STRAWBERRY MUSHROOM CUPCAKES

recipe for Strawberry Mushroom Cupcakes — whimsical cupcakes designed to look like cute red mushrooms with white spots, like the iconic Amanita muscaria (but sweet and totally edible!):

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STRAWBERRY MUSHROOM CUPCAKES

Makes: 12 cupcakes | Prep time: 30 min | Bake time: 18-22 min

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INGREDIENTS

For the Strawberry Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120g) finely chopped fresh strawberries (or strawberry purée)

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3–3½ cups (360–420g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ⅓ cup (80g) strawberry purée (fresh or from jam)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red gel food coloring (for that mushroom red)

For Decoration (Mushroom Look):

• Mini marshmallows or white candy melts (for spots)
• Optional: green sprinkles or crushed cookies (for “mossy” base)
• Optional: cupcake corer & extra frosting for filling

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bake the Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with red cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 mins).
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
5. Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped strawberries.
7. Spoon into liners, filling about ¾ full.
8. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

2. Make the Strawberry Buttercream

1. Beat butter until creamy (2 mins).
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time.
3. Mix in strawberry purée and vanilla. Beat until fluffy (3–5 mins).
4. Add red food coloring to achieve mushroom cap color.

3. Decorate Like Mushrooms

1. Pipe the red strawberry frosting on top in a dome shape (use a large round tip or cut piping bag).
2. Flatten mini marshmallows slightly and stick them on the red frosting like mushroom spots.
   • Or pipe white dots using melted white chocolate/candy melts.
3. Optional: sprinkle green sugar or crushed Oreos dyed green around the base to resemble grass/moss.

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Tips:

• You can core the cupcakes and add a little strawberry jam or extra frosting inside for a surprise.
• To make it vegan: use dairy-free milk/butter and egg replacer.

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