Easy pink cupcakes recipe
Best pink cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. Topped with creamy strawberry buttercream
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
40 minutes mins
For the Cupcakes:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 360g
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature, 227g
- 1½ cups granulated sugar 300g
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream room temperature, 120g
- ½ cup whole milk room temperature, 120ml
- 1 cup fresh strawberries finely chopped, 220g
- 1 drop of pink food coloring optional
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- 1½ cups unsalted butter room temperature, 340g
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 cups powdered sugar 720g
- 6 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree about 6 large berries, 90ml
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Line the Muffin Pans
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter using medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a soft, tender cupcake. This step is essential for achieving a soft, tender cupcake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Combine the sour cream and whole milk in a measuring cup.
With the mixer on low speed, add a third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, followed by half of the sour cream mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are combined, alternating between the flour and sour cream mixtures. This technique prevents overmixing and keeps the cupcakes light.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries and Food Coloring
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and a drop of pink food coloring if you want a brighter color.
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full.
Step 8: Prepare the Strawberry Buttercream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and salt on medium speed until creamy, about 5 minutes.
With the mixer on low, gradually add the powdered sugar and strawberry puree, mixing until combined. Add the vanilla extract and beat on medium speed for an additional minute for a light and fluffy consistency.
Step 9: Frost the Cupcakes
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries give the best flavor, but if they’re not available, thawed frozen strawberries work too.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and smooth batter.
- Measure Flour Correctly: To avoid dense cupcakes, measure by fluffing the flour first, spooning it into the measuring cup, and leveling off with a knife.
- One Pan at a Time: Bake one pan at a time in the center of the oven for even results.