13 Best Strawberry Cupcake Recipes

Strawberry cupcakes are perfect for celebrating spring and summer when berries are at their peak. They’re also great for birthdays, baby showers, or any time you want something pink and pretty. These 13 recipes range from classic combinations to more unique flavor pairings. Most strawberry cupcakes are best eaten fresh, but many can be made a day ahead if you store them properly.

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream

These use real strawberries in both the cake and frosting which gives amazing fresh berry flavor. The trick is reducing strawberry puree on the stove to concentrate the flavor and remove excess water. Fresh strawberries can make cupcakes soggy if you don’t cook them down first. The buttercream uses the same reduced strawberry puree which makes it naturally pink. These taste like actual strawberries, not artificial flavor. Perfect when berries are in season and you want the real deal.

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

These taste just like the classic dessert but in cupcake form. The cake is usually a simple vanilla base that’s not too sweet. After baking, you fill them with fresh strawberries and whipped cream or pipe whipped cream on top. Some recipes include a layer of strawberry jam or fresh berries baked right into the cupcake. The combination of fluffy cake, juicy berries, and cream is always a winner. Great for summer parties or when you want something that feels light and fresh.

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

The combo of chocolate and strawberry is classic for good reason. These usually have chocolate cupcakes topped with strawberry frosting or strawberry cupcakes with chocolate frosting. Some recipes do both flavors in the same cupcake with a chocolate-strawberry swirl. The rich chocolate and bright berry flavors balance each other perfectly. These look fancy with the pink and brown colors. Good for Valentine’s Day or any time you want something romantic and special.

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

These taste like the popular drink in cupcake form. The cake has both strawberry and lemon flavors, usually from purees and zests. The frosting is often a strawberry lemonade buttercream that’s pink and tangy. Some recipes include a lemon curd filling for extra citrus punch. The sweet-tart combination is so refreshing and perfect for summer. These scream backyard barbecues and pool parties. Kids especially love these cause they taste like their favorite summer drink.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosted Cupcakes

The cream cheese frosting on these is less sweet than regular buttercream and has a slight tang that works great with strawberries. The cake is usually a vanilla or strawberry base. Some recipes fold fresh strawberry pieces right into the frosting for extra texture and flavor. The cream cheese makes the frosting more stable in warm weather which is handy for outdoor events. These taste a bit like strawberry cheesecake in cupcake form.

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

Using real vanilla beans in these makes them taste so much better than just vanilla extract. You can see the little black specks throughout the cupcake which looks fancy. The strawberry component usually comes from the frosting or a strawberry compote filling. The vanilla bean flavor is rich and complex which pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries. These are more sophisticated than most strawberry cupcakes. Perfect for brunch or tea parties when you want something elegant.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

These have a graham cracker crust in the bottom of each cupcake liner, then a cheesecake-style batter with strawberries mixed in. They’re baked like regular cupcakes but taste like individual cheesecakes. Some recipes top them with strawberry compote or fresh berries instead of frosting. The texture is denser than regular cupcakes but so creamy and rich. These need to be refrigerated which makes them good make-ahead desserts. Great for when you want something fancy but don’t want to make a whole cheesecake.

Roasted Strawberry Cupcakes with Balsamic Glaze

Roasting the strawberries first concentrates their flavor and brings out natural sweetness. The balsamic glaze sounds weird but it enhances the berry flavor without making things taste like salad dressing! The combination is surprisingly sophisticated and not too sweet. These are more of a grown-up cupcake that would work well for dinner parties. The balsamic adds depth and makes these stand out from regular strawberry cupcakes. Definitely not your typical kid’s birthday party treat.

Strawberry Basil Cupcakes

The fresh basil in these might sound strange but it works amazingly well with strawberries. The herb adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that complements the sweet berries. Some recipes infuse the basil into simple syrup that gets brushed on the cupcakes. The combination tastes like summer in a cupcake. These are unique enough to be conversation starters at parties. Perfect for garden parties or when you want to show off your adventurous baking skills.

White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

The white chocolate in these can be in the cake batter, the frosting, or both. White chocolate is sweeter and creamier than regular chocolate which pairs perfectly with strawberries. Some recipes use white chocolate ganache as frosting which is super rich and smooth. The combination tastes elegant and indulgent. These look pretty with the white frosting and pink strawberry decorations. Great for weddings, showers, or any fancy occasion.

Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes

These are designed to taste like a strawberry milkshake. The cake often includes malted milk powder and the frosting is made to taste like vanilla ice cream. Some recipes top them with whipped cream, a cherry, and a mini straw to complete the milkshake look. The malt flavor adds depth and makes them taste nostalgic. These are fun for kids parties or 1950s themed events. They’re basically childhood memories in cupcake form.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cupcakes

The combo of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb is classic in pies and works great in cupcakes too. The rhubarb is usually cooked down into a compote before adding to prevent the cupcakes from getting soggy. Some recipes layer the rhubarb compote in the middle of the cupcake or swirl it through the batter. The tartness of the rhubarb balances the sweet strawberries perfectly. These are more unique than plain strawberry cupcakes and great for spring when rhubarb is fresh.

Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes

These are fancy cupcakes perfect for celebrations. The champagne is reduced and added to both the cake and frosting for subtle boozy flavor. Most of the alcohol bakes off so they’re fine for everyone to eat. The bubbles in the champagne also help make the cupcakes light and fluffy. Some recipes top them with gold sprinkles or sugared strawberries for extra elegance. Perfect for New Year’s, anniversaries, or any time you want something that feels special and grown-up.