Divine Strawberry Mascarpone Cupcakes
Indulge in these Divine Strawberry Mascarpone Cupcakes that combine a fluffy French vanilla cake with a rich and creamy mascarpone filling. The tartness of the strawberries beautifully complements the sweetness of the cupcakes, making them a delightful treat for any occasion! These cupcakes are not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious, ensuring they'll be a hit at parties, gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself. Remember to drain the strawberries thoroughly for the best flavor, and don't worry if piping feels tricky at first—practice makes perfect! Inspired by the renowned Giada De Laurentiis, this recipe is sure to impress and leave your guests asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
208
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
French vanilla cake mix
1 (like Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe French Vanilla cake, prepared according to package instructions)
Mascarpone cheese
1 (8 ounce) container (chilled)
Frozen strawberries
1/2 cup (thawed and drained)
Granulated sugar
1/4 cup + 1/2 cup (divided)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Water
1/4 cup (for syrup)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Confectioners' sugar
2 cups (for icing)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin by lightly greasing it or lining it with paper wrappers for easy removal.
2
Prepare the French vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions. Fill each muffin cup almost to the rim with batter to ensure nice, fluffy cupcakes. Bake as directed and allow them to cool completely.
3
While the cupcakes are cooling, create the mascarpone filling. In a food processor, combine the chilled mascarpone cheese, thawed and well-drained strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Transfer this delicious filling into a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle.
4
Once the cupcakes are cool, gently insert the piping tip into the bottom of each cupcake and squeeze the strawberry mascarpone filling until the cupcake feels plump and filled.
5
To make the sweet vanilla icing, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely. In a separate medium bowl, mix the resulting vanilla syrup with confectioner's sugar until smooth. If the icing thickens, microwave it briefly to loosen it before spreading.
6
Use a rubber spatula to spread the icing generously over the top of each filled cupcake. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
15g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Divine Strawberry Mascarpone Cupcakes?
These are fluffy French vanilla cupcakes featuring a rich mascarpone and strawberry filling, topped with a sweet vanilla icing.
What type of cake mix is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a French vanilla cake mix, such as Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe French Vanilla.
How do you prepare the mascarpone filling?
In a food processor, blend chilled mascarpone, thawed and drained strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
What is the best way to fill the cupcakes?
Insert a piping tip into the bottom of each cooled cupcake and squeeze the strawberry mascarpone filling until the cupcake feels plump.
How is the vanilla icing made?
Create a syrup by dissolving sugar in water and vanilla extract over heat, then mix that syrup with confectioners' sugar until smooth.
What are the calories per cupcake?
Each cupcake contains approximately 208 calories.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 8 ingredients.
Should the strawberries be fresh or frozen?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries that have been thawed and well-drained.
Who inspired this cupcake recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the famous chef Giada De Laurentiis.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each cupcake contains 10g of fat.
How much sugar is in each cupcake?
There are 15g of sugar per serving.
What size mascarpone container do I need?
You will need one 8-ounce container of mascarpone cheese.
Why is it important to drain the strawberries?
Draining them thoroughly ensures the best flavor and prevents the filling from becoming too thin or watery.
What should I do if the icing becomes too thick?
If the icing thickens, you can microwave it briefly to loosen it up before spreading it on the cupcakes.
How much lemon juice is required for the filling?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I use cupcake liners for this recipe?
Yes, you can use paper wrappers in the muffin tin for easy removal of the cupcakes.
How high should I fill the muffin cups with batter?
Fill each muffin cup almost to the rim to ensure the cupcakes are nice and fluffy.
How much confectioners' sugar is used for the icing?
The icing requires 2 cups of confectioners' sugar.
What is the protein content of these cupcakes?
Each cupcake provides approximately 1.7g of protein.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cupcakes, dessert, strawberry, mascarpone, baking, sweet treats, party food, and Giada De Laurentiis.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these cupcakes are described as visually stunning and a hit for parties and gatherings.
When should I fill the cupcakes?
The cupcakes should be allowed to cool completely before you insert the mascarpone filling.
What equipment is needed for the filling?
You will need a food processor to blend the ingredients and a piping bag with a small nozzle to fill the cupcakes.
How is the vanilla syrup for the icing prepared?
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves.
What type of vanilla extract is used?
The recipe specifies using pure vanilla extract.
Is piping the filling difficult for beginners?
The recipe notes that practice makes perfect if piping feels tricky at first.
How should the mascarpone be stored before use?
The mascarpone cheese should be kept chilled until you are ready to make the filling.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
Each cupcake contains 30g of carbohydrates.
How do you apply the icing?
Use a rubber spatula to spread the icing generously over the top of each filled cupcake.
Is there any sodium or cholesterol information provided?
The recipe does not list specific values for sodium or cholesterol.