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close up of lemon strawberry cupcakes

Lemon Strawberry Cupcakes

With real strawberries mixed into the batter, these EASY Lemon Strawberry Cupcakes are the ultimate summer dessert recipe!
5 from 9 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon strawberry cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cool Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 18
Calories: 326kcal

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter ,room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon strawberry extract*
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries , chopped
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese , room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter , room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
  • cups powdered sugar
  • pink food coloring , optional

Instructions

Strawberry Cupcakes:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 18 standard size muffin tins with liners. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer or in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  • Add in the eggs and extracts. Mix until well combined. Continue with adding the vegetable oil and milk.
  • Sift or whisk together the baking powder, salt and flour. Add in the dry ingredients in ½ cup increments until it is fully incorporated.
  • Fold the the chopped strawberries into the batter by hand, being mindful to not overmix.
  • Fill each muffin well 2/3 of the way full of batter.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until they are springy to the touch and pass the toothpick test. Remove and allow to cool fully.

Strawberry Frosting:

  • In a mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Add in the extracts, mixing well. Add the powdered sugar and blend until fully incorporated.
  • If you wish to add food coloring, place in the desired amount, and mix until the frosting is streak free.
  • Place the frosting into a piping bag prepared with your desired tip or frost using an offset spatula.
  • Garnish with fresh strawberries right before serving.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

If you do not have strawberry extract, swap out with lemon extract, fresh lemon juice or additional vanilla extract. 

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 452IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg