Description
Delight in these classic Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes featuring moist white cake infused with vanilla, topped with fresh, sugar-soaked strawberries, strawberry glaze, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for a festive gathering or a sweet everyday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Strawberries
- 1 pound package fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
Cake Batter
- 1 box (16 ounces) white cake mix (plus egg whites, oil, and water called for on box mix)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 container strawberry glaze
- Fresh whipped cream (or Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Clean strawberries thoroughly under water and pat dry with paper towels. Chop strawberries into small pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 cup granulated sugar over the strawberries and gently stir to combine. Cover the bowl with a lid and allow the strawberries to soak in the sugar for at least 3 hours to develop a sweet syrup.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C). Line two cupcake pans with 24 cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Make Cupcake Batter: Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions using the recommended amounts of egg whites, oil, and water. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Evenly divide the batter among the 24 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle a pinch of the remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar over the top of each cupcake batter to add a slight sweet crust.
- Bake Cupcakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely in the pans before decorating.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Once cooled, take each cupcake and pour 1 tablespoon of strawberry glaze evenly over the top. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the prepared fresh strawberries with their syrup on top of the glaze. Finish by topping each cupcake with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip. Repeat for all cupcakes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes fresh and enjoy the luscious combination of moist cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy topping.
Notes
- Letting the strawberries soak in sugar for at least 3 hours helps to draw out their natural juices and create a delicious, syrupy topping.
- You can substitute fresh whipped cream with Cool Whip for easier preparation and longer shelf life.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before assembling to prevent whipped cream from melting.
- The strawberry glaze can be found in most grocery stores near pie fillings or dessert toppings.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, use homemade strawberry glaze or reduce the baking time slightly if you prefer softer cupcakes.
