Hold. The. Phone.
Did I really just make ICE CREAM BUTTERCREAM?
Um, yes. Yes I did. And know what it tastes like on top of a strawberry cupcake? Yep, just like you think it would taste, only better. Kind of like strawberry ice cream, but without the brain-freeze.
And, it's only four ingredients, and it's E.A.S.Y.
So, strawberry cupcakes, buttercream that tastes EXACTLY like ice-cream, and no brain freeze.
Best cupcake ever, right?
I've been on a bit of a strawberry cupcake kick lately - I have quite a few more recipes to share with you, but I'll space them out a bit so you don't get strawberried-out. I've tried a few different strawberry cake recipes too, but I keep coming back to this one. It's super-duper moist, and it's just got a hint of strawberry flavor. I love the perfect pink hue of this cupcake - I think the lesser amount of egg yolks keeps them from discoloring. Note that very ripe strawberries will give you better color - but if you don't get the vibrant pink you're after, just add a drop or two of pink food coloring. I use Americolor Deep Pink, and just a drop or two.
The true star of this recipe is the buttercream frosting. It really does taste just like vanilla ice cream. The simple ingredient list keeps it light and fluffy, and the generous dose of vanilla extract takes it up a notch. The key is to whip it for a good four or five minutes so it gets fluffy and light...and it is OH. SO. GOOD.
The little pink flower on top is actually made from leftover frosting from some cupcakes I made last weekend, but I totally love the little rosette on top of the white dollop. I even sprinkled the rosette with a bit of metallic sugar - you know, because these weren't quite girly enough.
I have a feeling the rosette will be back. I tend to get stuck on these things.
And PS - these cupcakes? "They're blush and bashful. I have chosen two shades of pink, one is much deeper than the other..."
Name that movie.
So, if you're feeling particularly girly, or if you really like ice-cream, or just if it's a Tuesday night and you want something delicious in your life, please make these.
(You could even watch Steel Magnolias when you eat them. And then, when the movie gets sad you could just eat another cupcake to cheer you up. 'Cause they're like magic and it's just impossible to be sad when you're eating one of these blush and bashful beauties.)
Enjoy!
