Irresistible Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

These red velvet strawberry shortcake cupcakes blend classic dessert magic into one irresistible treat.

Sweet strawberries whisper summer memories through each delectable bite.

Rich crimson cake layers promise indulgence beyond ordinary expectations.

Creamy frosting adds dreamy texture that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Soft crumbles of shortcake create unexpected crunch between velvety cake and luscious cream.

Serving something that makes friends wonder about your secret baking skills.

You’ll want to savor every single delightful morsel of this stunning dessert.

Why Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes Are So Special

• Celebrate Vibrant Visual Appeal: These cupcakes deliver stunning red velvet color that instantly catches eyes, making them perfect for Instagram-worthy dessert moments and special celebrations.
• Craft Easy Texture Paradise: Combining soft, velvety cake texture with fresh strawberry cream creates a delightful mouthfeel that balances richness and lightness in every delectable bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Requiring basic baking skills and minimal preparation time, these cupcakes are beginner-friendly and guaranteed to impress family and friends with minimal kitchen effort.
• Versatile Party Showstopper: Perfect for birthdays, Valentine's Day, bridal showers, or casual weekend gatherings, these cupcakes transform ordinary moments into memorable sweet experiences with their elegant appearance and irresistible flavor profile.

What You Need For Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for cupcake structure, provides essential texture and volume.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep red color characteristic of red velvet.
• Baking Soda: Helps cupcakes rise and creates light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Brings richness and creates tender, moist cupcake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cupcake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, subtle flavor depth.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates signature vibrant red color.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps activate baking soda for better rise.
• Vinegar: Enhances buttermilk's acidic properties and contributes to tender crumb.

• Strawberries: Fresh and sweet fruit complement for red velvet flavor.
• Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese Frosting: Adds creamy, smooth finishing touch.

How To Make Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with decorative cupcake liners, ensuring even spacing.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure the dry ingredients are thoroughly blended with no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar in a separate large bowl. Beat until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale, creating a fluffy texture that looks almost cloud-like.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Mix gently until completely combined, creating a smooth and consistent base.

Step 5: Introduce Signature Color and Liquid

• Red food coloring
• Buttermilk
• White vinegar

Stir until the batter achieves a vibrant red hue and uniform consistency.

Step 6: Merge Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a gentle folding technique to maintain the batter’s airiness and prevent overmixing.

Step 7: Fill Cupcake Liners

Distribute batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack, allowing them to set and develop a tender crumb.

Tips For Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

• Boost Color Intensity: Add an extra drop of red food coloring for a deeper, more vibrant red velvet hue that pops visually.
• Prevent Dry Cupcakes: Measure buttermilk precisely and avoid overmixing batter to ensure moist, tender cupcakes every time.
• Customize Flavor Boost: Swap regular vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a subtle fruity undertone that complements strawberry toppings.
• Perfect Baking Technique: Check cupcakes at 18 minutes to prevent overbaking, ensuring a soft, delicate crumb texture.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping their fresh taste and texture.

Store Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Room Temperature: Remove cupcakes from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature and restore their soft texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheating: Gently warm cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain moisture and prevent hardening. Avoid overheating to preserve the delicate texture.

Best Pairings For Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

• Brew Creamy Coffee Companion: Pair these rich red velvet cupcakes with a smooth, velvety latte or cappuccino that complements the cake's deep cocoa notes and provides a warm, luxurious contrast.
• Enhance with Fruity Champagne: Select a light, crisp rosé champagne or sparkling wine to highlight the strawberry elements and cut through the cupcake's sweetness, creating a delightful celebratory combination.
• Craft Vanilla Ice Cream Sidekick: Serve alongside a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream to balance the cupcake's intense red velvet flavor and add a cool, creamy texture that melts beautifully with each bite.
• Sip Strawberry Moscato: Choose a sweet, light strawberry moscato wine that echoes the fruity undertones and provides a delicate, refreshing accompaniment to the decadent dessert.

Fun Variations Of Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

• Berry Bliss: Swap strawberries with fresh raspberries for a tangy twist and deep red color that complements the red velvet base.
• Chocolate Cherry Charm: Replace strawberries with maraschino cherries and add chocolate shavings on top for a rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Tropical Dream: Incorporate diced mangoes and a hint of coconut cream in the frosting for a vibrant, sunny feel that transforms the classic cupcake.
• Lavender Elegance: Infuse the cream cheese frosting with dried lavender and top with candied lavender buds for a sophisticated, aromatic experience.

Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes FAQs

• Why is buttermilk important in red velvet cupcakes?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist texture and provides a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness. It also reacts with baking soda to help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.

• What gives red velvet cupcakes their distinctive color?

The vibrant red color comes from a combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring. Traditionally, the reddish hue was created by a chemical reaction between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar.

• Can I make these cupcakes without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring, but the cupcakes will have a more traditional brown chocolate color instead of the classic bright red. The taste will remain the same, just with a different visual appearance.

• Why do the instructions include vinegar in the recipe?

Vinegar helps activate the baking soda and creates a chemical reaction that makes the cupcakes lighter and more tender. It also enhances the subtle tangy flavor characteristic of red velvet desserts.

Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Luscious red velvet strawberry shortcake cupcakes blend classic Southern charm with fresh summer sweetness. Creamy frosting and juicy strawberries crown these irresistible miniature desserts that will sweep you into pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Flavorings:

• 0.5 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Fruit and Cream Topping:

• 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 0.25 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and baking equipment by heating to 350F (175C) and positioning a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale, airy, and significantly increased in volume.
4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and fully integrated.
5. Enhance the batter’s color and moisture by gradually adding red food coloring, buttermilk, and vinegar, mixing until a consistent crimson hue develops.
6. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a silky, lump-free batter.
7. Distribute the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
8. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
9. Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before further preparation or frosting.

Notes

• Adjust food coloring intensity based on preference for a deeper or lighter red velvet shade.
• Substitute buttermilk with equal parts milk and white vinegar for a quick homemade alternative if unavailable.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother batter and more consistent cupcake texture.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant color without affecting batter consistency compared to liquid versions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg