Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F, and prepare 2 cupcake pans by coating with liners (20 cupcakes total).
- In a medium to large sized mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt, then whisk together to combine.
- In a separate bowl, add ½ cup of sugar and lemon zest, then rub together the sugar and zest until the sugar is all colored yellow and very fragrant, set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater attachment, add eggs, sugar, lemon-zest-sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on high for around 5 minutes, the mixture should look thick, fluffy, and be tripled in volume.
- Slowly drizzle in the oil. After all the oil has been added, beat for an additional minute.
- On low, add the dry mixture to the stand mixer, mixing until just combined. Add in the sour cream, prosecco, and lemon juice, and mix only until the batter becomes smooth.
- Add the batter to the cupcake pans (filling each about 2/3 full), then bake in the oven for around 18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Add strawberries to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Transfer pureed strawberries to a saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently to minimize sticking and burning.
- Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the puree to remove the seeds. Next, add in the lemon zest and then transfer to the fridge to cool completely.
- Add butter to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on high until butter is doubled in volume, and looks light and fluffy.
- Turn the stand mixer to low and slowly add the confectioners sugar. Beat until completely incorporated, then add in the cooled strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt. Beat until well-combined and fully incorporated.
Notes
Ensure the cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting. You can substitute other berries for the strawberries if desired.
