| Prep Time ⇒ | 1 hr |
| Cook Time ⇒ | 30 mins |
| Cool Time ⇒ | 2 hrs |
| Protein ⇒ | 3g |
| Fat ⇒ | 16g |
| Carbs ⇒ | 37g |
Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes
These delightful strawberries and cream cupcakes are as light as a cloud, featuring a delicious strawberry filling and a luscious cream topping. Short on time? Feel free to skip the filling step and simply frost the cupcakes with whipped cream and strawberries!
Ingredients :
For the Strawberries:
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or to taste)
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 2/3 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2/3 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup 2% milk, at room temperature
For the Filling and Topping:
- 2 ounces full-fat cream cheese, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Directions :
Step 1: For the strawberries, combine chopped strawberries and sugar in a small pot over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring often, and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir this mixture into the strawberries and cook until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and let it cool in the fridge, uncovered. Once chilled, you can cover it.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cupcake pans with liners.
Step 4: For the cupcakes, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add in the egg whites, vanilla, and almond extract, beating on medium-high speed for another 3 minutes. Gradually mix in half of the flour mixture, then add the sour cream and milk, mixing until just combined. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined.
Step 6: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. Bake one pan at a time until the tops spring back when lightly touched, about 22 to 26 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Chill the cupcakes in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to make cutting and filling easier.
Step 7: For the cream cheese whipped cream, beat the chilled cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt together until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of cold heavy cream and mix on low until smooth. Gradually add the remaining heavy cream and beat on medium-high until stiff peaks form. If desired, place the mixture in a piping bag fitted with an open star tip (like Wilton® 1M) and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 8: Once the cupcakes are chilled, remove the liners and cut the tops off. Pipe a layer of whipped cream on the bottom half of each cupcake and top with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the strawberry mixture. Replace the tops, pressing gently to adhere. Pipe more whipped cream on top and add another 1 to 2 teaspoons of strawberries. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Cook’s Note :
You can substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour, but the cupcakes may not be as light and fluffy. Frozen strawberries can also be used instead of fresh.
These cupcakes are quite soft, so keep them chilled while handling. For best results, assemble them on the same day you plan to serve and keep them refrigerated until ready. You can prepare the cupcakes and strawberry sauce a day or two in advance.
After assembling, I like to carefully place the cupcakes back into their liners for easier handling and serving!
The Health Benefits of Ingredients :
Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer flavors. At the base of these cupcakes is the humble strawberry, a fruit that boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health. They are also packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. If you’d like to explore more about the benefits of strawberries, check out Wikipedia.
The cream element in these cupcakes typically comes from whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, which adds a luscious texture and rich flavor. When using whipped cream, you get a light and airy topping that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. While whipped cream is higher in fat, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re curious about the nutritional aspects of cream, you can find more information on Wikipedia.
For a healthier twist, some recipes incorporate Greek yogurt into the frosting. Greek yogurt not only provides creaminess but also adds a protein boost and probiotics, promoting gut health. The addition of yogurt can also reduce the overall sugar content while enhancing the nutritional value. To learn more about the benefits of yogurt, you can visit Wikipedia.
The cupcake batter can vary, but many recipes include whole wheat flour or almond flour, which offers additional fiber and nutrients compared to refined flour. Whole grains are known to support digestive health and can help maintain steady blood sugar levels. If you’re interested in the health benefits of whole grains, you can explore more on Wikipedia.
These Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes are not just delicious; they also provide a beautiful presentation that makes them perfect for celebrations or gatherings. The combination of vibrant red strawberries and fluffy cream on top creates an eye-catching dessert that’s sure to impress guests. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, making them a wonderful choice for warm-weather events, birthday parties, or picnics.
Incorporating Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes into your dessert repertoire allows you to enjoy a delightful treat while still considering nutritional aspects. By using fresh ingredients and healthier alternatives, you can create a dessert that is both indulgent and satisfying. These cupcakes are a fantastic way to celebrate the delicious flavors of strawberries, all while enjoying a delightful baked good.
If you’re looking for more delicious and creative recipes to elevate your baking game, be sure to check out hearty-recipes.com. You’ll discover a variety of options that will inspire your culinary adventures and make your desserts a hit at any occasion!