Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

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🍓🍋 Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes — A Sunshine-Filled Treat 🍋🍓

✨ Introduction:
These Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of fruity indulgence and summertime refreshment. Featuring a soft, moist strawberry cupcake base, a luscious lemon curd filling, and a vibrant pink and yellow lemonade buttercream swirl, each bite is a celebration of flavor, color, and joy. Whether you’re baking for a summer party, a birthday, or simply to treat yourself, these cupcakes will delight anyone who loves the sweet-tart harmony of strawberries and lemons.

🧁 Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cupcakes:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

For the Homemade Lemon Filling (Lemon Curd):

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces

For the Strawberry-Lemonade Swirled Buttercream:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp strawberry puree or extract
  • Yellow and pink food coloring (optional)
  • 2–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt

🧁 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Cupcakes

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Spoon batter into liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  4. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling or frosting.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling (Lemon Curd)

  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, zest, sugar, and egg yolks over medium-low heat.
  2. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth.
  4. Let cool and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.

Step 3: Fill the Cupcakes

  1. Using a small knife or cupcake corer, remove the center of each cupcake (don’t go all the way down).
  2. Fill each hole with about 1 tsp of chilled lemon curd.
  3. Gently replace the tops or leave them open.

Step 4: Make the Swirled Lemonade Buttercream

  1. Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
  2. Mix in lemon juice, salt, and enough cream to get a fluffy consistency.
  3. Divide into two bowls:
    • Color one yellow and add a touch more lemon juice.
    • Color the other pink and add strawberry puree or extract.
  4. Fill each color into opposite sides of a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  5. Pipe swirled buttercream onto filled cupcakes.

🧁 History of the Recipe

While cupcakes themselves date back to the 18th century, the Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake is a modern, whimsical creation inspired by the refreshing summer beverage. It became especially popular in the 2000s with the rise of boutique bakeries looking to put fun and fruity twists on classic desserts.

🧁 Benefits

  • Vitamin C Boost: Strawberries and lemons are both rich in immune-boosting Vitamin C.
  • Mood Enhancer: The sweet and citrus combo has been shown to uplift mood.
  • Kid-Approved: Bright colors and fruity flavors make this a family favorite.
  • Versatile: Perfect for parties, picnics, bridal showers, and bake sales.

🧁 Formation & Styling

  • Use pastel wrappers for a summery vibe.
  • Garnish each cupcake with a sliced strawberry, lemon twist, or sprinkle of edible glitter for flair.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🧁 Nutritional Information (Approx. per cupcake):

  • Calories: 290
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Vitamin C: 10% DV

🧁 Conclusion

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are not just desserts—they’re a reminder of carefree summer afternoons and joyful gatherings. The delicate balance of tart lemon and sweet strawberry dances on your tastebuds, wrapped in a soft cake and a swirl of sunshine.

🧁 Lovers of This Dessert

These cupcakes are adored by:

  • Fruit lovers who want brightness in every bite.
  • Kids and teens for their fun colors and sweet flavor.
  • Bakers and pastry chefs for their versatility and beautiful presentation.
  • Lemon fanatics who crave tart citrus in their sweets.

Would you like me to turn this recipe into a printable PDF or make a visual card for social media? 🍓🧁

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