These Strawberry Cupcakes Are a Must-Make Summer Recipe

For me, the start of strawberry season is really the start of summer. Sure, technically you could say they start cropping up in late spring, but a really great strawberry is a promise of what’s to come (I’m looking at you, stone fruit and watermelon). There are so many ways to enjoy fresh strawberries, but cupcakes are one of my absolute favorites. And this summer, while we are all stoked to gather again with friends in safe ways, individual treats like cupcakes are proving to be an easier way to make sure that everyone enjoys the party without any anxieties over shared food. 

All of which is to say that Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes has the absolute most perfect recipe for this exact moment in time: homemade strawberry cupcakes. She uses a strawberry purée directly in the cake batter to really amp up the flavor. “The flavor truly relies on the natural essence of berries,” she explains. Then she doubles down on the strawberry by also using strawberry extract. 

The light, fluffy texture comes from the use of sour cream, butter, and vegetable oil. “They are incredibly moist and tender and feel like the perfect spring and summer dessert,” she says. Then the crowning touch comes with the homemade strawberry buttercream, complete with little bits of strawberries for extra flavor and color. “Plus,” says Jocelyn, “the frosting tastes like strawberry ice cream, and that’s a win in and of itself!”

Get the recipe: Strawberry Cupcakes from Grandbaby Cakes

• Strawberry Dutch Baby
• No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake
• 3-Ingredient Strawberry Nice Cream

Kitchn’s Delicious Links column highlights recipes we’re excited about from the bloggers we love.