Delicious Strawberry Cupcakes with Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

These strawberry cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Topped with a tangy lemon zest cream cheese icing, they are the perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon creates a beautiful balance of flavors that will leave you craving for more. These cupcakes are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy the taste of summer with these delectable strawberry cupcakes!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the pureed strawberries until evenly distributed in the batter.
8. Fill each cupcake liner with about 2/3 full of batter.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
12. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
13. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat again until smooth and fluffy.
14. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the lemon zest cream cheese icing.
15. Serve and enjoy!

Interesting Facts