Luscious Berries and Cream Cupcakes Recipe

Luscious Berries and Cream Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet, fluffy cupcakes studded with juicy berries and cream promise a delightful dessert adventure.

These moist, tender treats burst with fresh summer flavor in every single bite.

Homemade berries and cream cupcakes deliver a perfect balance of tangy fruit and rich, creamy frosting.

The delicate crumb melts in your mouth, creating an irresistible combination of textures and tastes.

Vibrant berries peek through the soft cake, adding a pop of color and natural sweetness.

Light, airy, and utterly delectable, these cupcakes will become your new favorite indulgence.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom with each delicious forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15-17 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 495 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredient List for Berries and Cream Cupcakes

For Cupcake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation for tender cupcakes, choose unbleached for best texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create soft crumb, opt for fine-grain variety.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light and fluffy rise, check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and richness, use room temperature for smoother mixing.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps cupcakes moist and tender, choose neutral-flavored oil.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides deep, warm flavor, select pure extract for best taste.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure, use fresh room temperature egg.
  • Hot Water: Helps activate ingredients and creates smooth batter, use freshly boiled water.
For Cream Filling:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates luxurious, pillowy texture, select high-fat content cream.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes cream, sift to prevent lumps.
  • Almond Extract: Adds subtle nutty flavor, use sparingly.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides tangy richness and stability, use full-fat variety.
For Berry Frosting:
  • Butter: Creates smooth, creamy base, use unsalted and softened.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure, sift for smooth consistency.
  • Freeze-Dried Berries: Intensifies berry flavor, choose vibrant, high-quality berries.
  • Water or Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency, add gradually.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness, use pinch of fine salt.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Berries: Adds color and fresh burst of flavor, choose ripe, seasonal berries.

Tools You’ll Need for Berries and Cream Cupcakes

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients.
  • Medium bowl: Perfect for whisking wet ingredients.
  • Electric mixer: Key for beating butter and whipping cream.
  • Food processor: Necessary for grinding freeze-dried berries.
  • Cupcake pan: Holds cupcake liners for baking.
  • Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal.
  • Piping bag: Used for decorating cupcakes with frosting.
  • Closed star piping tip: Creates beautiful frosting swirls.
  • Cupcake corer or knife: Helps remove cupcake centers for filling.
  • Cooling rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly.
  • Toothpicks: Checks cupcake doneness.

How to Make Berries and Cream Cupcakes

  • Cupcake Preparation

Gather all necessary baking tools and ingredients. Warm up the oven to create the perfect baking environment for your delightful treats.

  • Dry Ingredient Blend

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and a touch of salt in a spacious mixing bowl. This foundation sets the stage for your cupcake magic.

  • Wet Ingredient Harmony

Whisk together milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg in a separate bowl. These liquid ingredients will bring moisture and richness to your cupcakes.

  • Batter Creation

Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth. Gently incorporate hot water to create a silky, light batter that promises tender cupcakes.

  • Baking Process

Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake until golden and springy. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before the next steps.

  • Berry Frosting Magic

Crush freeze-dried berries into a fine powder. Whip butter and gradually blend in powdered sugar and berry dust to create a vibrant, flavorful frosting.

  • Creamy Filling Delight

Whip heavy cream with a hint of almond extract and cream cheese until luxuriously thick and smooth.

  • Cupcake Assembly

Carefully hollow out the center of each cupcake. Fill with the creamy mixture and top with the berry-infused frosting.

  • Final Flourish

Garnish with fresh berries and chill until ready to serve. These cupcakes are a celebration of flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations for Berries and Cream Cupcakes

  • Measure ingredients exactly using a kitchen scale for consistent, perfectly textured cupcakes every single time.
  • Grind extra freeze-dried berries to sprinkle on top for an intense, concentrated flavor that elevates the entire dessert's visual and taste profile.
  • Keep assembled cupcakes refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing cream filling from losing its delicate texture.
  • Experiment with different berry powders like raspberry, strawberry, or mixed berry to create unique frosting variations that match your personal taste preferences.
  • Use fresh seasonal berries or edible flowers as elegant garnishes to transform these cupcakes from delicious to stunning, making them perfect for special occasions or impressive dessert presentations.

Serving Ideas for Berries and Cream Cupcakes

  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Presentation: Arrange these stunning cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for a dramatic dessert display that will wow guests at birthdays, bridal showers, or summer gatherings.
  • Elegant Brunch Centerpiece: Create a beautiful breakfast spread by pairing these cupcakes with a light champagne or sparkling rosé, making them a sophisticated addition to weekend brunch gatherings.
  • Berry Lover's Dream Platter: Surround the cupcakes with additional fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries to enhance the visual appeal and provide extra fruity flavor for berry enthusiasts.
  • Seasonal Garnish Option: Decorate with edible flowers like lavender or rose petals during spring and summer events to add a delicate, romantic touch that complements the berry theme.

Storage Plan for Berries and Cream Cupcakes

  • Cupcake Cooldown Strategy: Allow cupcakes to reach room temperature before serving for the most delightful flavor and texture experience. This helps soften the frosting and lets the cream filling settle perfectly.
  • Refrigeration Zone: Store these delicate treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate berry essence.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cupcake components separately up to two days in advance. Keep the unfrosted cupcakes, cream filling, and berry frosting in sealed containers in the refrigerator, assembling just before serving to ensure maximum freshness.
  • Quick Serving Tips: Remove cupcakes from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before enjoying to allow the cream and frosting to soften slightly. This helps release the full depth of berry and cream flavors, creating a more luxurious tasting experience.
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Luscious Berries and Cream Cupcakes Recipe

Luscious Berries and Cream Cupcakes


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Indulgent berries and cream cupcakes combine classic French pastry techniques with American bakery charm. Delicate layers of vanilla sponge cradle fresh berry compote, crowned with silky mascarpone frosting that you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cups (454 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) hot water
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup freeze-dried mixed berries
  • 1 ½ tsps baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ tsp almond extract
  • 34 tbsps water or milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh berries, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Set oven to 350°F and arrange cupcake liners in a tray, spacing them evenly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift flour mixture in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform consistency.
  3. Combine Wet Elements: Whisk milk, oil, vanilla, and egg in a separate bowl until fully blended.
  4. Create Batter: Fold wet ingredients into dry components, stirring until smooth and lump-free, then gently incorporate hot water at low speed.
  5. Fill and Bake: Distribute batter into liners, filling halfway, and bake for 15-17 minutes until a toothpick comes out nearly clean.
  6. Cool Cupcakes: Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to reach room temperature.
  7. Prepare Berry Frosting: Pulse freeze-dried berries into fine powder, then cream butter until silky and gradually add powdered sugar, water, and salt until smooth.
  8. Infuse Berry Flavor: Fold berry powder into frosting, ensuring even color and taste distribution.
  9. Craft Cream Filling: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and almond extract to soft peaks, then blend in cream cheese until peaks become firm.
  10. Assemble Cupcakes: Core centers, fill with cream mixture, pipe berry frosting using a star tip, and garnish with fresh berries.
  11. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until ready to enjoy, maintaining optimal texture and freshness.

Notes

  • Flour Sifting Trick: Always sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and ensure a smoother, more consistent cupcake texture.
  • Mixing Method Mastery: Fold wet and dry ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can lead to dense, tough cupcakes.
  • Temperature Timing: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling and frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
  • Berry Powder Power: Crush freeze-dried berries into a fine powder for intense, concentrated flavor without adding extra moisture to the frosting.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 495
  • Sugar: 51 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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