Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option}
Fresh gluten-free strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream frosting. Moist and tender strawberry cupcakes topped with strawberry buttercream. No artificial colors or flavors, just fresh strawberries in every bite. With a dairy-free option.
1 1/2cupsgluten-free flour(I like Pillsbury gluten-free. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.)
1/4teaspoon xanthan gum(leave out if your flour already has it)
1 1/2cup granulated sugar
1 1/2teaspoonsgluten-free baking powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2cupbuttermilk(or add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to milk to make buttermilk. Dairy-free use almond, cashew or coconut milk)
1/4cupunsalted butter(dairy-free use Earth Balance or Smart Balance butter)
1/2teaspoonpure vanilla extract
3large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2cupsstrawberry puree
red food coloring (optional if you want the cupcakes really pink)
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
1cupbutter, softeneddairy-free use Smart Balance butter
1/4-1/2cupstrawberry puree(start with 1/4 cup and add more if you want more strawberry flavor)
1/4 teaspoonpure vanilla extract
1/4teaspoonlemon juice
3cupspowdered sugar
red food coloring (optional if you want the cupcakes really pink)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Use cupcake liners or spray a with muffin pans with gluten-free cooking spray.
Remove the stems of the strawberries and cut the strawberries in half. Puree the strawberries in a food processor or blender. (I used myNinjaMaster Prep Pro System)
In a large bowl cream butter and sugar together. Add the pure vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
Add one egg at a time to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
In a medium bowl add the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (leave out if your flour already has it), gluten-free baking powder and salt. Stir to combine the ingredients.
Add the gluten-free flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.
Add the strawberry puree and the buttermilk to the cake batter. Mix until fully combined. (Add optional red food coloring if you want the cupcake batter pinker)
Scoop the cake batter into the lined muffin pans. (I like to use an ice cream scoop)
Bake cupcakes for 20 minutes. Please watch your cupcakes because all ovens are different. Use a toothpick to check and see if the centers are done.
Cool completely before frosting.
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl cream the butter using a stand-up mixer or hand a mixer. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl before adding the next ingredients.
Add the strawberry puree, lemon juice and pure vanilla extract to the butter and mix until fully combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl before adding the powdered sugar. (Add optional red food coloring if you want the frosting pinker)
Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Mix until the frosting is firm.
If you want a firmer frosting, refrigerate the frosting for a few minutes before either piping or spreading on top of the cupcakes. I like to line a piping bag in a tall glass and then add the frosting. It sure is less messy. My favorite frosting tip is the Wilton 1M.
Cupcakes can be stored in an air-tight container, but keep the frosting refrigerated and frost cupcakes when ready to serve.
Enjoy!
Notes
I like Pillsbury gluten-free.Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
I used cashew milk and Smart Balance butter for the dairy-free-option.
I always use a greased ice cream scoop when making muffins and cupcakes.