Mascarpone Strawberry Cupcakes

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

Frosting:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

18-20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
4. Fold in the strawberries until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.

For the Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Assembly:

1. Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
3. Frost the cupcakes with the mascarpone frosting.
4. Garnish with sliced strawberries, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per cupcake):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Moist and fluffy strawberry cupcakes
• Creamy and decadent mascarpone frosting
• Sweet and tart strawberry flavor
• Perfect for parties, picnics, or everyday treats

User Comments:

• "These cupcakes are absolutely delicious! The strawberry flavor is amazing and the frosting is so creamy."
• "I made these for my daughter's birthday and they were a huge hit. The kids loved them."
• "I'm not usually a fan of strawberry desserts, but these cupcakes are an exception. They're so light and flavorful."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes.
• If desired, you can use fresh or frozen strawberries for this recipe.
• For best results, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.