Throwback: Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

I'm calling this post a "throwback" because in the age of this blog, it technically is. I baked these for a dinner party while I was on a trip in Michigan, back in JANUARY! The fact that it's take me this long to post is shameful. (But to my defense, I couldn't find the photo.) ;)

In any case, back in January, I went to one of my favorite couples houses for an amazing family dinner! My friend Michelle and her Husband, Vito were our hostesses with the mostestes. :) We were joined by Matt, Amanda, their adorable daughter Lisi, Moss and Erin. It was so great to catch up and even better to do so over an authentic, home-cooked, Italian meal! (I forgot to mention, Vito is a master Italian chef!)

After we stuffed ourselves silly it was time for dessert!

Cupcake Recipe:
8 large fresh strawberries
2 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1/3 cup veggie oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix
1 drop red food coloring, or as needed


Directions: 
1) Prehead oven to 325 degrees. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2) Place 8 strawberries into a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour the puree through a strainer to remove seeds. Puree should equal about 3/4 cups. Set the puree side.
3) In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, white sugar, veggie oil, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, lemon zest, and strawberry puree until well combined. Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla pudding mix and red food coloring to reach a desired shade of pink. Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake cups, filling each about 2/3 full. 
4) Bake in preheated oven until the cupcakes have risen and a toothpick inserted into the center of cupcake comes out clean, about 23 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool at least 10 minutes before frosting.


Cupcake Recipe:
3/4 cups cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 large fresh strawberries, sliced


Directions: 
Beat cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until smooth, and mix in confectioners' sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to make a lump-free icing. 

Frost, serve and enjoy!

And that we did! The lightness of the strawberries made for a great treat after all the carbs we consumed at dinner! ;)


Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com