Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes combine rich, velvety red velvet cake with sweet macerated strawberries and light, fluffy whipped cream frosting. These elegant and delicious cupcakes are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Moist: The perfect balance of cocoa and buttermilk makes these cupcakes tender.
• Fresh Strawberry Filling: Juicy, sweet strawberries add a refreshing touch.
• Light & Fluffy Topping: Whipped cream frosting keeps these cupcakes from being too heavy.
• Beautiful & Festive: The red velvet and strawberries create a stunning presentation.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, holidays, or an indulgent treat!

Ingredients

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

For the Red Velvet Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar
• Red food coloring

For the Strawberry Filling:

• Fresh strawberries, diced
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Make the Red Velvet Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs & Flavoring: Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring until combined.
5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
6. Bake: Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

7. In a bowl, toss diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to release juices.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

8. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

9. Cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with the strawberry mixture.
10. Pipe Whipped Cream Frosting on top.
11. Garnish with a Fresh Strawberry and serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a melted chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap whipped cream for a tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Berry Mix: Add blueberries or raspberries to the filling for a mixed berry flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar in the filling and use sugar-free whipped cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for 2 months. Thaw before adding filling and frosting.
• Reheating: Not needed—serve chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought red velvet cake mix?

Yes! Follow package instructions and proceed with filling and frosting.

How do I keep whipped cream from melting?

Use stabilized whipped cream (add a little cornstarch or gelatin to help hold its shape).

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

What’s the best way to fill the cupcakes?

Use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center before filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake cupcakes and prep strawberries a day in advance. Frost just before serving.

Can I make these into a cake instead?

Yes! Use two 8-inch cake pans and layer with strawberries and whipped cream.

What’s the best piping tip for frosting?

A large round or star tip works best for a soft, elegant swirl.

How do I make the cupcakes extra moist?

Use oil instead of butter or add a little sour cream to the batter.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to milk and let sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.

How do I make the red color more vibrant?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a deeper red hue.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are a stunning and delicious dessert that combines the best of red velvet cake, fresh strawberries, and light whipped cream. Whether for a party, holiday, or romantic treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Try them today for an irresistible bite of sweetness!

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