Strawberry Basil Cupcakes

Strawberry Basil Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the unique flavor of fresh basil. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, adding a twist to your usual dessert offerings. The combination of fruity and herbal notes makes each bite refreshing and delicious.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Strawberry Basil Cupcakes is a great way to impress your friends and family. Not only do they look wonderful, but they also taste amazing. They are perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or just a fun baking project at home. The ingredients are simple, and the process is easy, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.

How to Make Strawberry Basil Cupcakes

Here’s a step-by-step guide to create your very own Strawberry Basil Cupcakes:

Ingredients

1 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1 and 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, cut into tiny chunks
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1 cup salted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, pureed

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake baking sheet with paper liners or grease the pan with baking spray.
Cut one cup’s worth of strawberries into small chunks and finely chop fresh basil leaves.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until thoroughly combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet mixture until evenly combined.
Gently fold the chopped strawberries and basil into the batter.
Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick or knife.
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire cooling rack.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until well combined.
Gradually add heavy cream until the frosting is smooth.
Puree the freeze-dried strawberries and mix them into the frosting until fully combined.
Frost the cupcakes as desired. Optionally, garnish with a slice of strawberry and/or a basil leaf.

How to Serve Strawberry Basil Cupcakes

Serve these cupcakes at room temperature. They make a lovely dessert for any meal and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. For an added touch, you can decorate each cupcake with a fresh strawberry or a basil leaf on top.

How to Store Strawberry Basil Cupcakes

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving for the best taste.

Tips to Make Strawberry Basil Cupcakes

Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it mixes well with the sugar.
To enhance the basil flavor, consider using more basil in the batter or frosting according to your taste.
Mix gently when folding in strawberries and basil to prevent them from breaking apart.

Variation

You can customize these cupcakes by adding lemon zest to the batter for a brighter flavor. Another variation is to substitute the basil with mint for a refreshing twist. You can also use other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, as alternatives to strawberries.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and frost them right before serving for the best texture.

2. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Absolutely! After baking, make sure they are completely cool. Freeze them without frosting in a single layer. Once frozen, you can store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Frost when you are ready to serve them.

3. What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can try using dried basil, but the flavor will be less intense. Start with a smaller amount, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.

Enjoy making and sharing these tasty Strawberry Basil Cupcakes!