Strawberry Filled Cupcakes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these Strawberry Filled Cupcakes—a pure delight that packs a burst of bright, juicy strawberry flavor into every sweet, buttery bite. Imagine tender cupcakes laced with fresh strawberries, hiding a secret core of jammy goodness, and capped with swirls of dreamy, vanilla-kissed frosting. This is the kind of treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into a celebration, whether you’re baking for family or bringing a tray to your next get-together. If you’ve had strawberry cupcakes before, just wait until you try this luscious, irresistible upgrade!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated—the beauty of Strawberry Filled Cupcakes is that every ingredient serves a delicious purpose, from the light crumb to the bright fresh filling. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need (plus a few tips for best results!).

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your cupcake, providing tender, fluffy structure.
• Baking powder: The key to that dreamy rise and delicate texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out every flavor.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and makes the frosting extra creamy.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps cream the butter into a light, airy base.
• Large eggs: Adds richness and a tender structure to hold those strawberry pieces.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and an irresistible bakery scent to both the cupcake and frosting.
• Whole milk: Ensures moist, rich cupcakes with every bite.
• Fresh strawberries (diced): Speckles the cupcakes with pockets of fruity, juicy flavor.
• Strawberry jam or preserves (for the filling): Provides that surprise burst of strawberry in every cupcake center.
• Powdered sugar (for the frosting): Whips up cloud-like sweetness for your topping.
• Heavy cream: Makes the frosting ultra-luxurious and easy to pipe or spread.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): A tiny dash to keep your frosting from tasting too sweet.
• Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional): A beautiful and flavorful finishing touch for serving.

How to Make Strawberry Filled Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Pan and Oven

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners—trust me, cute liners make these Strawberry Filled Cupcakes feel extra special! Setting up now means you can pour in your batter immediately after mixing, ensuring optimal rise and tenderness.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step guarantees an even distribution so that your cupcakes rise beautifully and have a lovely, delicate crumb every time. I always mix my dry ingredients first so I don’t have to fumble later during the wet stages.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step takes a few minutes with an electric mixer but it’s so worth it—creaming incorporates air, making your Strawberry Filled Cupcakes irresistibly light. Give it the time it deserves!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, giving each a good mix before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract as well. This combo adds richness, moisture, and a gorgeous aroma that will make your kitchen smell like your favorite bakery.

Step 5: Alternate With Dry Ingredients and Milk

Start adding your flour mixture and milk to the creamed base, alternating between the two: begin and end with flour. Mix just until combined—overbeating could make your cupcakes a little too dense. This is the moment the batter comes together, smooth and ready for its star ingredient.

Step 6: Fold in Diced Strawberries

Gently fold in those juicy, diced fresh strawberries, taking care not to squash them. Each Strawberry Filled Cupcake will have surprise bursts of berry flavor tucked inside the delicate crumb. Plus, the color—little pink specks—adds such beautiful flair.

Step 7: Divide and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into your cupcake liners (about two-thirds full for perfectly domed tops). Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool fully before the fun part—filling and frosting!

Step 8: Fill with Strawberry Jam

Once cupcakes are cool, use a tiny paring knife or cupcake corer to carefully cut a small hole in the center of each. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam or preserves into each cavity. This jammy center is what makes Strawberry Filled Cupcakes so unexpectedly delightful.

Step 9: Make and Apply the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip until smooth and fluffy. Pipe or generously spread the frosting over each filled cupcake. Top with a small fresh strawberry if you’re feeling extra festive!

How to Serve Strawberry Filled Cupcakes

Garnishes

A simple garnish takes your Strawberry Filled Cupcakes from delicious to downright show-stopping. Place a halved fresh strawberry, a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder, or even a few tiny edible flowers on top of each frosted cupcake. The pop of color makes each one look bakery-worthy and gives a little hint about the strawberry surprise inside.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a bowl of freshly cut fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cool glass of strawberry lemonade for a summery touch. If serving at a party, a platter of simple tea sandwiches or a cheese board rounds out the sweet flavors with something savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Strawberry Filled Cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece, or nestle each cupcake into a decorative paper liner. For a birthday, tuck a small candle in each. To impress, offer a “cupcake bar” with different frostings and garnishes so everyone can customize their own creation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store your Strawberry Filled Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Because of the fresh fruit and jam filling, they’re best enjoyed sooner rather than later, but they do hold up beautifully for next-day snacking or sharing.

Freezing

You can freeze the cupcakes (unfrosted and unfilled) for up to three months. Let them cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and defrost at room temperature before filling and frosting. Freezing helps lock in all the moisture without affecting flavor or texture!

Reheating

If you want to enjoy a cupcake slightly warm, pop it in the microwave for just 5–7 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, especially once filled and frosted—just enough to take the chill off and boost that fresh-baked scent.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen strawberries well before folding them into your batter. This keeps your cupcakes from getting soggy and ensures pockets of sweet berry flavor throughout.

How can I make the filling less sweet?

If you prefer a tarter filling, look for a low-sugar or homemade strawberry jam. A spoonful of finely chopped fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of lemon juice also adds a fresh, less-sweet kick.

What if I don’t have a cupcake corer?

No cupcake corer? No problem! Simply use a sharp paring knife to cut a shallow cone shape from the top center of each cupcake. It just takes a little care and works beautifully.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes—just substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Check the package for cup-for-cup replacement and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.

How do I make the cupcakes extra strawberry-flavored?

For a truly intense strawberry hit, swirl a bit of freeze-dried strawberry powder into your batter or frosting. It layers in a wonderful burst of berry color and taste without thinning the mix.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Strawberry Filled Cupcakes! They’re cheerful, delicious, and guaranteed to bring big smiles, whether you’re sharing them at a party or sneaking one for yourself on the couch. If you love strawberries and crave a little surprise in every bite, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Happy baking!

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