Strawberry-filled cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the soft, fluffy texture of cupcakes with the sweetness and tang of strawberries. Whether you’re looking to surprise guests at a party or want to satisfy your dessert cravings, these cupcakes are the perfect choice. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through several mouth-watering variations of strawberry-filled cupcakes, from jam-filled to fresh strawberry-stuffed cupcakes. Plus, we’ll cover tips, tricks, and FAQs to help you bake the best strawberry-filled cupcakes every time.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry-Filled Cupcakes
Strawberry-filled cupcakes are ideal for many occasions, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or just enjoying a sweet treat. They’re:
- Versatile: You can use jam, fresh strawberries, or even a combination of both to create unique flavors.
- Fun to Make: Hollowing out the cupcakes and filling them with strawberry goodness adds a creative touch to the baking process.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, use different types of frosting, or switch up the cupcake base for endless possibilities.
Ingredients for Strawberry-Filled Cupcakes
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s go over the basic ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious cupcakes.
Cupcake Base
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Strawberry Filling Options
1. Strawberry Jam Filling
- ½ cup strawberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for tang)
2. Fresh Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken)
Frosting (Optional)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Recipe 1: Strawberry Jam-Filled Cupcakes
Let’s start with the classic strawberry jam-filled cupcakes. This easy recipe uses a rich strawberry jam for the filling, adding a burst of fruity flavor to every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth.
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Jam Filling:
- While the cupcakes are cooling, heat the strawberry jam in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add lemon juice if you want a tangier filling. Stir until smooth, then let it cool to room temperature. If you want to make your own jam, here’s a simple homemade strawberry jam recipe you can follow
- Fill the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a knife or cupcake corer to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake.
- Fill the hole with the strawberry jam. Replace the top of the cupcake to seal the filling inside.
- Frosting (Optional):
- Whip the powdered sugar and softened butter together. Add vanilla extract and milk, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Pipe or spread the frosting on top of each cupcake, then garnish with a fresh strawberry slice.
Recipe 2: Fresh Strawberry-Filled Cupcakes
If you prefer fresh strawberries over jam, this recipe is for you. The fresh strawberry filling adds a light, refreshing touch that pairs beautifully with the cupcake base.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Cupcakes (Follow the same steps as the jam-filled cupcakes above).
- Make the Fresh Strawberry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine diced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat until the mixture thickens and the strawberries soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the filling cool completely before using.
- Fill the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a cupcake corer or knife to remove the centers.
- Fill each cupcake with a spoonful of the fresh strawberry filling, then replace the cupcake top.
- Frosting and Garnish:
- Frost the cupcakes with vanilla buttercream or whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Recipe 3: Strawberry Upside-Down Cupcakes
For a twist on the classic strawberry-filled cupcakes, try making strawberry upside-down cupcakes. These cupcakes feature a layer of caramelized strawberries at the bottom that adds an extra touch of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of sugar and 2 tbsp of water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and starts to caramelize. Add 1 cup of diced strawberries and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter (Follow the same base recipe as above).
- Assemble the Upside-Down Cupcakes:
- Grease a muffin tin (without liners) and spoon the strawberry caramel mixture into the bottom of each cup.
- Pour the cupcake batter over the strawberries, filling each cup about ⅔ full.
- Bake:
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the pan over to release the cupcakes.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry-Filled Cupcakes
Here are some pro tips to ensure your strawberry-filled cupcakes turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overfill: When filling cupcakes, leave enough room so the cupcake tops fit back on smoothly.
- Avoid Sogginess: If using fresh strawberries, make sure to cook them down with cornstarch to thicken the mixture and prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with Fillings: You can try other fillings like strawberry mousse, whipped cream, or even chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
FAQs About Strawberry-Filled Cupcakes
1. How do I prevent cupcakes from sinking in the middle?
Cupcakes may sink if the batter is over-mixed or if they are underbaked. Be sure to mix the batter just until combined and use a toothpick to test for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready. For more tips on avoiding common baking mistakes, check out this guide on perfect cupcake baking.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well for the filling. Just thaw and drain them before using to avoid extra moisture. You may need to cook them a bit longer to thicken the filling.
3. Can I freeze strawberry-filled cupcakes?
You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Fill the cupcakes and frost them after they’ve been thawed. If you plan to freeze them with the filling, use a jam filling as it holds up better than fresh strawberries.
4. How long do strawberry-filled cupcakes last?
Strawberry-filled cupcakes will last about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best taste and texture, serve them at room temperature.
5. How do I stop the filling from leaking out?
Use a thick filling, such as a jam or cornstarch-thickened fresh strawberries. Also, be sure to properly seal the cupcake by replacing the top after filling it.
Conclusion
Strawberry-filled cupcakes are a sweet and versatile treat that can be made with various fillings and flavors. Whether you prefer the tangy burst of strawberry jam, the freshness of diced strawberries, or the caramelized layer of upside-down cupcakes, there’s a recipe here for everyone.