Gathering fresh ingredients is key to making these delightful cupcakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp strawberry puree or extract
- Pink and yellow food coloring
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Step 3: Fill the cupcake liners about ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 5: Using a knife or a cupcake corer, remove a small center from each cooled cupcake.
- Step 6: Fill each cupcake with approximately 1 tsp of lemon curd and replace the removed piece on top.
- Step 7: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing.
- Step 8: Divide the buttercream mixture into two bowls. In one, add lemon juice and yellow food coloring; in the other bowl, add strawberry flavoring and pink coloring.
- Step 9: Fill both colors side by side into one piping bag to create a two-toned swirl effect for frosting.
- Step 10: Pipe a tall swirl of buttercream on each cupcake. Garnish with a lemon wedge or a strawberry slice if desired.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use homemade lemon curd?
A1: Absolutely! Homemade lemon curd can enhance the flavor and freshness of your cupcakes significantly.
Q2: How long can I store these cupcakes?
A2: These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Q3: Could I use a different cake mix flavor?
A3: Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cake mix flavors if you want to switch things up.
Q4: How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
A4: Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the traditional strawberry cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q5: What can I do if I don’t have food coloring?
A5: Food coloring is optional; you can skip it, allowing the natural colors of the frosting and cake to shine through.
Conclusion
Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of summer. Their vibrant appearance combined with the sweet and tangy flavors makes for a refreshing dessert ideal for any occasion. With minimal effort, you can create a beautiful batch of these cupcakes that will surely impress your friends and family. Enjoy the baking journey, and savor every bite!
