Description
This recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes features moist vanilla cupcakes filled with a luscious homemade strawberry filling and topped with fluffy strawberry-infused whipped cream. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, these cupcakes combine the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake in an easy-to-make, handheld dessert form.
Ingredients
Strawberry Filling
- 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (11g) cornstarch
- 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (23ml) warm water
- 2 cups (about 300g) diced strawberries
- 6 Tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Cupcakes
- 1 and 2/3 cups (209g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or extract)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) cold heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- 3 Tablespoons (38g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- Reserved 1/2 cup (120g) strawberry filling
Optional Garnish
- Strawberry slices
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Make the strawberry filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and warm water with a fork until dissolved. Warm the diced strawberries and granulated sugar together in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly and lightly mashing some berries. Once the mixture simmers, stir in the cornstarch mixture and let it simmer for 5 minutes while stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in the lemon zest, and transfer to a bowl to cool completely. The filling will thicken as it cools.
- Prepare to bake cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Since this recipe yields about 15 cupcakes, prepare a second pan with 3 liners or plan to bake in batches.
- Mix dry cupcake ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix wet cupcake ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until combined (the mixture will be gritty). Add the egg whites, sour cream, whole milk, and vanilla bean paste or extract, whisking until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until the batter is creamy and mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay; avoid overmixing.
- Fill cupcake liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to prevent overflow. You should have batter for approximately 15 cupcakes.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important that cupcakes are completely cooled before filling.
- Prepare cupcakes for filling: Reserve 1/2 cup (120g) of the strawberry filling for the whipped cream. Use a sharp knife to cut a one-inch deep circular hole in the center of each cooled cupcake to create a pocket, removing the cone-shaped piece carefully.
- Fill the cupcakes: Spoon the cooled strawberry filling into each cupcake pocket, about 1 to 2 teaspoons or as much as fits comfortably. Trim the pointy ends off the removed pieces and gently place them back on top to seal the filling inside.
- Make the whipped cream: Using a hand or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the cold heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla bean paste or extract on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes until medium peaks form. If the cream overwhips and becomes curdled, fold in additional cold cream gently. Fold the reserved 1/2 cup of strawberry filling into the whipped cream to create a strawberry-flavored topping.
- Frost the cupcakes: Use an icing spatula or a knife to pile the whipped cream high on each cupcake. You may have leftover whipped cream which can be stored.
- Garnish: Top each cupcake with fresh strawberry slices and/or mint leaves for an attractive presentation.
- Serve or store: Serve cupcakes immediately, or store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use a cupcake carrier for transport or safe storage to maintain decoration integrity.
Notes
- Use egg whites only to keep the cupcakes lighter.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt can be used interchangeably for moistness and tang.
- Vanilla bean paste is recommended for a richer vanilla flavor, but extract works fine.
- The strawberry filling must be completely cooled before filling cupcakes to avoid melting or sogginess.
- If the whipped cream overwhips and curdles, gently fold in a little extra cold cream to smooth it out.
- Leftover whipped cream can be stored tightly covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- For best results, use fresh strawberries and full-fat dairy ingredients.
- Line the muffin pans well to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American