Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

April was a packed birthday month for me. I think I had six if not more birthdays to celebrate. Which is great since I love going to parties and of course eating cake. However, I'm always in a quandry about buying a gifts. Sometimes I know exactly the perfect thing and other times I wonder the store aimlessly and then settle on a giftcard. Do you have a go to gift when you're not sure what to buy?

One of my good friends had a backyard luau for her birthday and I was in charge of the dessert. I baked the most delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes that I found on Baked Perfection.

If you decide to add slices of strawberries and lemons, make sure to dry them well and do not add them to the top until the very last minute.

Lemon Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream

recipe from Baked Perfection

makes 24-30 cupcakes

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

4 teaspoons grated lemon zest

4 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups sour cream

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well. Add the flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full with batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Strawberry Buttercream
recipe from Baked Perfection

2 sticks butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup strawberry jam (I used a little more jam since I wanted it a little sweeter)

pinch of salt

6 cups powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons milk

Beat butter and vanilla until creamy. Mix in strawberry jam and salt. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating until combined. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.


Did you have a birthday last month?