Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes: Deliciously Sweet Summer Treat

Are you tired of serving the same predictable desserts at your summer gatherings? When the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing strawberry treat to brighten everyone’s day. These Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes deliver all the nostalgic flavor of your favorite diner milkshake in a perfectly portable cupcake form!

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and these Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes have become my signature summer dessert. After countless hot afternoons spent perfecting the balance between cake fluffiness and authentic strawberry milkshake flavor, I’ve finally created a recipe that brings pure joy with every bite.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through selecting the juiciest strawberries, my secret for infusing real milkshake flavor into the batter, easy decorating techniques, and answers to your most common cupcake questions. Get ready to create the most Instagram-worthy dessert of the season!

Why These Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes Work

• Uses fresh seasonal strawberries for authentic flavor without artificial additives
• Quick 30-minute prep time with make-ahead options for busy hosts
• Versatile recipe that can be dressed up for celebrations or simplified for weeknight treats
• Perfect balance of sweetness that appeals to both children and adults
• Stays moist for days (though they rarely last that long!)

Choosing the Right Strawberries for Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes

Best Berries for This Recipe

When making Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes, opt for fully ripe, fragrant strawberries with deep red color throughout. Local, in-season berries will provide the most intense flavor, but good-quality frozen strawberries can work for the purée component if fresh aren’t available.

Buying Tips

Look for bright, glossy berries without white shoulders or soft spots. Smaller strawberries often pack more flavor than the oversized varieties. If possible, smell them truly ripe strawberries should have a sweet, noticeable aroma.

Substitutions

If strawberries aren’t available, raspberries make an excellent alternative for these cupcakes. You can also create a mixed berry version using equal parts strawberries and blueberries for a fun color contrast.

Strawberry Milkshake Cupcake Ingredients & Prep

Cupcake Base Essentials

Before diving into baking, ensure all refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature for the best incorporation and texture.

Strawberry Milkshake Components

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup milk
• 2 tbsp strawberry milkshake powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Frosting & Decorations

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup strawberry purée (reduced and cooled)
• Fresh strawberries for garnish
• Sprinkles and straws (optional for milkshake appearance)

Step-by-Step Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes Instructions

Pre-Baking Strawberry Milkshake Cupcake Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Purée ½ cup of strawberries and reduce in a small saucepan until thickened (about 10 minutes), then set aside to cool completely.
3. Dice the remaining strawberries into small pieces and toss with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking.

Baking Strawberry Milkshake Cupcake Method

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry reduction.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry milkshake powder.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Gently fold in the diced strawberries by hand.
7. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Strawberry Milkshake Cupcake Frosting

1. Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
2. Mix in remaining cooled strawberry reduction until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add a tiny drop of pink food coloring if deeper color is desired (optional).

Decorating Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes

1. Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe frosting in a swirl pattern resembling a milkshake top.
2. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, colorful sprinkles, and mini paper straws cut to size for the authentic milkshake look.

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes

Avoiding Dry Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes

• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour this develops gluten and creates tough cupcakes.
• Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour which is easy to over-pack.
• Remove cupcakes from the oven as soon as they’re done even one extra minute can dry them out.

Tool Recommendations

• Use a cookie scoop for perfectly even cupcake batter distribution.
• A high-quality stand mixer makes the frosting incredibly light and fluffy.
• Silicone cupcake liners prevent sticking better than paper ones.

Storage & Serving

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

For more delicious dessert inspiration, check out my Pinterest board where I share all my favorite seasonal sweet treats!

Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes Flavor Variations

Berry Blast Variation

Enhance your Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes with additional berries for a mixed berry explosion. Add fresh blueberries to the batter and swirl raspberry jam into the frosting.

Strawberry Shortcake Version

Create a strawberry shortcake spin by adding shortbread crumbles between the cupcake and frosting layers, then drizzle with strawberry sauce.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Twist

Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the batter and top with a chocolate ganache drizzle over the strawberry frosting.

Serving Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes

These Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes make a perfect centerpiece for summer gatherings. Serve them alongside:

• Fresh fruit platters with whole strawberries for a coordinated theme
• Vanilla bean ice cream for those who want to go all-in on dessert
• Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing beverage pairing

For a complete dessert table, consider adding vanilla cookies and fresh mint sprigs as complementary treats.

Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes up to 1 day ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the frosting and refrigerate separately, then bring to room temperature and frost cupcakes before serving.

How can I make these cupcakes more intense in strawberry flavor?
For maximum strawberry impact, use very ripe, in-season berries and increase the reduced strawberry purée to 1/2 cup in the batter.

Can I make these as mini cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! Fill mini cupcake liners 2/3 full and reduce baking time to 10-12 minutes. This recipe will yield approximately 36 mini cupcakes.

Will these work with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes are more than just a dessert they’re a celebration of summer’s sweetest offerings. With their pretty pink color, authentic strawberry flavor, and fun milkshake-inspired decoration, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to any gathering.

I’d love to see your creations! Tag @GusRecipes on social media with your Strawberry Milkshake Cupcake photos.

Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes: Deliciously Sweet Summer Treat

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Soft, fluffy strawberry milkshake cupcakes with real strawberry flavor, topped with creamy strawberry frosting  a nostalgic, bakery-style treat that tastes just like a classic milkshake.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup strawberry puree

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (frosting)

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp strawberry puree (frosting)

1 tbsp heavy cream

Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

5. Mix in strawberry puree.

6. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing until just combined.

7. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.

8. Bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

9. Cool cupcakes completely.

10. Beat frosting butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and cream.

11. Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen strawberries for the puree.

Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.

Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: strawberry milkshake cupcakes, strawberry cupcakes, milkshake dessert, bakery cupcakes