The Sweet Story Behind the Recipe: Cherished Traditions & Strawberry Dreams

Growing up, birthdays in our family always held a special charm, often centered around simple yet deeply cherished traditions. While we didn’t have a grand list of elaborate rituals, there was one culinary custom I always anticipated with eager delight: the iconic Cherry Chip Cake with Fluffy Frosting. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a vibrant pink confection that tasted like pure joy and brought with it a wave of nostalgia. I’ve often recounted the tales and tender memories associated with that cake on my blog, and to this day, its flavor immediately transports me back to childhood birthday celebrations. It’s so beloved, in fact, that just a few weeks ago, my own mother specifically requested it for her birthday cake!

As I nurture my own family, I find myself eager to weave new, delightful traditions into the fabric of our lives, creating those same kinds of lasting, sweet memories for my children. My daughter, Abbi, has now reached that wonderful age where she has very clear preferences, and she’s certainly not shy about expressing them. With her birthday approaching swiftly at the end of this month, she’s been on a persistent campaign for the last – oh, probably ten months – reminding me of her singular request: a strawberry birthday cake. It’s quite remarkable, really. You know how most children tend to change their minds about what they want twenty times within a span of twenty minutes? Well, not my Abbi. For her, it is undeniably a strawberry cake, and I have a strong suspicion that this specific request will echo through every birthday celebration from here on out. Her dedication to this fruit is absolute!

So, in tribute to my beautiful daughter and in celebration of her unwavering strawberry enthusiasm and upcoming birthday, I decided to surprise her with these exquisite cupcakes. Not just any cupcakes, mind you, but intensely strawberry cupcakes, each a small parcel of berry perfection. They were an early, delightful present for the birthday girl, a preview of the berry-filled joy to come, and a testament to the new traditions we’re building, one delicious, strawberry-infused bite at a time. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a labor of love, a nod to personal history, and a hopeful step towards creating new, equally cherished family customs.

Why These Very Strawberry Cupcakes Are an Absolute Must-Try

These aren’t just ordinary strawberry cupcakes; they are a triple threat of strawberry goodness designed to deliver an explosion of fresh, sweet berry flavor in every single bite. What makes them stand out? Let’s dive into the delicious details:

• Intense Strawberry Flavor: We start with a high-quality strawberry cake mix, which provides a fantastic base, but we elevate it further with a secret ingredient: fresh lemon zest in the batter. This brightens and amplifies the strawberry notes, making them sing.
• Surprise Jam Filling: Each cupcake holds a delightful secret – a generous dollop of strawberry jam tucked inside. This hidden treasure adds an extra layer of fruity sweetness and a wonderfully moist texture that complements the tender cake. It’s an unexpected burst of flavor that truly sets these cupcakes apart.
• Luxurious Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Forget plain vanilla! Our frosting is a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible dream made with real cream cheese and a touch of strawberry spreadable fruit. It’s light, fluffy, and perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake and jam, providing a sophisticated finish that strawberry lovers will adore.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While inspired by a birthday, these cupcakes are versatile. Their vibrant color and delightful taste make them ideal for baby showers, bridal brunches, garden parties, or simply a treat to brighten any day. They look as amazing as they taste!

The combination of moist cake, juicy jam, and creamy frosting creates a textural and flavor experience that is truly unmatched. Every element is carefully chosen to contribute to an overall harmonious and intensely strawberry-forward dessert that will leave a lasting impression.

Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Cupcake: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these “Very Strawberry Cupcakes” is a rewarding experience, combining simple ingredients with a few thoughtful steps to achieve baking perfection. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be enjoying a batch of these berry masterpieces in no time.

Very Strawberry Cupcakes

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Yields: 24 cupcakes

Strawberry cupcakes are filled with strawberry jam then topped with a strawberry cream cheese frosting.

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Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box Pillsbury strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest, divided

For the Frosting & Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust to desired consistency)
• 1 (10 oz) jar Smucker’s Simply Fruit Strawberry Spreadable Fruit (or your favorite strawberry jam/preserves)
• Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 24 standard muffin cups with paper liners. This will ensure your cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove.
2. Mix the Cupcake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to incorporate the dry and wet ingredients. Increase speed to medium and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Gently stir in 1 teaspoon of the fresh lemon zest. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
3. Bake and Cool: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. This indicates they are fully cooked. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are entirely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is light, creamy, and smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency and sweetness. Stir in 1/3 cup of the strawberry spreadable fruit and the remaining 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth.
5. Fill the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, carefully remove them from their paper liners. Using a small paring knife or a cupcake corer, cut out a small cone from the center of each cupcake, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. Fill each hollowed-out cupcake with a generous dollop of the remaining strawberry spreadable fruit. Gently replace the removed cake tops to seal in the jam.
6. Frost and Garnish: Transfer the prepared strawberry cream cheese frosting to a large decorator bag fitted with your favorite piping tip (a star tip works beautifully for a classic look). Pipe the frosting decoratively on top of each filled cupcake. For a final flourish and an extra touch of freshness, garnish each cupcake with a slice of fresh strawberry.
7. Serve and Enjoy: These delightful cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature briefly before serving for the best flavor and frosting texture.
8. Recipe adapted from Smucker’s.

Tips for Strawberry Cupcake Success

Achieving bakery-quality cupcakes at home is easier than you think, especially with a few expert tips. Here’s how to ensure your Very Strawberry Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: This is crucial for your cream cheese frosting. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened. Cold ingredients won’t emulsify properly, leading to lumpy frosting. Take them out of the fridge at least an hour before you plan to mix.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense cupcakes. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
• Accurate Measurement: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons, and for dry ingredients like flour or powdered sugar, consider weighing them for the most accurate results.
• Evenly Fill Muffin Tins: Use an ice cream scoop or a measuring cup to ensure each muffin cup receives the same amount of batter. This promotes even baking, so all your cupcakes are done at the same time.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue in baking. If you frost warm cupcakes, your beautiful cream cheese frosting will melt and slide right off. Allow them to cool entirely on a wire rack.
• Corning and Filling: When coring the cupcakes for the jam filling, a small paring knife works well. Cut in a conical shape, creating enough space for the jam without compromising the cupcake’s structure. Don’t be shy with the jam; it’s part of the fun!
• Piping Perfection: If you’re new to piping, practice on a piece of parchment paper first. Use firm, even pressure and consistent movements for beautiful swirls. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works in a pinch.
• Storing Cupcakes: Due to the cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes need to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor of both the cake and frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Strawberry Cupcakes

Can I use fresh strawberries in the cupcake batter?

While this recipe uses a cake mix and jam for an intense strawberry flavor, you can certainly add finely diced fresh strawberries to the batter for an extra pop of fruit! Mix about 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh strawberries into the batter just before dividing it into the muffin cups. Be aware that this might add a bit more moisture, so keep an eye on baking time.

What kind of strawberry jam or spreadable fruit should I use?

We recommend Smucker’s Simply Fruit Strawberry Spreadable Fruit for its pure fruit flavor and excellent consistency. However, any good quality strawberry jam or preserve will work beautifully. Choose one you love the taste of, as its flavor will shine through in both the filling and the frosting.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cupcakes can be baked a day in advance and stored unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Before frosting, let the frosting come to room temperature and give it a quick whip to restore its fluffy texture. Once frosted, store the assembled cupcakes in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, start with 3 cups of powdered sugar and add more incrementally until you reach your desired consistency and taste. The tanginess of the cream cheese already helps to balance the sweetness, but personal preference varies.

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