Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake with lemon wedge and strawberry garnish on rustic table
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Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake Recipe That Will Make You Fall in Love

ByAnna

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake is the perfect blend of zesty lemon and ripe strawberries baked into fluffy perfection Welcome to homeasyrecipes.com where every recipe carries a story and every bite feels like home I’m Anna the creator of this little kitchen haven where tradition and taste meet Growing up in my grandmother Mary’s kitchen I learned early on that food isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about memories laughter and love HomeasyRecipes was born from my desire to share that legacy to help busy home cooks rediscover the joy of making meals that are simple yet unforgettable

If you’re here it probably means you’re ready for a dessert that feels like summer sunshine Our Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake recipe does just that It’s not overly complicated but it delivers big on flavor Think tart lemon zest paired with sweet strawberry buttercream all wrapped up in a soft moist cupcake You won’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients Just the willingness to whisk bake and maybe sneak a taste of frosting along the way

At homeasyrecipes.com you’ll find more than just recipes You’ll find practical tips real-life cooking hacks and a focus on desserts that bring people together From weekday quick meals to decadent treats for special occasions there’s something here for every kind of cook Whether you’re baking for family a special celebration or just because it’s Wednesday these Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes will earn their place in your recipe box

For an ultra-easy citrus treat try our popular Two Ingredient Lemon Bars which pair beautifully with any fruity dessert spread

Table of Contents

Why Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

A Flavor Combination That Defines Summer

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience of summer in every bite. The tartness of freshly zested lemons blends beautifully with the sweet brightness of ripe strawberries, creating a cupcake that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Unlike standard cupcakes, the Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake delivers a balance of citrusy tang and fruity sweetness that instantly lifts your mood.

For many home bakers, this cupcake has become a seasonal favorite because it brings together two beloved flavors in one light, fluffy package. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or a simple family dinner, these cupcakes are as much about the memory they create as the taste they deliver.

The Secret Appeal of Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake

Have you ever wondered what makes a Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake so irresistible? It’s not just about the lemon zest or the creamy strawberry buttercream. It’s about how these elements work in harmony. The zesty lemon cuts through the richness of the buttercream, while the strawberry jam center adds a surprise burst of flavor.

Some people often ask is strawberry lemonade just pink lemonade The answer lies in the ingredients While pink lemonade often gets its color from dyes or a splash of cranberry juice strawberry lemonade is made with actual strawberries This gives it not only a natural blush but also a distinct fruity flavor The Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake takes inspiration from this drink but elevates it into a dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat

If you’re new to baking cupcakes, starting with a Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake is a smart choice. Its approachable recipe uses common pantry ingredients and simple techniques that even beginner bakers can master. Plus, the end result looks bakery-level impressive without requiring professional skills

Discover how flavors come alive in our Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake—a perfect companion to your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake journey

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Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake with lemon wedge and strawberry garnish on rustic table

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake Recipe That Will Make You Fall in Love

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 19 minutes
  • Total Time: 59 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes combine the bright zest of lemons with sweet strawberry jam and buttercream frosting to create a moist, fluffy, and refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • Zest of 1 large lemon (1 Tbsp / 5g)
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend (150g)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (6g)
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature (125g)
  • 1/2 cup water (120g)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil (56g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
  • Yellow gel food coloring – optional
  • 3/4 cup strawberry jam (240g) – optional filling
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
  • Zest of 1 large lemon (1 Tbsp / 5g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
  • 1 tsp lemon extract (4g)
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt (1g)
  • 3 Tbsp seedless strawberry jam or jelly (60g)
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (454g)
  • 1 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature (15g)
  • Red gel food coloring – optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
  2. Mix sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl until aromatic and slightly yellow.
  3. Whisk in flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, water, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Add yellow food coloring if desired.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
  6. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 19–21 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack.
  7. To make buttercream, beat butter until smooth. Add lemon zest, vanilla, lemon extract, and salt; mix on low speed.
  8. Add strawberry jam and mix thoroughly. Gradually blend in powdered sugar and cream until smooth. Adjust consistency with extra cream or powdered sugar as needed.
  9. Optionally, line the piping bag with strawberry jam before filling with buttercream. Pipe swirls on cooled cupcakes.
  10. Remove cupcake centers and fill with strawberry jam, then frost and garnish with lemon slices and strawberries.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based alternatives for butter, sour cream, and eggs.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 367 kcal
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake, lemon cupcakes, strawberry buttercream, summer dessert, fruity cupcakes

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Essential Ingredients and Tools You Need for Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake

Must-Have Ingredients to Nail the Recipe

Making the perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake starts with the right ingredients Each component plays a critical role in achieving the soft texture and vibrant flavor profile this cupcake is known for Here’s what you’ll need

  • Granulated sugar (1 cup) combines with lemon zest to release aromatic oils creating a fragrant base
  • Zest of 1 large lemon about 1 tablespoon adds a fresh citrus punch
  • All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups) forms the structure ensuring a tender crumb
  • Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons) gives the cupcakes their rise
  • Fine salt (1/2 teaspoon) balances the sweetness
  • Full-fat sour cream (1/2 cup) provides richness and keeps cupcakes moist
  • Water (1/2 cup) helps loosen the batter without compromising flavor
  • Vegetable or canola oil (1/4 cup) for a light tender texture
  • Large egg (1) brings structure and richness
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) for a subtle depth of flavor
  • Optional yellow gel food coloring if you want a brighter hue
  • Optional filling 3/4 cup strawberry jam for a delightful surprise center

For the buttercream:

  • Unsalted butter (1 cup) room temperature for creamy frosting
  • Zest of 1 large lemon to mirror the cupcake base flavor
  • Vanilla and lemon extracts (1 tsp each) for layered aromas
  • Fine salt (1/4 tsp)
  • Seedless strawberry jam (3 tbsp) gives natural strawberry flavor and color
  • Powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups) for sweetness and structure
  • Heavy whipping cream (1 tbsp) adjusts consistency
  • Optional red gel food coloring to enhance the pink hue

Having all ingredien

ts at room temperature is key for even mixing and perfect texture

Tools and Decorations for Professional Results

You don’t need a professional bakery setup to create stunning Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes but a few essential tools make all the difference

  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer for effortless batter and frosting preparation
  • Muffin tin and cupcake liners to shape your cupcakes perfectly
  • Large round piping tip (Ateco 807) and piping bag for neat buttercream swirls
  • Small lemon and fresh strawberries for garnishing
  • Heart-shaped cutter if you want to add adorable toppers
  • Rubber spatula for smooth frosting consistency
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Essential ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Lemon Cupcakes

Preparing the Perfect Batter for Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake

Creating the batter for a Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake is surprisingly simple yet deeply rewarding Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and release beautifully

In a large mixing bowl combine 1 cup granulated sugar with the zest of 1 large lemon Rub the zest into the sugar using your fingertips This step is essential as it helps release the fragrant lemon oils infusing your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake batter with bright citrus flavor

Next whisk in 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt in the same bowl Set this dry mixture aside

In a separate medium

-sized bowl whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract If you’d like your cupcakes to have a vibrant sunny color add a small amount of yellow gel food coloring to the wet ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently whisk until just combined Avoid overmixing as it can lead to dense cupcakes The goal is a smooth pourable batter

For another sweet strawberry-inspired dessert, try these adorable Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes from Natasha’s Kitchen—they’re the perfect bite-sized treat alongside your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake

ding" id="baking-to-moist-fluffy-perfection">Baking to Moist Fluffy Perfection

Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full Bake in the preheated oven for 19–21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs

Once baked let the Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely This step ensures they set properly and are ready for frosting

Making Strawberry Buttercream Frosting That Steals the Show

Whipping Up Smooth and Fluffy Strawberry Buttercream

While the cupcakes cool it’s time to prepare the frosting Start by beating 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature on medium speed for about 30 seconds using a stand mixer or hand mixer The goal is a smooth creamy base

Add the zest of 1 la

rge lemon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon lemon extract and 1/4 teaspoon fine salt Beat on low speed until the flavors meld Then mix in 3 tablespoons seedless strawberry jam for a naturally sweet and fruity flavor

Gradually add 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar followed by 1 tablespoon heavy cream Continue mixing on low until fully incorporated For a richer pink color mix in a drop of red gel food coloring This will enhance the natural hue without overpowering the flavor

Getting the Right Consistency for Perfect Piping

If the buttercream appears too thick add an extra teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches a pipeable consistency If it’s too soft mix in more powdered sugar a quarter cup at a time To ensure the frosting is silky smooth stir it by hand with a rubber spatula for one to two minutes

For an elegant touch

line your piping bag with a thin smear of strawberry jam before filling it with the buttercream This creates subtle streaks of strawberry in the frosting that look stunning when piped

Assembling and Decorating Your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Filling Each Cupcake with a Burst of Strawberry Flavor

Once your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes have completely cooled it’s time to add a surprise inside Using a small sharp knife or a 3/4-inch round cutter carefully remove the center of each cupcake Save these pieces to nibble on or discard them if you prefer

Fill each hollow center with about 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam This creates a delightful burst of sweet strawberry flavor in every bite complementing the lemon base perfectly This step is optional but highly recommended if you want your Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake to stand out

ding" id="piping-flawless-swirls-of-strawberry-buttercream">Piping Flawless Swirls of Strawberry Buttercream

Now prepare your piping bag fitted with a large round piping tip like Ateco 807 Fill it with the strawberry buttercream frosting you made earlier Pipe generous swirls of frosting on each cupcake starting at the outer edge and spiraling inward for a professional look

Strawberry buttercream being piped to perfection

The strawberry buttercream not only adds visual appeal but also brings a creamy fruity contrast to the zesty lemon cake The light pink hue with subtle strawberry streaks creates a stunning presentation that will impress at any gathering

Garnishing with Style for the Perfect Finish

For the finishing touch top each Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake with a small wedge of lemon and a fresh strawberry slice You can even use a heart-shaped cutter to create adorable strawberry toppers that make these cupcakes Instagram-worthy

Presentation matters

and these simple garnishes elevate your cupcakes from homemade to bakery-level gorgeous

If you’re planning a summer party, pair your cupcakes with this refreshing Strawberry Party Punch for a full fruity spread that guests will love

Common Questions Answered

Is Strawberry Lemonade a Sativa or Indica

While the name Strawberry Lemonade may sound like something from the cannabis world this Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake recipe is all about flavor not strains In the context of cannabis Strawberry Lemonade is usually a sativa-dominant hybrid known for uplifting effects But here we’re simply celebrating the zesty lemon and sweet strawberry combo in a delicious cupcake