Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Whipped Basil Cream Cheese
Today I turn 33.
So I've spent some time trying to figure out what I've learned in 33 years and some things I need to keep in mind.
Also I made cupcakes.
#1- I need to remember that life is not a race. Sometimes it is easy for me to get caught up in milestones-- markers of achievement that I feel sure I should have checked off my list by now. Comparison is a soul-crusher. And I need to keep in mind that I am ME... nothing to compare that to. Same goes for you. And everybody! Own it.
#2- It is completely fine to sing very loudly in the car. Everyone sounds amazing in the confines of a vehicle. Seatbelts also make for most excellent dancers. And no one can see you through the windows unless you are at a stoplight. #science. We are all on our own roads and mine tends to be a little bumpy so I am determined to make it as fun as possible.
#3- LOVE. Have lots of it. For everyone and everything. All the time.
#4- It is part of my genetic makeup to run into things, trip over things, drop stuff, and spill.
#5- Make the most of it.
So obviously I have learned more than 5 things in 33 years. If not I'd be in trouble. But I feel like these are the things I need to keep with me every day all the time.
Cake.
Don't be intimidated by the basil cream cheese frosting!!! These are kid friendly and I wouldn't steer you wrong. Basil and strawberries compliment each other like the best of friends. I have a ridiculous sweet tooth and I would NEVER post substandard goodies! But. If you aren't feeling adventurous, leave out the basil & heavy cream and just make a basic cream cheese frosting. Strawberries and cream are good friends, too.
- 1 cup milk at room temperature
- 6 egg whites at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups cake flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter (1½ sticks), softened but still cool (see note)
- 2½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons flour (all purpose or more cake flour)
- Whipped Basil Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ cup fresh chopped basil
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Sprinkles, Basil Leaves, and Sliced Strawberries to decorate!!
- Whisk together the milk, egg whites, almond extract, and vanilla in a large liquid measuring cup. Set aside.
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 and line a standard muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 2¼ cups cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into small cubes and drop them into the flour mixture.
- Using a hand (or stand) mixer, mix the butter into the flour mixture on low speed for a couple of minutes until coarse crumbs form. **If you don't have any kind of mixer, use my favorite method for cutting in butter-- use COLD butter and grate it into the flour blend using a box grater. You can use a fork or your hands to blend the flour + butter and form the coarse crumbs**
- Beat the egg/milk mixture with a fork one more time and pour all but ½ cup of the liquid into the flour mixture. Beat at medium speed fot about 1½ minutes. Scrape down the sides, add the last ½ cup of liquid, and mix on medium for another minute.
- Toss the strawberries with the 2 tablespoons flour. Fold them into the cake batter.
- Divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups (I use a ¼ dry measuring cup to dip the batter) and bake for 18-22 minutes. A pick inserted in the center should come out clean and the tops should be golden.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, heat the cream over medium/low heat until it just simmers. Add the basil and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently so the cream (or milk) doesn't burn. Most of the liquid will evaporate and you'll have a little liquid and a pan full of milky herbs. Pour the mixture into a blender or food processor and puree.
- In a large bowl beat the softened cream cheese and butter. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Add the basil/cream blend and beat until it's completely incorporated. You can add more sugar to thicken if necessary.
- Frost the cupcakes and decorate with the sprinkles, basil leaves, and sliced strawberries
The white cake portion of this recipe is from The Perfect White Cake recipe by Amanda at i am baker. If you aren't familiar with Amanda's blog, first of all-- where have you been?! And second please take a minute to go see all the insanely creative, beautiful desserts and cakes she has to offer.
More Cupcakes I Love...
Perfect White Cupcakes... In a Jar
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Sorry I'm a little late. I've been playing catch up from my vacay. Aren't June birthdays the best??! You get the best flavor combos, like fresh strawberries & basil!!
June birthdays ARE the best!!! Mine always fell right about the last few days of school. Best present ever. Hope your Florida trip was great!!
Happy Birthday Day Heather. Wishing you a very special day. Take Care, BAM
Thank you so much,Bam!
Sounds like a product 33 years! I may have learned of few of those in my 40 years-quicky approaching 41! Yikes! I'm learning right now that there are fantastic cupcakes out there that I must try! Like these! Happy birthday!
Thanks, Tanya!
Hope you'll try these! Amanda's perfect white cake is out of this world and with strawberries? Even better.
This is a perfect post and cupcake to celebrate your birthday with!! I love the way your cupcake is telling your story, so creative! I REALLY like the idea of trying this basil cream cheese frosting. Sounds so fancy and looks fantastic!! Happiest of birthdays 🙂
Try it!!! You'll love it!
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Sandra!
Happy birthday darling! I love these life lessons.
And basil cream cheese frosting! OMG. YES. I made basil swiss meringue buttercream last year and it was so good but I'm betting cream cheese frosting is even better!
Thank you!!
I am afraid of swiss meringue buttercream! I'm afraid I'll screw it up! But the basil in the dessert is so delicious that I think I might give your recipe a go. I'm a sucker for cream cheese frosting and the basil worked REALLY WELL here 🙂
These cupcakes are gorgeous! Bet they taste good too!
Loving strawberries right now!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR HEATHER, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! It must be fun to get older because this year has really been great for you so far and I think it's just the beginning, the best is yet to come!!!! (Maybe even a wedding soon?? never know right?) These cupcakes look yummmy!!!!
Hey Michelle!
2013-- so far so good, right?
I think a wedding is pretty debatable though.
Hope you have a great weekend off!!
Happy 33rd Birthday my friend 😀
Hope you get quality time to enjoy your day and these gorgeous cupcakes!
Cheers
CCU
Thank you, Uru!
Happy Birthday!
The cupcakes look delicious, as usual 🙂
Thank you Carine! 🙂
Happy birthday to yoooouuuuuu
Happy birthday to yooouuuuuuu,
Happy birthday dear Heather,
Happy birthday to yoooooooooooouuuuuuuuuu!!!
The last you is always the longest! hehe! sorry I haven't been around much, you kow I'll be back properly soon, in the meantime I am stopping by with birthday love (and further apologie that there was nothing in the post for your birthday, I shall ensure there is, although it may mean a winter and summer birthday a bit like the queen!) Hope you have had a wonderful day, I loved reading this.Hope the boys spoil you 🙂
p.s. I went to watch the 'next' episdoe of parenthood yesterday and was horrified to find that I'd reached the end of season 4 - what will I do now? I only have you to blame for this addiction!
Hey Rachael!! So glad to hear from you! I've been soooo slow to mail things as well. Sorry!!!
Parenthood--- can you watch Hulu there? Not sure how international it is but season 5 is there & they got picked up for season 6!!
Hope you are super great-- looking forward to some catch-up posts from you!! xx ~Heather
The Cupcakes look delicious! Hope you have some quality time to just sit back, eat some cupcakes and enjoy your birthday! We wish you the best!
Thank you so much, Rebecca!! Relax + Cupcakes sounds like the best plan yet!
Happy birthday!! I love #1. Comparison is my worst enemy and I must remind myself to check it every day!
Thank you Erin! Comparison is my worst enemy, too. Gotta keep it in check! Hope your weekend is great!
Happy Birthday Heather!!! Hope you have an amazing day and weekend!!!!
Cristy and Michael...
Thanks so much you guys!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! ENJOY YOUR DAY!!!!!---Rachel
Thanks Rachel! Have a super weekend!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HEATHER!!!!!! I hope this next year brings wonderful things for you! Have a great day and enjoy those cupcakes 🙂
Thanks so much Deanna!!! 🙂