SPRINKLES’ STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES

Sprinkles’ Strawberry Cupcakes 

2/3 cup fresh or frozen whole strawberries (thawed if frozen)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour , sifted

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. coarse salt

1/4 cup whole milk , room temperature

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 large egg , room temperature

2 large egg whites , room temperature

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside. 

Place strawberries in a small food processor; process until pureed. You should have about 1/3 cup of puree. Add a few more strawberries if necessary, or save any extra puree for frosting; set aside. 

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together milk, vanilla and strawberry puree; set aside. 

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add egg and egg whites until just blended. 

With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture; mix until just blended. Slowly add remaining flour mixture, scraping down sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary, until just blended.