Strawberry Cupcakes With Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Ic

Name: Strawberry Cupcakes With Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Icing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Strawberry Puree:; 1 cup frozen strawberries; 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest; 1 tablespoon white sugar; Cupcake Batter:; 1 box strawberry cake mix (such as Betty Crocker(R)); 1 cup water; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Icing:; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature; 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Servings: persons

Strawberry Puree:
1 cup frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon white sugar
Cupcake Batter:
1 box strawberry cake mix (such as Betty Crocker(R))
1 cup water
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Icing:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line 14 cupcake cups with paper liners.
2
To make strawberry puree, pulse frozen strawberries in blender or food processor until evenly chopped. Add 2 tablespoons water, honey, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
3
Beat cake mix, 1 cup water, eggs, and vegetable oil in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened; increase mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Beat lemon zest into batter. Fill prepared cupcake cups 2/3 full. Drop a spoonful of strawberry puree into the center of each portion of cupcake batter.
4
Bake cupcakes in preheated oven until golden and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 18 to 22 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean. Let cupcakes cool for at least 30 minutes.
5
To make icing, place cream cheese and butter in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Mix in confectioners' sugar; blend in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Refrigerate icing until cupcakes are cool enough to frost. Frost cooled cupcakes with icing.

988

kcal

Calories

Fat

112

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Strawberry Puree:, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 2 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon honey, and more.

Yes, Strawberry Cupcakes With Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Icing falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Strawberry Cupcakes With Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Icing

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions