Strawberry Basil Cupcakes

These strawberry basil cupcakes combine the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a hint of herbaceous basil, offering a unique and refreshing flavor experience. Moist, tender cupcakes topped with a creamy, basil-infused strawberry frosting make these perfect for a special occasion or when you want to experiment with bold, creative flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The sweet strawberries and aromatic basil create a delightful twist on classic cupcakes.

Perfectly Balanced Frosting: The strawberry puree and basil make the frosting light, creamy, and flavorful without being overly sweet.

Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe approachable for all skill levels.

Special Occasion Worthy: These cupcakes are elegant enough to impress at gatherings or celebrations.

Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste with variations like lemon zest or cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cupcakes:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped

2 tablespoons strawberry puree

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Directions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.

Gently fold in the finely chopped basil.

Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until smooth and creamy.

Stir in the finely chopped basil, strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully incorporated.

If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of strawberry puree or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Frost the Cupcakes:

Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, use a piping bag or spatula to frost each one with the basil-infused strawberry frosting.

For garnish, add fresh basil leaves or sliced strawberries if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 12 cupcakes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18-22 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add Lemon Zest: A teaspoon of lemon zest in the batter or frosting will add a bright, citrusy note.

Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace half of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese for a tangy flavor.

Basil Syrup: For an even stronger basil flavor, infuse the frosting with basil syrup instead of fresh basil.

Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Extra Freshness: Top the cupcakes with a small spoonful of fresh strawberry puree before frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If refrigerated, they can last for 4-5 days.

Reheating: Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and frost before serving.

Related Recipes:

• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

FAQs

How do I get the perfect strawberry puree for this recipe?

I recommend blending fresh strawberries until smooth. If you prefer a thicker puree, cook the strawberries over low heat to reduce excess moisture.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil provides the best flavor and texture, but you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil as a substitute.

What can I do if my frosting is too thin?

Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting thickens. Alternatively, refrigerate it for 15 minutes to firm up.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them unfrosted, and frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To tone down the sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar slightly and balance it with a bit of cream cheese or a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Conclusion

Strawberry basil cupcakes are the perfect treat when you’re looking to impress with something creative and flavorful. The combination of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil creates a unique, sophisticated dessert that’s still easy to prepare. Whether it’s for a party, a gathering, or just a weekend treat, these cupcakes will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy experimenting with the variations to make them your own.

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