The Best Strawberry Cupcake

     I've been searching for a fabulous strawberry cupcake for quite a while, actually since last summer.  My first attempt was Candace Nelson's strawberry cupcake even though some of the reviews weren't that favorable, I still gave it go. After all, she is a judge on the popular "Cupcake Wars"  and owns Sprinkles Cupcakes.  To my utter dismay, those ended up in the trash.  Perhaps I did something wrong, so I made them again adding a bit more strawberry extract.  Another batch in the trash! Ughhhh!!! I'm sure the ones in the Sprinkles bakery are delicious, but on to other recipes.
     Many attempts with many different recipes, each time I changed things when they didn't come out quite right.  I even used my go to vanilla recipe and just added strawberries.  April and I made some strawberry cupcakes for her friend using yet another recipe.  They turned out soggy and sunk in the center.  We threw them away and made Betty Crocker strawberry cake mix and added strawberries since it was late at night.  At least we laughed about it!  April said, "Wow this is just like "Cupcake Wars".  I can almost hear Candace Nelson saying, "What happened to your cupcakes, these are the worst tasting strawberry cupcakes ever!!"  Exactly!!!
     Last week, I began my search again since it was Memorial Day and I wanted to make a strawberry cupcake to go with my red, white and blue theme frosting with big stars for the topping.  I think this is the winner, at least April and Kim think so!!

The Best Strawberry Cupcakes from Simply Sweet Bake Shop

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 egg whites
2 tsp. strawberry extract
1 cup pureed fresh strawberries
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter on medium speed.  Add egg whites on at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in strawberry extract, pureed strawberries and sour cream
In medium bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Gradually add to butter mixture until combined
Pour batter into cupcake pans
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until wooden toothpick comes out clean
Let cool for 10 minutes the move to wire rack
Cool completely before frosting

I added a little red gel coloring because otherwise you will end up with a grey color cupcake.  I used just a regular cream cheese frosting so I could add the swirls I wanted.  I think they came out pretty and delicious.  Now on to Father's Day!