Fruit Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 cup mixed fruit, finely chopped (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango, kiwi)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for creamier frosting)
For Garnish:
- Fresh fruit slices or whole berries
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped mixed fruit.
3. Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
4. Bake the Cupcakes:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake. Alternatively, you can spread the frosting on with a spatula.
7. Garnish:
- Decorate each cupcake with fresh fruit slices or whole berries.
- Add a mint leaf on top for a touch of color and freshness (optional).
8. Serve:
- Enjoy your Fruit Cupcakes immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
These Fruit Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh fruit flavors, making them a perfect treat for any occasion!
