This Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cupcakes recipe is a moist and fluffy dessert that uses fresh strawberry puree and buttermilk. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, perfect for birthday parties, spring gatherings, or anytime you want homemade strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream.
Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cupcakes Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh strawberries, sliced

How To Make Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cupcakes
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake pans with liners.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Add strawberry puree: Stir in the strawberry puree gently.
- Fill and bake: Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Let cupcakes cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
- Make the frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then beat on medium until fluffy.
- Add flavoring: Mix in strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Frost and garnish: Frost cooled cupcakes and top with fresh strawberry slices.

Recipe Tips
- How to make cupcakes extra moist? Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, thaw and drain them before pureeing to avoid excess moisture.
- How to thicken strawberry frosting? Add more powdered sugar if the frosting is too soft.
- Why did my cupcakes sink in the middle? Overmixing or opening the oven door too early can cause sinking.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost before serving.
What To Serve With Strawberry Cupcakes
These cupcakes pair well with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit salad
- Lemonade or iced tea
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Coffee or cappuccino

How To Store Strawberry Cupcakes
Refrigerate: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
Strawberry Cupcakes Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 418 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 43 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh puree?
Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly since jam is sweeter.
How do I make strawberry cupcakes more flavorful?
Use ripe strawberries and a small splash of lemon juice to enhance flavor.
Can I make these cupcakes without buttermilk?
Yes, substitute with 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
Why is my strawberry buttercream runny?
Too much puree can thin the frosting. Add more powdered sugar to thicken.
Try More Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cupcakes
Description
Moist strawberry cupcakes made with fresh strawberry puree and topped with creamy strawberry buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and line cupcake pans.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients separately.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.
- Stir in strawberry puree.
- Fill liners and bake 18–22 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Beat butter and powdered sugar for frosting.
- Add strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt.
- Frost cupcakes and garnish.
