Strawberry Filled Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a delightful surprise in every bite—tender, buttery cupcakes hide a jewel-like strawberry center and are topped with a billowy cloud of freshly whipped cream and a juicy strawberry slice. Whether you’re celebrating a spring picnic, a summer birthday, or just making an ordinary day extraordinary, these cupcakes bring together fruity flavor and creamy decadence better than anything from a bakery case.

Strawberry Filled Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these dreamy Strawberry Filled Cupcakes only takes a handful of straightforward ingredients you probably already have on hand, each one bringing something special to the table. Fresh, quality ingredients are the secret to deliciously moist cupcakes and that irresistible berry filling.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cupcakes their soft, sturdy structure—don’t substitute with cake flour, or you’ll lose that perfect bite.
Baking powder: Ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay light as air.
Salt: Just a hint draws out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (softened): For rich, tender crumb and deep flavor; make sure it’s truly at room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a fluffy, airy batter.
Large eggs: Add richness and help bind the batter for structure and moisture.
Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, inviting aroma that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and keeps cupcakes soft; don’t swap for skim milk or you’ll miss out on richness.
Strawberry preserves or jam (for filling): The heart of each cupcake—choose a quality preserve for bold, bright fruit flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: Whips up light and billowy for the dreamiest topping you’ve ever tasted.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without making it grainy or heavy.
Fresh strawberries (halved, for garnish): For a pop of color and juicy freshness on top.

How to Make Strawberry Filled Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. This not only helps with cleanup but ensures your cupcakes release easily every time. Setting up your workstation before you start mixing will upgrade your baking game!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key—whisking the dry ingredients ensures your cupcakes rise evenly and have a consistent texture from the very first bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab a large bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer, and it’s what gives your cupcakes a melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Don’t skimp—proper creaming makes all the difference!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to blend them in smoothly. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic, nostalgic aroma that just says “homemade.” You’ll notice the batter looks creamy and luscious at this stage.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and the whole milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined—this keeps your cupcakes tender, not tough. The batter will be thick and silky.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick piped into the center comes out clean. The cupcakes should be pale golden and spring back when touched.

Step 7: Cool and Fill with Strawberry Preserves

Once baked, let your Strawberry Filled Cupcakes cool completely—this prevents the filling from melting and keeps the crumb moist. Use a small knife or cupcake corer to scoop out a little plug from each center, then spoon in about a teaspoon of strawberry preserves. The burst of sweet, tangy filling is the star of the show!

Step 8: Make and Pipe the Whipped Cream

Chill a mixing bowl and beaters, then whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Scoop the luscious whipped cream into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped, and pipe a generous swirl on each cupcake. This creamy crown is what transforms your cupcakes from ordinary to utterly unforgettable.

Step 9: Garnish with Fresh Strawberries

Top each cupcake with a halved fresh strawberry for a final flourish. It’s a simple step, but it makes your Strawberry Filled Cupcakes look instantly bakery-worthy and adds a fresh pop of flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Filled Cupcakes

Garnishes

The classic finish for Strawberry Filled Cupcakes is a swirl of fluffy whipped cream and a halved strawberry right on top. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a tiny mint leaf, or even a drizzle of chocolate can take them up a notch and make your dessert trays shine!

Side Dishes

For a fabulous dessert spread, pair your cupcakes with a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade, a bowl of mixed berries, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Each addition complements the cupcakes’ fruity, creamy flavor and turns any gathering into a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation: arrange the Strawberry Filled Cupcakes on tiered cake stands for a wow factor at parties, or nestle each one in a colorful cupcake wrapper for picnics. For kids’ birthdays, add festive sprinkles or striped paper straws to transform them into handheld treats no one can resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Strawberry Filled Cupcakes, store them in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to two days. The whipped cream stays fluffy, and the strawberry center keeps the cake moist without turning soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, skip the whipped cream for now—stash the cooled and filled cupcakes in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you need them, thaw at room temperature, finish with fresh whipped cream, and garnish just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

While these cupcakes are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can microwave an undecorated cupcake for about 10 seconds if you want to warm it up slightly before topping. Be sure not to heat the frosted cupcakes, as whipped cream doesn’t play well with the microwave!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely! If you need to save time, store-bought whipped topping holds up beautifully and adds that same creamy finishing touch. The homemade version does taste a little richer, but either option makes the cupcakes shine.

What kind of strawberry preserves work best?

Choose a thick, high-quality strawberry preserve or jam—the kind with real chunks of fruit—for the loveliest texture and sweet-tart flavor. Avoid those that are too runny, as they can soak into the cupcake rather than create a distinct, gooey center.

How do I keep my cupcakes from drying out?

Let your cupcakes cool completely before coring and filling, then keep them in a tightly covered container in the fridge. Adding the preserves and whipped cream right before serving also helps maintain perfect moisture.

Can I make Strawberry Filled Cupcakes gluten free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check your baking powder and any other ingredients to guarantee they’re certified gluten free as well!

Can I use other fruit preserves for the filling?

Definitely! While classic Strawberry Filled Cupcakes are a perennial favorite, you can swap in raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam for a fun flavor twist that keeps the recipe exciting every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about biting into Strawberry Filled Cupcakes and discovering that sweet pocket of jam in the center—it’s like a little party in every bite! Whip up a batch and watch the smiles appear. Whether you’re new to baking or a cupcake enthusiast, you’ll want to make these again and again. Give them a try and let your kitchen fill with joy and the irresistible scent of strawberries!