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Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

These Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are everything you love about classic strawberry shortcake in an adorable handheld dessert! Soft, fluffy white cupcakes are filled with sweet strawberry pie filling, topped with rich homemade buttercream frosting, and finished with another spoonful of juicy strawberry filling. Every bite reveals a delicious strawberry surprise hidden inside the cupcake.

They’re perfect for birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, spring celebrations, and summer parties. Easy to make and absolutely beautiful, these bakery-style cupcakes are guaranteed to steal the show on any dessert table.

If you’re looking for an easy cupcake recipe that’s bursting with strawberry flavor, you’ve found it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy white cupcakes
• Surprise strawberry filling inside
• Rich homemade buttercream frosting
• Easy to make using strawberry pie filling
• Beautiful bakery-style presentation
• Perfect for spring and summer
• Great for birthdays and parties

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

or your favorite homemade white cake recipe

Filling

• 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling

Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Garnish

• Additional strawberry pie filling
• Fresh strawberries (optional)
• Crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Step 1

Prepare the white cake batter according to the package directions or your favorite homemade recipe.

Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Fill each liner about ⅔ full.

Bake according to the package directions.

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.

Step 2

Using a cupcake corer or a small knife, remove the center of each cupcake, creating a small well for the filling.

Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom.

Step 3

Spoon the strawberry pie filling into each cupcake until filled.

Replace a small piece of the cupcake on top if desired.

Step 4

Prepare the buttercream frosting.

Beat the butter until light and fluffy.

Gradually mix in the powdered sugar.

Add the vanilla and enough heavy cream until the frosting is smooth and pipeable.

Step 5

Pipe a generous swirl of buttercream onto each cupcake.

Step 6

Top each cupcake with another spoonful of strawberry pie filling.

If desired, garnish with a fresh strawberry, crushed shortbread cookies, or a sprinkle of vanilla wafer crumbs.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tips for the Best Cupcakes

• Cool the cupcakes completely before filling.
• Don’t overfill the center to prevent leaking.
• Pipe a tall swirl of frosting to hold the strawberry topping.
• Chill the cupcakes for 30 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
• Use quality strawberry pie filling with large strawberry pieces.

Variations

• Use homemade strawberry filling.
• Add whipped cream instead of buttercream.
• Fill with fresh macerated strawberries.
• Sprinkle crushed Golden Oreos on top.
• Add lemon zest to the frosting for a fresh twist.
• Drizzle with white chocolate.

Storage

Store the cupcakes covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

If you love easy strawberry desserts, be sure to check out some of my other reader favorites! Try my Strawberry Bundt Cake, Three-Layer Strawberry Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cheesecake, Strawberry Pie, Easy Strawberry Mousse, Strawberry Icebox Cake, Strawberry Sugar Cookies, Strawberry Sauce, No-Bake Strawberry Chocolate Yogurt Clusters, Cherry Cheesecake Angel Food Cake, Lemon Bundt Cake, and Vanilla Funfetti Bundt Cake for even more delicious homemade dessert ideas.

Can I Freeze Them?

Yes!

Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.

Thaw completely before filling and decorating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade strawberry filling?

Absolutely! Homemade strawberry filling works beautifully if you have fresh strawberries available.

Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream?

Yes! For a more traditional strawberry shortcake flavor, stabilized whipped cream is a wonderful option.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

Because of the strawberry filling, it’s best to refrigerate the cupcakes until serving.

More Strawberry Desserts You’ll Love

If you love strawberry desserts, be sure to try my Strawberry Bundt Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cheesecake, Strawberry Pie, Strawberry Sugar Cookies, Easy Strawberry Mousse, Strawberry Icebox Cake, Three-Layer Strawberry Cake, and Strawberry Sauce.

Jennie’s Thoughts

These Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are the perfect combination of soft vanilla cake, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy homemade buttercream. The hidden strawberry center makes every bite a fun surprise, while the extra strawberry topping creates a beautiful bakery-style finish. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer party, or simply craving a fruity dessert, these cupcakes are sure to become a family favorite.