Hi Lykkers! Raspberry cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cake with the tangy freshness of raspberries.
The vibrant color and delicate balance of sweet and tart make raspberry cupcakes not only delicious but also visually appealing!
1. Ingredients for Raspberry Cupcakes
To make these mouthwatering raspberry cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup fresh raspberries (you can also use frozen raspberries, thawed and drained)
For the Raspberry Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup fresh raspberry puree (strained to remove seeds)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
2. Step-by-Step Recipe for Raspberry Cupcakes
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking! Follow these easy steps to make light, fluffy, and flavorful raspberry cupcakes:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the other ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
6. Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to crush them too much, so you still get bursts of fresh raspberry flavor throughout the cupcakes.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
3. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
3. Making the Raspberry Frosting
While your cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the delicious raspberry frosting that will complement the sweet-tart flavor of the cupcakes perfectly.
Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Puree
1. To make the raspberry puree, blend about ½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, resulting in a smooth raspberry puree.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Start with 3 cups and adjust the sweetness and texture to your preference.
3. Add the raspberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it is smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Assembling and Decorating the Cupcakes
1. Using a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip, pipe the raspberry frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in swirls or whatever design you prefer. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can simply spread the frosting on top using a spatula.
2. For an extra decorative touch, top each cupcake with a fresh raspberry or a dusting of powdered sugar.
5. Tips for Perfect Raspberry Cupcakes
1. Fresh vs. Frozen Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are ideal for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen raspberries, be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too wet.
2. Folding in the Raspberries: Gently fold the raspberries into the batter to prevent them from breaking down too much.
3. Chilling the Frosting: If your frosting becomes too soft while piping, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before continuing.
Enjoy customizing them with different flavors and toppings for a truly unique creation!
