Strawberry Cupcakes with Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients and Weight:

For the Cupcakes: - All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g) - Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) - Baking powder: 2 teaspoons - Baking soda: 1 teaspoon - Salt: 1/2 teaspoon - Mashed strawberries: 1 cup (150g) - Milk: 1 cup (240ml) - Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) - Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Icing: - Cream cheese: 8 ounces (227g), softened - Butter: 8 tablespoons (113g), softened - Powdered sugar: 3 cups (360g) - Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon - Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

15-18 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

For the Cupcakes: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the mashed strawberries, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. 4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. 5. Fill the prepared cupcake liners to about 2/3 full. 6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 7. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Icing: 1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. 2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well. 3. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.

To Assemble: 1. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost with the lemon zest cream cheese icing. 2. Garnish with fresh strawberries or lemon zest, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per cupcake):

Calories: 250 Fat: 10g Saturated Fat: 6g Carbohydrates: 40g Sugar: 25g Protein: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and fluffy cupcakes with a sweet and tangy strawberry flavor
• Creamy and tart lemon zest cream cheese icing
• Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any special occasion

User Comments:

• "These cupcakes were a hit with everyone at my party! The strawberry flavor is perfect, and the lemon zest icing adds a nice balance."
• "I loved how easy these cupcakes were to make. They turned out so moist and delicious."
• "These cupcakes are the perfect combination of sweet and tart. The lemon zest icing is truly special."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To ensure the cupcakes are moist, do not overmix the batter.
• If you don't have mashed strawberries, you can use 1 cup of chopped fresh strawberries.
• For a stronger lemon flavor, use more lemon zest.