Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet dessert. These cupcakes combine the rich, slightly tangy flavor of red velvet with the freshness of strawberries, creating a moist and decadent treat. Topped with a luscious cream cheese or strawberry frosting, they are perfect for any special occasion or as an indulgent treat for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the classic red velvet flavor with fresh strawberries for a unique taste.
Moist, tender texture with a subtle cocoa undertone.
Perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Versatile – great for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or casual gatherings.
Can be easily customized with different frostings or mix-ins.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract
White vinegar
Red food coloring
Fresh strawberries (diced)
Cream cheese (for frosting)
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream

Directions

Prepare the oven and cupcake liners – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugar – In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients – Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and vinegar. Add the red food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
Combine dry and wet ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced strawberries.
Bake – Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cupcakes – Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting – Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
Frost the cupcakes – Pipe or spread the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and garnish with fresh strawberries.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes: Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter, almond milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk, and a flaxseed egg substitute.
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting: Replace cream cheese with butter and blend in fresh strawberry puree for a fruity twist.
Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Extra Moist Cupcakes: Substitute half of the butter with vegetable oil to enhance the moisture level.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Frosted cupcakes should be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating.
Reheating: While cupcakes don’t typically need reheating, you can microwave an unfrosted one for 10-15 seconds to bring back its softness.

FAQs

How do I keep my cupcakes moist?

Use buttermilk and avoid overmixing the batter to ensure soft and moist cupcakes.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter.

Why do I need vinegar in the recipe?

Vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a lighter texture, which is key to the classic red velvet consistency.

Can I make these cupcakes without food coloring?

Yes, but they won’t have the signature red color. You can use beet powder as a natural alternative.

What type of frosting goes best with these cupcakes?

Cream cheese frosting pairs best, but buttercream or whipped cream frosting also works well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking?

Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and avoid opening the oven door too soon while baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredient measurements while keeping the mixing and baking times the same.

How do I get a deeper red color without adding too much food dye?

Use a high-quality gel food coloring, which is more concentrated and requires less quantity.

Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, adjust the baking time to around 12-15 minutes for mini cupcakes.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes offer a delightful combination of flavors that make them a standout dessert. Their soft, moist texture and fruity twist make them perfect for special occasions or a simple treat at home. Whether you enjoy them with classic cream cheese frosting or a strawberry-infused topping, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Try them today and indulge in a delicious fusion of red velvet and fresh strawberries!

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: Soft, fluffy, and beautifully rich, these Red Velvet Strawberry Cupcakes are topped with creamy frosting and fresh strawberries for a perfect dessert.