People always ask me where I get the inspiration for the recipes I make on the blog. Usually it’s either something I’ve been craving, or a version of something I’ve seen in a magazine, cookbook or blog. But these cupcakes were 100% inspired by a something totally different…
Cupcake liners.
Yup- that’s right- my friend Rebecca thoughtfully gave me a pack of these cute strawberry liners a few months ago and I’ve been dying to use them ever since. (I know these pictures don’t really show the pattern off, but it’s cute little berries and blossoms. I die!)
Since rhubarb season seems to be coming to an end, and since I happened to have plenty of Strawberry Rhubarb Compote leftover, I thought it would be the perfect thing to bake into a cupcake.
I started with a soft and flavorful strawberry cupcake that had chopped up berries swirled into the fluffy batter. Once baked, I cored out a little bit of each cake and filled it with a dollop of the compote. More compote was swirled into the frosting, and they were topped with juicy strawberry slices.
I brought these to my friend Natalie’s birthday party and everyone went nuts for them. I loved that no one was expecting them to have a filling so there were plenty of “Oohs” and “Ahs” as they took the first bite. (Isn’t other people loving things you bake the best?)
As complex as this recipe may seem, it really isn’t at all. Since the compote is used for the cupcakes and the frosting, it makes everything much easier. The cupcake batter comes together in no time, and after a quick chill in the freezer, they’ll be ready to core and fill. A simple butter cream is easy to whip up, mix in a few spoons of compote and you’re ready to go!
Cake recipe adapted from: Martha Stewart Cupcakes
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
These look so fantastic!! Love this recipe!
Cassie @ Bake Your Day says
Awesome use for the compote! These look incredible Audra!
Kara Dykstra says
I just went strawberry picking and can’t wait to make these. :) Where did you find that cupcake container?
Deb says
I have to have my rhubarb with strawberries and these cupcakes are perfect little scoops of spring! Splendid post!
Karen says
These are beautiful! I love the liners, lucky you for having such a thoughtful friend.
Audra says
Kara- I get these containers at a store called New York Cake and Baking company. They have everything- AND an online store :)
Carolyn says
mmmm, those look fantastic and i would have oohed and aaahed over the filling too!
Elizabeth says
I’ve been loving the strawberry rhubarb combo lately!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I love that these were inspired by cupcake liners. I’m a cupcake liner fanatic so I totally understand where you’re coming from. Also, that oozing compote is so incredibly inviting!
Audra says
Thanks Chung-Ah! I love cupcake liners too!
Audra says
Me too! Sweet with just a little zing! :)
Audra says
Thanks Carolyn! Yeah the surprise factor is always fun :)
Audra says
Thanks Karen! Yes- she was very sweet to pick those up for me, I’m so glad I had a chance to use them!
Audra says
Thanks Deb! I agree, rhubarb is amazing with some yummy berries on the side!
Audra says
Thanks Cassie! It’s always a plus when you can use a recipe for another right?
Audra says
Thanks so much Katrina! :)
Erin says
These cupcakes sound amazing! And I love that they were inspired by the liners (which are completely adorable). Perfect for a birthday!
Lauren says
I live in Australia and we don’t have cake flour exactly what is in it? we have Plain/all purpose and self raising.
Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen says
Your cupcakes look so gorgeous – these have to be the perfect spring/summery cupcakes! They are the prettiest liners as well!
Stephanie says
Trying these out tomorrow – thanks for sharing the recipe! I just have a quick question since the ingredients aren’t split up for the buttercream and cake separately. Do you use the 3 sticks of butter for the buttercream or the 2?
Audra says
Sorry for the confusion- (And I’m guessing I’m too late in responding,) 2 sticks for the cakes, and 3 sticks for the frosting :) 34 cupcakes use a lot of butter I guess! :)
Richa says
Hi Audra,
These cupcake are AMAZING! If possible, could you provide the measurement for 12 cupcakes please?