Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Moist and flavorful, Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With their light lemon base, creamy strawberry buttercream frosting, and a surprise lemon curd filling, these cupcakes will impress at any occasion. They are not only delicious but also offer a fun twist on traditional flavors, making them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – This recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to create impressive cupcakes.
• Delicious Flavor Combination – The blend of zesty lemon and sweet strawberry creates a refreshing taste sensation.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday party or a summer picnic, these cupcakes are versatile enough for any event.
• Fun Surprise Filling – The lemon curd center adds an unexpected burst of flavor that makes each bite exciting.
• Customizable Frosting – You can adjust the frosting colors and decorations to fit any theme or celebration.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Cupcake pan with liners
• Cookie scoop or measuring cup
• Sharp knife or cupcake corer
• Piping bag and piping tip

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer – Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients, creating a light and fluffy batter.
• Cupcake pan – Provides the perfect shape for your cupcakes, ensuring they rise evenly.
• Piping bag – Allows for decorative frosting application, making your cupcakes visually appealing.

Ingredients

Moist homemade lemon cupcakes with strawberry buttercream frosting and a surprise lemon curd filling! A fun treat for spring and summer!

For the Cupcakes:

• 1/4 C unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 C granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 C all purpose flour
• 6 Tbsp sour cream

For the Lemon Curd Filling:

• 1 batch lemon curd

For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 C unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 C strawberry jam
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract
• 1 drop red gel food color
• 2 1/2 C powdered sugar

For Topping:

• Fresh strawberries

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

Prepare the lemon curd ahead of time as directed in your recipe. Keep it chilled until ready to use.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with eight paper liners.

Step 3: Make the Cupcake Batter

In a large bowl or stand mixer:
1. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in one egg, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add salt and baking powder; mix until just combined.
4. Gradually alternate adding all-purpose flour and sour cream into the mixture until fully combined with no streaks remaining.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter between prepared baking cups using a large cookie scoop or fill roughly 2/3 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan until easy to handle before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

Once cooled, prepare your frosting:
1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together softened butter, vanilla extract, strawberry jam, and strawberry extract until fully combined.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar in batches until everything is mixed well. If desired, add one drop of red gel food color for a brighter shade of pink.

Step 6: Fill Each Cupcake

Using a sharp knife or cupcake corer:
1. Carefully remove the center of each cupcake without cutting all the way through.
2. Fill each hole generously with lemon curd using either a spoon or pastry bag.
3. Trim off part of each cupcake core if necessary before placing it back onto each cupcake.

Step 7: Frosting Time!

Frost each cupcake with your prepared strawberry buttercream as desired.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Top off each cupcake with fresh strawberries before serving. Store extras in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to several days.

Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, perfect for sharing with friends and family!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Their refreshing flavor and vibrant colors make them a standout dessert at spring and summer gatherings.

For a Picnic

• Pack in a Container: Arrange cupcakes in a sturdy container with dividers to prevent them from getting squished during transport.
• Cool Down: Keep them chilled with ice packs, especially if you’re enjoying them on a warm day.

At a Birthday Party

• Decorate with Fresh Strawberries: Top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Themed Plates: Serve on colorful plates that match your party theme to create a festive atmosphere.

As Dessert for Family Gatherings

• Serve with Lemonade: Offer these cupcakes alongside refreshing lemonade for a cohesive flavor experience.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Pair with vanilla or lemon sorbet for an extra creamy treat.

For Afternoon Tea

• Add Tea Options: Serve with light teas like chamomile or Earl Grey that complement the citrus flavors.
• Miniature Version: Make mini cupcakes for an elegant touch, perfect for tea time bites.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

To make your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest to enhance the lemon flavor in your cupcakes.
• Chill the Frosting: Refrigerate the strawberry buttercream before frosting to achieve a smoother consistency.
• Piping Technique: Use different piping tips to create unique designs on each cupcake for visual appeal.
• Taste Test the Filling: Adjust the sweetness of your lemon curd before filling to ensure it balances well with the frosting.
• Proper Cooling: Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the icing.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Pair these Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes with delicious side dishes that complement their bright flavors.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness, balancing the richness of the cupcakes.
2. Lemon Bars: Enhance the citrus theme with tangy lemon bars that can be cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light cucumber sandwiches provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes.
4. Caprese Skewers: These skewers made with cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a savory bite alongside sweet treats.
5. Mini Quiches: Offer mini quiches filled with vegetables or cheese for a savory option that pairs well with desserts.
6. Veggie Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh veggies served with hummus or dip creates a healthy balance on the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the lemon curd filling: The lemon curd adds a delightful surprise. Don’t skip this step; it enhances flavor and moisture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cupcakes. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Ignoring cooling time: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause melting. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Best consumed within 3-5 days when refrigerated.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cupcakes on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a cupcake in a covered saucepan over low heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes.

Can I make Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container until you are ready to frost.

What can I use instead of strawberry jam?

You may substitute strawberry jam with fresh pureed strawberries for a more natural flavor.

How do I customize my Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes?

Feel free to experiment with flavors! You can add different extracts or replace strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries.

Are Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes suitable for parties?

Absolutely! These cupcakes are colorful and festive, making them perfect for any celebration or gathering.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are not only delicious but also versatile. They bring a refreshing twist that’s perfect for spring and summer occasions. Feel free to customize the frosting or filling based on your preferences, and enjoy these delightful treats!