Strawberry Cupcakes!

I realize I'm posting extremely late for the month of May, and I apologize. However, the recipe I'm posting, is exceptionally delicious. I've made these strawberry cupcakes twice this month. The first time, I prepared the strawberry cupcakes for Mother's Day. The strawberries I used were picked fresh from a local farm the day before I made the cupcakes. Try finding strawberries from your local farm if you decide to make these strawberry cupcakes! About two weeks after Mother's Day, I baked the strawberry cupcakes for my teachers as an end-of-the-year gift. I placed the cupcakes in adorable silver boxes tied with pink ribbon. These cupcakes are a marvelous summer treat for your family, friends, teachers or colleagues! 

For the Cupcakes:

-2 1/2 cups of cake flour

-1 tsp. baking soda

-1/4 tsp. salt

-1/3 cup buttermilk

-1/4 cup canola oil

-1/2 tsp. almond oil

-1 tsp. vanilla extract

-1/2 cup unsalted butter

-1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

-2 eggs

-1 cup of mashed strawberries

-1 tsp. orange zest

For the Frosting:

-1/2 cup chopped strawberries

-2 tbsp. strawberry jam

-1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

-1 8 oz. package of cream cheese

-1 1/2 cups of unsalted butter

-4 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar

*Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Freshly picked strawberries!

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. 

In another medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Set aside.

In an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Gradually add the buttermilk mixture. Beat for 1 minute at medium speed.

Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

I used my food processor to puree my strawberries. :) 

Add the strawberries and orange zest.

Stir.

Distribute bater to each muffin tin. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes,

Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then cool on racks for about an hour. 

Chop 1/2 cup of strawberries.

Chop the butter.

Sift the confectioners' sugar.

Combine the strawberries, jam, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.

Cook and stir for five minutes. 

Mix the cream cheese and butter at a medium speed until creamy. Slowly add the confectioners' sugar.

Add the strawberries and mix at low speed until blended.

Frost the cupcakes!

I decorated the cupcakes with colorful candy. :)

I boxed them for my teachers!

ENJOY! :D