes fit right in.
• Fun Surprise Inside: The hidden lemon curd filling adds an exciting twist that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and steps, even beginner bakers can achieve great results.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with fresh strawberries, these cupcakes are as lovely to look at as they are to eat.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Cupcake pan
• Cupcake liners
• Piping bag with decorative tip
• Sharp knife or cupcake corer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
• Cupcake Pan: A must-have for baking evenly shaped cupcakes that rise perfectly.
• Piping Bag: Allows for beautiful frosting designs that elevate the presentation of your cupcakes.

Ingredients

Moist homemade lemon cupcakes with strawberry buttercream frosting and a surprise lemon curd filling! A fun treat for spring and summer!

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 Garnish

• Fresh strawberries (for topping)

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

Prepare lemon curd ahead of time as directed. Keep it chilled until ready to use.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add salt and baking powder to the mixture, then mix until just combined. Alternate adding flour and sour cream until fully combined without any streaks remaining.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

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

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

Once cooled, prepare your frosting by beating together softened butter, vanilla extract, strawberry jam, and strawberry extract in a large bowl or stand mixer until fully combined. Gradually add powdered sugar in batches while mixing until smooth. If desired, add one drop of red gel food color for extra vibrancy.

Step 7: Fill with Lemon Curd

Using a sharp knife or cupcake corer, carefully remove the center of each cupcake without cutting all the way through. Fill each cavity with lemon curd using a spoon or pastry bag. Trim off any excess from the removed cupcake core before placing it back on top.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Frost each cupcake generously with prepared strawberry buttercream using your piping bag. Top off each cupcake with a fresh strawberry just before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for several days for freshness.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. These delightful treats can be served in many ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

At a Summer Picnic

• Chilled Beverages: Pair these cupcakes with refreshing lemonades or iced teas for a perfect summer vibe.
• Fresh Fruit Platter: Serve alongside a colorful array of fresh fruits like berries and melons for a light, fruity complement.

Birthday Parties

• Themed Decorations: Decorate the serving table with spring-themed decor to match the cupcakes’ vibrant colors.
• Cupcake Stand: Display cupcakes on a multi-tiered stand for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Family Gatherings

• Coffee or Tea: Offer warm beverages such as coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Getting your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes just right is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice and real strawberries for maximum flavor.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cupcakes light and airy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly; an accurate temperature helps achieve perfect baking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cupcakes to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding candied lemon peel or crushed strawberries on top for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes can be beautifully complemented by various side dishes. These pairings enhance the overall dessert experience at any gathering.

1. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing frozen treat that echoes the lemon flavor in the cupcakes.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Pairing these cupcakes with cheese can create a delightful sweet-and-savory contrast.
4. Mini Sandwiches: Light finger sandwiches make for a great savory contrast beside sweet treats.
5. Pistachio Cookies: The nutty flavor of pistachios pairs well with strawberry and lemon notes.
6. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: A classic pairing, these add elegance and indulgence to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the lemon curd preparation: Lemon curd is a crucial part of these cupcakes. Prepare it ahead of time and keep it chilled until needed for filling.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ratios are correct, which will lead to better texture and flavor.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Ignoring cooling time: Letting the cupcakes cool completely before frosting is essential. Otherwise, the frosting may melt or slide off, ruining the presentation.
• Using cold butter: For best results, use softened butter when creaming with sugar. Cold butter won’t incorporate well, affecting the fluffiness of your cupcakes.
• Filling cupcakes too full: Filling cupcake liners beyond 2/3 full can cause overflow during baking. Stick to this guideline for perfectly shaped cupcakes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in the fridge if you live in a warm climate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm cupcakes for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying them out.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them right before serving for best results.

How do I customize my Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes?

Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You can replace strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam for a unique twist on this delightful recipe.

Are Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes suitable for parties?

Absolutely! Their vibrant colors and refreshing flavor make them perfect for spring and summer gatherings, adding a fun touch to any dessert table.

What pairs well with Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes?

These cupcakes go great with a glass of lemonade or iced tea. They also complement fresh fruit salads beautifully!

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The combination of tangy lemon cake, sweet strawberry frosting, and zesty lemon curd filling makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize them based on your preferences or seasonal ingredients—these cupcakes are sure to impress!