Ingredients
Method
Prepare Strawberries
- Remove the tops from the strawberries and cut them into small chunks. Place them in a bowl or container with a lid.
- Add the sugar, salt, and lemon juice to the strawberries. Mix together, cover, and refrigerate.
Make the Cupcake Batter
- Line a muffin or cupcake tin with liners and preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine ¾ cup of granulated sugar, softened butter, and olive oil. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one by one, beating well between each addition.
- Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and salt to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, mixing gently just until a thick batter forms.
Bake the Cupcakes
- Scoop the batter into the muffin tin evenly. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before filling and frosting.
Prepare the White Chocolate Frosting
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, pieces of white chocolate, vanilla bean paste, and salt. Stir until chocolate melts completely. Pour into a bowl and chill in the fridge.
Frost the Cupcakes
- Once the frosting is chilled, whip it to stiff peaks.
- Cut out the centers of the cooled cupcakes halfway with a small sharp knife and remove the cake.
- Fill the centers with macerated strawberries and drizzle 1 teaspoon of syrup over each.
- Pipe or spread the whipped white chocolate mousse on top of the cupcakes, creating an indent to hold more strawberries.
- Top with remaining macerated strawberries before serving, being careful not to overflow with syrup.
Notes
Allow strawberries to macerate for at least 30 minutes. Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. If frosting is runny, chill and re-whip.
