Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

 

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp cornstarch

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature

   

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt for 30 seconds, set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer set on medium-high speed, whip together eggs, sugar and vanilla until mixture is very pale, fluffy and thickened slightly, about 3 minutes. Mix in melted butter and vegetable oil. Working in three separate batches, beginning and ending with flour, add 1/3 of the flour mixture followed by 1/2 of the milk mixture, blending until well combine after each addition. Pour batter into 12 paper lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full. Bake in preheated oven 19 - 22 minutes, until toothpick inserted into center of cupcake comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack, then frost with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting and top with a small whole fresh strawberry or fresh strawberry slices.

*To bring the eggs to room temp quickly, simply submerge in a bowl of warm water for 5 - 10 minutes. To bring milk to room temperature quickly, simply heat in microwave on high powder in a microwave safe dish for 15 - 20 seconds until no longer cold.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup  strawberries

2 1/2 Tbsp milk

2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, fitted with paddle attachment, whip butter on medium-high speed until very pale and fluffy 6 - 8 minutes, frequently scraping down sides and bottom of bowl. OR if you do not have a stand mixer you can use a hand mixer which will only take 8-10 mintues.

 

You can pulverize the strawberries if you like, or if you want a more strawberry texture use a knife. I find cutting them up into fine peices gives a wonderful texture and a great appeal.

Stir in strawberries, milk, and powdered sugar and whip mixture for 4-5 mintues. Best results if served within the hour.

Reciepe found at www.cookingclassy.com