real strawberry cupcakes (sprinkles style!)

for rob's birthday, i decided to make some strawberry cupcakes, since it's his favorite :)  inspired by martha's recipe, here is my strawberry cupcake recipe for you to try at home...your cupcakes will be as tasty, if not better than sprinkles!  enjoy!

cupcake ingredients:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

- 1/2 cup cake flour

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup whole fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed

- 1/4 cup whole milk

- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup light brown sugar

- 1 large egg

- 2 large egg whites

strawberry frosting ingredients:

- 1/4 cup whole frozen strawberries, thawed

- 1 cup unsalted butter, slightly cold

- pinch of coarse salt

- 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

cupcake directions:

- preheat oven to 350 degrees

- line a 12-cup muffin tin or use foiled cupcake liners on a cookie sheet

- in a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt

- puree thawed frozen strawberries with a food processor or a hand-held blender

- in a separate bowl, mix 1/3 cup of strawberry puree, milk and vanilla together

- using the paddle attachment on an electric mixer, cream butter on med-high speed until light and fluffy

- add sugar and mix until light and fluffy

- reduce speed and add egg and egg whites one at a time

- at the lowest speed, add half the flour mixture, followed by the strawberry mixture, then the rest of the flour mixture, making sure the mixture is just blended between each step

- pour the batter into cupcake liners

- bake for about 15 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean; cool completely on a wire rack before icing!

strawberry frosting directions:

- puree thawed frozen strawberries with a food processor or a hand-held blender

- using the paddle attachment on an electric mixer, cream butter and salt together on medium speed until light and fluffy

- lower speed to low and add sugar; mix until well combined

- add vanilla and 3 tablespoons of strawberry puree and mix until blended

- make sure the frosting is creamy and thick and not over-blended. decorate your cupcakes and enjoy!

xoxo,

kara