Strawberry Cupcake

This is one yummy cupcake especially for children.  No wonder it's been categorized as Kid's Cupcakes in the 'Cupcakes Galore' cookbook where this recipe is taken from.  Strawberries or any berries for that matter, is just great in any cakes or desserts.  The fruit itself is full of fiber, the colors and burst of flavors, just compliments the bakes.

The buttermilk makes the cake very soft and moist and the chunks of strawberries starts to burst in the cake as it gets baked.  When you bite into it, you get all the goodness natural flavors of the strawberries.  Try to get the ripe ones if you can.

They smelled so good while baking that as soon as it's done and cooled, my little nephew couldn't wait for me to frost it to have a bite!  After the frosting with Strawberry Buttercream, mm..m.mm...need I say more..

Makes 12 cupcakes
375g plain flour
150g sugar
2 1/2tsp baking powder
1 tsp b.o.s.
1/2tsp salt
240ml buttermilk
185g unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
2 eggs, beaten lightly
1 tsp vanilla
175g fresh strawberries, cleaned and cut into small pieces

1. Pre-heat oven to 180d C. In large bow, mix flour, sugar, b.p., b.o.s. and salt together and set aside.
2. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, melted butter, eggs and vanilla.  Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and beat well with a wooden spoon.  Fold in strawberries.
3. Spoon batter into cupcakes cases, filling cups about 2/3 full.  Bake for 20-25 mins or until done. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

Strawberry Buttercream:
250g butter
250g icing sugar
8 large strawberries, pureed

Cream butter and sugar till light and fluffy, add pureed strawberries.  Check the frosting consistency.  Add more sugar if it's too soft if you plan to pipe the frosting.