One summer afternoon, my mother and I were picking fresh strawberries from our garden. The sweet scent of ripe berries filled the air, and I couldn’t help but think of ways to turn them into something magical. That’s when my mother suggested baking cupcakes. But not just any cupcakes—we wanted something fun, creative, and full of character. That is why we went for Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes.
Inspired by the fairy tales we loved, we decided to transform our cupcakes into adorable little gnomes, using strawberries as their hats. The result was delightful—soft vanilla cupcakes, fluffy frosting, and juicy strawberries all coming together in a charming and delicious treat. Since then, Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes have become a family favorite, bringing joy and whimsy to every gathering.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes
Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they’re a work of edible art! Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Fun and playful – These cupcakes are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a creative baking session.
- Deliciously balanced – The combination of soft vanilla cake, creamy buttercream, and fresh strawberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
- Easy to make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this recipe.
Now, let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes
1- For the Cupcakes:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 whole large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
2- For the Frosting:
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
3- For Decoration:
- 36 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 36 red or pink candy-coated chocolates (for noses)
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes
1. Prepare the Cupcakes
a. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini cupcake tin with paper liners.
b. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
c. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
d. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the egg whites and whole egg one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
e. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour, mixing until just combined.
f. Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Make the Frosting
a. Beat the Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
b. Add Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.
c. Adjust the Consistency
If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk (one tablespoon at a time) until smooth and fluffy. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
3. Assemble the Gnome Cupcakes
a. Frost the Cupcakes
Pipe or spread the frosting onto each cupcake, creating a textured base that will look like a fluffy gnome beard.
b. Place the Strawberry Hats
Take a hulled strawberry and place it on top of each cupcake, with the pointed end facing up.
c. Add the Gnome Noses
Press a red or pink candy-coated chocolate into the frosting just below the strawberry to create the gnome’s nose.
d. Final Touches
For a whimsical touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the cupcakes to resemble snow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! While vanilla is a classic choice, you can try chocolate, almond, or lemon-flavored cupcakes for a fun twist.
It’s best to add the strawberries just before serving. Store them in the fridge unwashed, and dry them completely before using to prevent sogginess.
Absolutely! Store-bought frosting works fine, but homemade buttercream gives a fresher, richer flavor.
Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Use a cupcake carrier to prevent them from tipping over. If traveling a long distance, store them in the fridge beforehand to keep the frosting firm.
While strawberries work best, you can also try raspberries or small peaches for a unique variation.
Conclusion about Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes
Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes are a delightful way to bring creativity and flavor together. Whether you’re making them for a birthday party, a holiday event, or just a fun weekend bake, they are sure to impress. Their charming look and delicious taste make them a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Try this recipe today and bring a little magic to your kitchen!These Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes are not just a treat for the taste buds—they’re a feast for the eyes! Give them a try and let the magic of baking bring smiles to everyone around you. Happy baking! 😊
Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened for cupcakes
- 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 large whole egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract for cupcakes
- 1 cup milk whole or 2%
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, softened for frosting
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for frosting
- 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk if needed for consistency
- 36 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 36 red or pink candy-coated chocolates for noses
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini cupcake tin with paper liners.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add egg whites and whole egg one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Spoon batter into liners, filling each ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- If frosting is too thick, add a little milk (one tablespoon at a time) until smooth and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes to resemble a fluffy gnome beard.
- Place a hulled strawberry on top of each cupcake, with the pointed end facing up.
- Press a red or pink candy-coated chocolate into the frosting just below the strawberry to create the gnome’s nose.
- For a whimsical touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the cupcakes to resemble snow.