For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided
Instructions
FOR THE CUPCAKES
Preheat the oven to 180C / 350F / 160C fan forced. Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour and corn flour. Add the sugar, baking powder and salt and stir well so everything is evenly distributed
Beat the eggs and vanilla together well, until they become frothy (you can do this by hand, or with a hand beater or in a stand mixer and it should only take around 30-40 seconds).
Add the buttermilk to the eggs and mix, followed by half the dry ingredients. Stir to combine. Now add the melted butter and mix well, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Gently mix and fold to combine (a few very small lumps is fine).
Fill the cases to about 3⁄4 full, then bake for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few crumbs on it. Make sure to turn the tray halfway through cooking so they all cook evenly.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tins for 5-10 minutes before transferring the cupcakes to a wire rack.
FOR THE WHIPPED BUTTERCREAM
Use a blender to blend the freeze dried strawberries to a powder.
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on low-med for 6 minutes (or until it’s looking very pale and whipped). Scrape down the sides half way through then continue beating.
With the mixer on low, add the sugar 1 spoon at a time until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the salt, vanilla and cream and beat for 3 minutes at medium speed until it looks light, thick and whipped.
Add the freeze dried strawberry powder and beat for another 2 minutes.
Notes
I use a standard Australian 20ml tablespoon (= 4 teaspoons worldwide).
For best results, you should always weigh ingredients like flour and sugar. Kitchen scales are relatively cheap but if you can’t weigh the ingredients, use the spoon and level method (don’t scoop).
I use a medium ice cream scoop to portion out the batter.
I use these silicone muffin trays for my cupcakes as I like the tall shape it gives them.
If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can just put the freeze dried strawberries in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to gently bash them to a powder.
Have you tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it was! I love hearing from you. Nutrition information is approximate and derived from an online calculator. The brands you use may cause variations.