Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup fresh strawberry puree (or mashed fresh strawberries)
• ½ cup buttermilk
For the White Chocolate Frosting:
• ½ cup white chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (for desired consistency)
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced (for topping)
Directions:
For the Cupcakes:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
4. Combine:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Bake:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
For the White Chocolate Frosting:
6. Prepare the Frosting:
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
Add the melted white chocolate and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy, adding heavy cream as needed to reach your desired consistency.
7. Frost the Cupcakes:
Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
8. Garnish:
Top with fresh diced strawberries or drizzle with strawberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Optional Add-ins:
• Add white chocolate chips or strawberry chunks to the batter for extra texture
• Sprinkle with edible glitter for a festive touch
