Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes: Prepare to fall head-over-heels for these decadent delights! Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, tender red velvet cupcake, its subtle cocoa notes perfectly complemented by the bright, juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

Red velvet cake, with its distinctive crimson hue, has a rich and somewhat mysterious history. Some believe it originated during the Victorian era, where bakers used beet juice to enhance the color and moisture of their cakes. Others trace its roots back to the Depression era, when cocoa powder was used to stretch ingredients and create a “velvety” texture. Regardless of its exact origins, red velvet has become a beloved classic, synonymous with elegance and indulgence.

What makes these Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors – the tangy cream cheese frosting cuts through the richness of the cake, while the strawberries add a burst of freshness. They are also incredibly convenient to make, perfect for bake sales, birthday parties, or simply a delightful treat to brighten your day. The combination of the classic red velvet flavor with the addition of fresh strawberries elevates these cupcakes to a whole new level of deliciousness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these stunning and utterly scrumptious cupcakes!

Ingredients:

• For the Red Velvet Cupcakes:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup strawberry puree (from about 1 pint fresh strawberries)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For Garnish (optional):
• Fresh strawberries, sliced or halved
• Red velvet cake crumbs

Preparing the Red Velvet Cupcakes

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will make removing the cupcakes a breeze later on!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent flavor and texture throughout the cupcakes.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create that signature red velvet tang and helps with leavening.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
5. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full. This will give the cupcakes enough room to rise without overflowing. I like to use an ice cream scoop for even distribution.
6. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
7. Cool Completely: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial that they’re completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.

Making the Strawberry Puree

1. Wash and Hull Strawberries: Wash about 1 pint of fresh strawberries and remove the green hulls.
2. Blend Strawberries: Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
3. Strain the Puree (Optional): For a smoother frosting, you can strain the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. This step is optional, but it will give your frosting a more refined texture.
4. Measure the Puree: Measure out ½ cup of strawberry puree for the frosting. If you have extra, you can use it for smoothies or other desserts!

Preparing the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Make sure both are at room temperature to avoid lumps in your frosting.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar!
3. Add Strawberry Puree and Vanilla: Add the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of milk or cream.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or strawberry flavor as needed. You can add a little more powdered sugar for sweetness or a bit more strawberry puree for a stronger strawberry flavor.

Assembling the Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes

1. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the strawberry cream cheese frosting. You can use a piping bag and tip for a fancy swirl, or simply spread the frosting on with a knife or spatula.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish the cupcakes with fresh strawberry slices or halves and red velvet cake crumbs. The cake crumbs add a nice textural contrast and visual appeal.
3. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the frosting set and make the cupcakes easier to handle.
4. Serve and Enjoy!: Serve your delicious Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes and enjoy! These are perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes are truly something special, a delightful marriage of classic flavors that will leave you and your loved ones craving more. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a touch of elegance and a burst of deliciousness in every bite. The moist, tangy red velvet cake, perfectly complemented by the sweet and juicy strawberry frosting, creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The recipe is straightforward enough for even beginner bakers to tackle with confidence, yet the end result is a show-stopping dessert worthy of any special occasion. Think birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or even just a “treat yourself” kind of day – these cupcakes are guaranteed to brighten anyone’s mood. Plus, the vibrant red and pink hues make them visually stunning, adding a touch of beauty to your dessert table. Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations! These cupcakes are absolutely divine on their own, but feel free to get creative and personalize them to your liking. For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing them with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of edible glitter. You could also drizzle them with a white chocolate ganache for an added layer of richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try incorporating other berries into the frosting? Raspberries or blueberries would be fantastic additions, adding a unique twist to the classic strawberry flavor. You could even experiment with different extracts in the cake batter, such as almond or vanilla, to create a truly custom flavor profile. Another fun variation is to fill the cupcakes with a strawberry jam or a cream cheese filling before frosting them. This adds a delightful surprise element and enhances the overall flavor experience. For a more decadent treat, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter or using a chocolate ganache instead of the strawberry frosting. These Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes are also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They’re perfect for afternoon tea, picnics, potlucks, or even as a sweet ending to a romantic dinner. You can serve them chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. And if you have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes for yourself. I poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe it’s one of my best creations yet. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience with me! I would absolutely love to hear your feedback, see your creations, and learn about any variations you’ve tried. Tag me in your photos on social media, leave a comment below, or send me an email – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking! I hope you enjoy these cupcakes as much as I do. They are a true testament to the joy of baking and the power of delicious food to bring people together. Print