Strawberry Gnome Cupcakes
Whimsical cupcakes featuring soft vanilla cake, fluffy frosting, and fresh strawberries shaped like gnome hats. Perfect for parties and special occasions!
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.
Notes
For a fun variation, try using chocolate or lemon-flavored cupcakes instead of vanilla. To keep the strawberries fresh, add them just before serving. Store them in the fridge unwashed and dry them completely before use. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Use a cupcake carrier to transport them safely. Refrigerate before travel to keep the frosting firm.