Flavour-Filled Strawberry Vanilla Cupcakes with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberry Filling

These Strawberry Vanilla Cupcakes are a delightful blend of sweet vanilla cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and a juicy strawberry filling. Each bite offers a burst of strawberry flavor, complemented by the light and fluffy vanilla cupcake base. Topped with a swirl of creamy frosting and a fresh strawberry garnish, these cupcakes are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for special occasions or just as a sweet treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love these cupcakes because they combine the best of both worlds: a tender, moist vanilla cupcake with a sweet and tangy strawberry filling, all topped with a smooth and rich cream cheese frosting. The combination of textures and flavors makes these cupcakes irresistible. They’re not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for celebrations or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy frosting, making each bite a delightful experience.

Perfect Occasion:
These Strawberry Vanilla Cupcakes are ideal for any occasion where you want to serve an elegant and delicious dessert. They’re perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or any festive gathering where a touch of sweetness is needed. Their beautiful presentation and delightful flavor make them a hit at any event, whether it’s a family gathering, a tea party, or a special treat for someone you love. These cupcakes are also great for spring and summer celebrations when strawberries are in season.

Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, pipe the cream cheese frosting in tall, decorative swirls using a star tip. Top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry or a slice of strawberry for a pop of color. You can also drizzle some of the leftover strawberry filling over the frosting for an extra burst of flavor and a stunning visual effect. If you’re feeling creative, add a few edible flowers or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a delicate, elegant finish.

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 3 large eggs
• 160g granulated sugar
• 180g unsalted butter, softened
• 180g all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons Greek plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1.5 cups strawberries, diced (fresh or a mix of fresh and frozen)
• 3.5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with a bit of water to form a slurry)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, cold
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
   • Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, whisking by hand until fully incorporated.
   • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
   • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until well combined. Then, gently fold in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract.
   • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for the cupcakes to rise.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries and sugar. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries start to release their juices and soften.
   • Use a spatula to gently mash the strawberries. Add the lemon juice and cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously.
   • Continue to cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Transfer the filling to a piping bag.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
   • In another bowl, beat the cold cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract for about 15 seconds, until creamy and smooth.
   • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula. Once combined, use the mixer to whip the mixture together until well blended. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Assemble the Cupcakes:
   • Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping tip or a small knife to carve out a small hole in the center of each cupcake.
   • Fill the hole with the strawberry filling, then replace the piece of cupcake you removed to cover the filling.
   • Pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake in a decorative swirl.
   • Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a drizzle of the leftover strawberry filling.

Enjoy!

These Strawberry Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect combination of flavors and textures, offering a delightful treat for any occasion. The sweet and tangy strawberry filling, paired with the smooth, creamy frosting, makes every bite a delicious experience.