Cupcakes - with Fresh Strawberries Butter Cream Frosting

These little beauties are so delicious and beautiful that I promise you everybody is going to think that you went to a fancy shmancy bakery and bought them. I make these very often because they always get a wow reaction from everybody and of course they are delicious! 

Serves: (12 Cupcakes)
Ingredients:
1 Cup Powder Sugar
1 Stick Un-Salted Butter softened
4 Eggs, room temperature
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/8 tsp Salt
2 Cups Cake Flour
1/4 Cup Whole Milk
1 tsp lime juice
1/3 cup pureed fresh strawberries

Baking:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the cupcake tin with liners and set aside.

2) Sift together flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.

3) With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy. Scrape sides of bowl and mix for a few more seconds.

4) Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla. Mix to combine. Add strawberry puree and mix to combine.

5) Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing for a few seconds after each addition. 

6) Scrape sides of bowl, then mix one final time. DO NOT OVERMIX! 

3) Scoop the batter into the lined cupcake tins, make sure its only filled ¾ of the way up because they will rise. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes and let cool completely before icing.

For the Frosting:
2 Stick of Unsalted Butter, firm and slightly cold  
6 Tablespoons pureed fresh strawberries (approximately 1/2 cup whole strawberries) 
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
1 16oz (3 1/2 cup) Box of Powdered Sugar

Pinch of salt

1/2 tsp of lemon juice or lime juice (optional, this will reduce the sweetness))

Fresh Strawberries, for garnishing 

1) Place strawberries in the bowl of a food processor. Process until pureed.

2) In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy, but little bit dry is good because I have to add liquid in it.

3) Reduce mixer speed and slowly add confectioners' sugar. Beat until well combined.

4) Add vanilla, lime juice and strawberry puree. I like a light and airy frosting, I let the mixer go for a good 2 or 3 minutes. I like it fluffy, if you don’t, don’t mix it as long.

Top with a few fresh strawberry or sprinkle sugar and dive in!

From Betty Good Food