White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Happy Birthday to my incredible mom! I wouldn’t know how to cook or bake if it wasn’t for her.  Some of my fondest memories of my mom and I spending time together, believe it or not, are in the kitchen! We have baked Christmas cookies, catered a Valentine’s Day dessert party, baked pretzels for the first time, made bread and many other delicious creations. We’ve also had some not so found memories… like when I spilled an entire bottle of vegetable oil on our marble floors, or tried working with marshmallow fondant in July, in Florida when its 96 degrees outside or when our family dog Max ate almost every cupcake on the counter. Needless to say, I have to give her credit for teaching me everything I know about cooking, baking and decorating.

My dad called me the other day and informed me I was in charge of the cake for my mom’s birthday party. I was debating and debating which kind of cake to make and finally settled on this recipe. This frosting is simply amazing, and there are no artificial flavors - which I love! Use your favorite vanilla cupcake recipe for a base and make this delicious frosting to go on top. I also quickly made up some white chocolate covered strawberries for a garnish. Simply melt about a cup of white chocolate chips, dip a strawberry in and add a few sprinkles. Allow to harden for about 30 minutes and you’ll have a cute topper for your cupcake!

Ingredients:

12 baked vanilla cupcakes

For Frosting

1 cup chopped strawberries

1 cup butter

1 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted

1 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp strawberry jam

3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted, divided

Directions:

1. For the frosting, place chopped strawberries in a blender and puree until smooth.
2. Pour strawberry puree into a saucepan and cook over medium/high heat. Bring to a boil and stir often until puree is reduced by half. This process should take about 15 minutes. Once reduced, remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Beat butter with an electric mixer on high in a bowl until it is light and fluffy. Slowly add one cup of powdered sugar and blend until combined.
4. Beat the strawberry jam and vanilla into butter/sugar mixture until blended. Slowly mix in the strawberry puree until blended. Add the rest of the powdered sugar and blend until frosting is at desired consistency. Frost cupcakes and top with a white chocolate covered strawberry, and cover in sprinkles.