Description
Monster Strawberry Cupcakes are a whimsical treat featuring moist strawberry-infused cupcakes topped with creamy green vanilla buttercream frosting and decorated with spooky monster strawberries. This fun and festive recipe combines fresh strawberries and strawberry preserves in the batter for an extra burst of flavor, complemented by a smooth, vibrant buttercream that’s perfect for Halloween or any playful occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 3 tbsp strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 drops pink food coloring
- 1/3 cup milk
Vanilla Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6-8 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 drops green food gel dye
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cupcakes.
- Mix strawberries: In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh strawberries with the strawberry jam or preserves and set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take a few minutes.
- Add egg whites and flavorings: Beat in the egg whites, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing on low speed to combine without overmixing.
- Fold in strawberries: Gently fold the strawberry and preserve mixture into the batter, distributing it evenly.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake: Pour the batter into cupcake liners filling each about three-quarters full, then bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare vanilla buttercream: With the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and cream: Add 6 cups of powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract, mixing slowly until combined, then beat on high for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth texture.
- Adjust frosting consistency: Add additional powdered sugar one cup at a time until the desired thickness is reached.
- Add food coloring: Beat in the green food gel dye until the buttercream is evenly tinted.
- Decorate cupcakes: Frost the cooled cupcakes with the green vanilla buttercream and sprinkle with crushed Oreo crumbs and monster-themed strawberries for a festive touch.
Notes
- The strawberry cupcake recipe is adapted from Karas Party Ideas (http://www.karaspartyideas.com/2013/08/the-best-strawberry-cupcake-recipe.html).
- The vanilla buttercream frosting recipe is inspired by Martha Stewart.
- For the monster effect, use Oreo crumbs and creatively decorated strawberries painted or carved to look spooky.
- The green food gel dye gives the frosting a vibrant color perfect for Halloween or themed parties.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and smoother frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg