Looking for a delightful treat to brighten your day? These Elegant Summer Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are the perfect choice! They’re light, fruity, and bursting with fresh flavors of strawberries and lemon. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just need a sweet snack, these cupcakes will surely put a smile on everyone’s face.
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many reasons to whip up these Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes! They are super easy to make and use simple ingredients you might already have at home. Plus, the combination of zesty lemon and sweet strawberries is a match made in heaven! It’s a fun activity to do with the kids too, making it a great family bonding experience. You’ll impress your friends and family with these lovely cupcakes!
How to Make Elegant Summer Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
Making these delicious cupcakes is a breeze. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps below, and you’ll have a sweet treat that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup diced strawberries
For frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the buttermilk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes and garnish with fresh strawberries.
- Enjoy your Elegant Summer Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes!
How to Serve Elegant Summer Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
Serve these beautiful cupcakes at your next picnic, birthday party, or family gathering. They look great on any dessert table! You can pair them with a nice cup of tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade for the ultimate summer treat.
How to Store Elegant Summer Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
Keep your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving again for that freshly baked taste!
Tips to Make Elegant Summer Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Don’t over-mix the batter; mix until just combined for fluffy cupcakes.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch—just thaw and drain excess moisture.
Variation
You can switch up the fruit in these cupcakes! Try using blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. You can also add some poppy seeds for a lovely texture and extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake and frost the cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Absolutely! Freeze the cupcakes without frosting. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature and then frost as desired.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.