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Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes - Bright, Fresh, and Fun

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the cupcakes:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the strawberry frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/3 cup strawberry puree or thick strawberry reduction (see note below)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice for extra tang
  • Garnish: Fresh strawberries and thin lemon slices (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs and flavors: Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
  5. Combine with dairy: Mix sour cream and milk in a small cup. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts, alternating with the sour cream mixture. Mix just until smooth. Do not overmix.
  6. Fill and bake: Divide batter evenly among liners (about 2/3 full). Bake 16–19 minutes, until tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Let cupcakes cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
  8. Make the frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; mix until smooth. Beat in the cooled strawberry reduction, then add more powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until fluffy and pipeable. Add a splash of lemon juice if you want extra brightness.
  9. Frost: Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with a strawberry slice or tiny lemon wedge if you like.