Craving a delightful treat that combines the freshness of juicy blueberries with the richness of cream cheese frosting? Look no further than these blueberries n cream cupcakes! Bursting with vanilla and a hint of lemon, these cupcakes are a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether as a dessert or even a breakfast indulgence, these cupcakes are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients needed to create these irresistible Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes:
Cupcake Base
- 1 cup (125g) cake flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/3 cup (80ml) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
Blueberries n’ Cream Filling
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: lemon slices and extra blueberries for garnish
- 2 tubs of vanilla buttercream frosting
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Whipped cream cheese filling (from Blueberries n’ Cream Filling section)
- Extra strawberries and blueberries for decoration
These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavors in these delectable Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes.
Equipment Needed
To make these delicious Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes, you will need the following equipment:
- Standard 12-cup muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls (medium to large size)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Piping bag and decorating tip (optional for frosting)
- Oven
Preparation
Preparing the Blueberry Mix
To start, simmer the blueberries in a pot over medium heat until most of the water evaporates, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, puree the blueberries in a blender or food processor to create the flavorful blueberry base for the cupcakes.
Mixing the Cupcake Batter
Begin by sifting together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time, combining well between additions. Incorporate the blueberry puree, milk, and vanilla extract into the mixture before adding the dry ingredients. Fill the cupcake liners evenly with batter using an ice cream scoop and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Baking the Cupcakes
Creaming the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture for your cupcakes.
Incorporating Eggs:
Add the eggs and egg white, one at a time, to the creamed mixture. Beat well after each addition to ensure a smooth and well-emulsified batter. The eggs not only add richness but also help the cupcakes set properly during baking.
Alternating Wet and Dry Ingredients:
To prevent overmixing and ensure even hydration of the flour, alternate between adding the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt) and the wet ingredients (blueberry puree and milk) to the batter. Mix just until combined after each addition.
Folding in Blueberries:
Gently dust the blueberries with flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cupcakes. Using a flexible spatula, fold the flour-coated blueberries into the batter with care, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking up too much.
Baking the Cupcakes:
Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, divide the cupcake batter evenly into lined muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake in a preheated oven until the cupcakes are set, typically 19-21 minutes. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake.
Cooling and Serving:
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with the delicious Blueberries n’ Cream mixture and serve them as delightful treats for any occasion.
With these meticulous steps, you can ensure that your Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes turn out moist, flavorful, and visually appealing – a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy goodness in every bite.
Creating the Cream Filling
To create the luscious cream filling for these Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes, we’ll need to infuse our vanilla buttercream frosting with a burst of strawberry flavor. The process involves a few simple steps to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
- Prepping the Ingredients:
- Ensure your full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter are softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth consistency in the filling.
- Measure out 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for that extra depth of flavor.
- Combining the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, place the vanilla buttercream frosting.
- Grind the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until it forms a fine crumb, then add it to the frosting.
- Mix the strawberries and frosting together on high speed until well combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Adding the Final Touches:
- Incorporate the heavy cream into the mixture and continue mixing on high speed until the filling reaches a creamy consistency.
- Transfer the whipped cream cheese filling into a piping bag for easy filling of the cupcakes.
- Filling the Cupcakes:
- Using a cupcake corer or a large knife, create a cavity in the center of each cupcake.
- Pipe the cream filling into each cupcake until full, ensuring a generous amount in each one.
- Decorating the Cupcakes:
- Once filled, top the cupcakes with the strawberry frosting for that fruity sweetness.
- Garnish the cupcakes with additional strawberries and blueberries for an extra burst of flavor and a visually appealing finish.
- Serving the Cupcakes:
- Allow the cupcakes to sit for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Optional Snack Cake Variation:
- If you prefer not to make cupcakes, you can also turn this recipe into an 8×8 snack cake. Simply bake the cake for the same amount of time and top it with the strawberry frosting for a delightful dessert option.
Frosting Preparation
To complement the delightful Blueberries n’ Cream Cupcakes, I love topping them with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The rich and creamy frosting enhances the berries-and-cream flavor, making every bite a heavenly experience.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) (56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Beat the frosting on high speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
This decadent cream cheese frosting is ready to be piped onto the cooled Blueberries n’ Cream Cupcakes. I recommend using a Wilton 1M tip to achieve a beautifully swirled frosting design. For an extra touch, garnish with lemon slices and additional blueberries to make your cupcakes even more visually appealing. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite of these delightful cupcakes topped with the creamy goodness of the frosting.
Assembling the Cupcakes
After preparing the Blueberries n’ Cream Filling and baking the cupcakes, the next step is assembling these delightful treats. Here’s how to put together these heavenly Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Place the whipped cream cheese into a piping bag and cut off the end to create a piping tip.
- Pipe the creamy filling into the hollowed-out center of each cupcake until they are pleasantly filled.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Scoop the prepared strawberry frosting into a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M tip for a decorative swirl.
- Pipe the luscious frosting generously on top of each cupcake, covering the cream cheese filling.
- Decorate with Fresh Berries:
- Enhance the visual appeal of the cupcakes by topping them with extra fresh strawberries and blueberries.
- These colorful berries not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing taste contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes.
- Let the Cupcakes Rest:
- Allow the assembled cupcakes to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious taste experience.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cupcakes have rested, they are ready to be enjoyed.
- Indulge in the burst of blueberries n cream flavors with every bite, savoring the harmony of sweet, tangy, and creamy notes.
By following these steps, you’ll create visually appealing and delectable Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Decorating Tips
When it comes to decorating your Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes, there are a few tips to ensure they look just as delightful as they taste. Here’s how you can elevate the visual appeal of your cupcakes:
1. Frosting Techniques:
Use a Wilton 1M tip to pipe the cream cheese filling into the cupcakes for a professional and elegant look. The star-shaped tip will create beautiful swirls that not only look inviting but also hold the filling securely inside the cupcakes.
2. Fresh Berries Garnish:
Enhance the overall presentation of your cupcakes by generously topping them with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries. The vibrant colors of the berries will add a pop of freshness and a burst of flavor that complements the creamy texture of the frosting perfectly.
3. Resting Time:
Allow your decorated cupcakes to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious eating experience for your guests.
Make-Ahead Tips
As I always strive to create ease in my baking process and serve the best to my guests, here are some valuable make-ahead tips for these delightful Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes:
- Prepare the Cupcakes in Advance: You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead of serving. Once they are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Make the Blueberries n’ Cream Filling Early: The luscious blueberries n’ cream filling can be made a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the cupcakes.
- Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting in Advance: The creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for a while to soften before piping.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: While components can be prepared in advance, I recommend assembling the cupcakes shortly before serving to maintain the freshness of the flavors and textures.
By following these make-ahead tips, you can efficiently prepare these scrumptious Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes while keeping them fresh and delightful for your guests’ enjoyment.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
When it comes to storing these delightful Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes, it’s essential to ensure that they remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are some storage tips and serving suggestions to make the most of these delectable treats:
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: After assembling the cupcakes with the cream cheese filling and frosting, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps retain the freshness of the cupcakes and prevents the frosting from melting.
- Limited Time: Ideally, these cupcakes are best served within 2-3 days of assembly to enjoy them at their peak flavor. The longer they are stored, the texture of the cupcake may change.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the cream cheese frosting and whipped cream filling, it is not recommended to freeze these cupcakes as it can alter the texture and consistency of the frosting.
- Temperature: Before serving, allow the cupcakes to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to soften the frosting slightly and enhances the flavors.
- Garnishes: For an extra pop of color and freshness, garnish the cupcakes with additional blueberries and lemon slices just before serving. This not only adds visual appeal but also complements the fruity flavors of the cupcakes.
- Presentation: Serve these Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes on a decorative cake stand or plate to elevate their presentation. This makes them visually enticing and ready to impress your guests.
By following these storage and serving suggestions, you can ensure that your Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes retain their flavor and charm, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Conclusion
Creating Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes is a delightful way to indulge in a sweet treat that combines the freshness of blueberries with the richness of cream cheese frosting. By following the detailed recipe and tips provided, you can ensure that your cupcakes turn out perfectly moist and flavorful. Remember to store them properly to maintain their taste and texture, and don’t forget to add a touch of elegance by garnishing with fresh blueberries and lemon slices. These cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any gathering or celebration. Enjoy the process of baking and savoring these Blueberries n Cream Cupcakes with your loved ones.