White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes 🧁💕

Suggested Meal Time: Perfect for a sweet treat, special occasions, or as a delightful dessert after dinner.

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup milk (whole milk works best)

• ¼ cup sour cream (for added moisture)

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small

• ½ cup white chocolate chips (melted)

For the White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• ½ cup white chocolate chips (melted)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This will create a smooth, creamy base for your cupcakes.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and stir until combined.

4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and sour cream. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix to ensure light and fluffy cupcakes.

5. Add Strawberries and White Chocolate:

   • Gently fold in the diced strawberries and melted white chocolate chips into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Pan and Bake

• Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

• Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. The tops should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.

• Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1. Melt the White Chocolate:

   • Melt the ½ cup of white chocolate chips using a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.

2. Cream the Butter:

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 3 minutes.

3. Add Powdered Sugar:

   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until smooth and fluffy.

4. Incorporate the White Chocolate:

   • Add the melted white chocolate and vanilla extract to the frosting, beating until fully incorporated.

5. Adjust Consistency:

   • Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency—smooth and spreadable but not too runny.

Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes

• Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag or offset spatula to frost the cupcakes with the white chocolate buttercream frosting.

Step 6: Garnish (Optional)

• If desired, top the cupcakes with extra diced strawberries or a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings for added decoration.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Your White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at room temperature and delight in their soft, flavorful texture.

Tips on Using Energy-Efficient Devices:

• When melting white chocolate, you can use a microwave in short intervals (20-30 seconds), which is more energy-efficient than using a stovetop double boiler.

• If you use a convection oven, it can help your cupcakes bake more evenly and in less time, saving energy.

Who Would Benefit From This Dish:

• These cupcakes are perfect for anyone who loves sweet, fruity desserts with a creamy, indulgent frosting. They're great for parties, birthday celebrations, or just a special treat for the family.

Enjoy your White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes! 🧁💕