How to Make Delicious Strawberry Cupcakes and Frosting

Just in time for summer!

When I hear "strawberry cupcake," I think of something fluorescent, made from a box. But these are from scratch.

This recipe is another Recipezaar find, attributed to Martha Stewart.

Some of the commenters suggested trying a different frosting if you don't want to go too heavy on the strawberries. But this one worked fine for me.

Recipe after the jump...

Ingredients:
(cupcakes)
    *   3/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced in half
    * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    * 1 teaspoon baking powder
    * 1/4 teaspoon salt
    * 1/4 cup milk
    * 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    * 1 cup sugar
    * 1 large egg
    * 2 large egg whites
    * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
(frosting)
    *  3 tablespoons fresh strawberries, pureed
    * 1 cup unsalted butter
    * 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
    * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    * 1 dash salt

Directions:
   1. Preheat oven to 350'.
   2. Using cupcake liners, place 12 liners in a muffin pan and set to the side.
   3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt and set a side.
   4. In a food processor or blender add strawberries and process until pureed.
   5. Empty pureed strawberries into a 1/3c measuring cup and set aside. Add rest of strawberry puree to a small bowl and set aside to use in the frosting.
   6. Using a electric mixer with bowl, cream butter on medium high speed until lightly fluffy.
   7. Gradually add sugar and continue to mix until well blended. Reduce speed to low and slowly add one egg and egg whites and mix until lightly blended.
   8. Add vanilla extract if using.
   9. Mix together milk and 1/3c strawberry puree.
  10. Alternate flour and milk mixture to mixer slowly ending with flour. Scrap down sides of bowl and continue to blend well.
  11. Using a ice cream scoop or tablespoon, add batter to prepared muffin cups.
  12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  13. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting.
  14. To make the Strawberry Frosting:.
  15. Using a electric mixer with bowl, add 1 cup butter (soften) and salt and blend on medium high until fluffy.
  16. Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar and blend well.
  17. Add vanilla extract and 3TBS of the strawberry puree, blend well.
  18. Using a knife frost the cupcakes and top with decorative candies.