Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Prepare the strawberry puree: Wash and hull about 1.5 cups of fresh strawberries. Blend 1 cup of them into a smooth puree. Set aside the remaining 1/2 cup for dicing later for the frosting.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This is crucial for a light and airy strawberry cupcake recipe.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk and 1/2 cup of strawberry puree, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This ensures even baking for your strawberry cupcake recipe.
Step 7: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before frosting.
Step 8: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the strawberry buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until creamy, about 2 minutes.
Step 9: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and salt, beating on low speed until combined, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy. This makes the frosting for your strawberry cupcake recipe truly decadent.
Step 10: Beat in the 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry puree. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream or milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Fold in the finely diced fresh strawberries (if using) by hand.
Step 11: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a spatula or piping bag. Garnish each strawberry cupcake with a fresh strawberry half. Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry cupcake recipe!