Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the sweet flavors of strawberries with the refreshing zing of lemons. These cupcakes are not just beautiful to look at; they are also bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cupcakes will surely impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to enjoy the sunny taste of summer, no matter the season. The combination of strawberry cake and lemon pudding makes these cupcakes light and refreshing. Plus, they are fun and easy to make! Perfect for baking beginners and seasoned cooks alike, Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes bring joy to any gathering.

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Making Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes is simple and quick. Just follow the steps below, and you will have a delicious batch of cupcakes ready to enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 box strawberry cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3.4 oz box instant lemon pudding mix
1 1/2 cups milk
4 oz Cool Whip
1 cup shortening (or unsalted butter)
4 cups powdered sugar
7-8 tsp water or milk
1/2 tsp strawberry extract
1/2 tsp lemon extract
Pink food coloring
Yellow food coloring

Directions:

Prepare the Cupcakes: Follow the instructions on the strawberry cake mix box. Combine the mix, eggs, water, and oil. Bake the cupcakes as directed and let them cool completely. Once cooled, remove the centers using a cupcake corer or a knife.
Prepare the Filling: Whisk together the lemon pudding mix and milk until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip and let the mixture chill in the fridge for 5 minutes. Fill the hollowed-out cupcakes with the lemon pudding mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
Make the Frosting: Beat the shortening (or butter) until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with water or milk, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Divide the frosting into two bowls. Add strawberry extract and pink food coloring to one bowl. Add lemon extract and yellow food coloring to the other.
Pipe the Frosting: Lay a piece of plastic wrap and place strawberry frosting in a line down the center. Add lemon frosting on top. Roll tightly, snip one end, and place in a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe a two-tone swirl of frosting onto each cupcake.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Serve these Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes on a fun plate and add colorful sprinkles for extra flair. They’re perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or just because. Pair them with a refreshing drink, like lemonade or iced tea.

How to Store Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

To keep your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in a well-sealed container so they stay moist.

Tips to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

For a stronger lemon flavor, add a bit more lemon extract to the frosting.
If you don’t have Cool Whip, you can use whipped cream instead.
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before filling them to prevent the filling from melting.

Variation

To switch things up, try using a lemon cake mix instead of strawberry. You can also experiment with different fruits, such as raspberry or peach, for unique flavor combinations!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day before and store them in an airtight container. Just fill and frost them on the day you plan to serve them.

Q: What if I don’t have a cupcake corer?
A: You can use a small knife to cut out the center of the cupcakes carefully. Just be sure not to cut too deep!

Q: Can these cupcakes be frozen?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cupcakes without frosting. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them before frosting when you’re ready to serve.