Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes with Strawberry Kiwi Creamy Frosting

In continuation with my season of strawberry recipes I decided to make strawberry cupcakes.

Then as I walked through the produce section of Trader Joe’s the kiwis started calling my name “Whitney, Whitney, put us in your strawberry cupcakes!”

I couldn’t say no to these cute little green guys so I picked some up and Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes were born!

Ingredients (makes 24 cupcakes)

• 2 cups strawberries (sliced)
• 2 kiwis (peeled and sliced)
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup vanilla almond milk, coconut milk or regular milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla

Start by peeling the kiwi using a vegetable peeler. (Thanks roomie for being my photographer in this shot!)

Next, slice the kiwis and strawberries.

Place the fruit in a blender or food processor.

Blend into a puree consistency, set aside and begin to make the batter.

First, mix together the flour, baking soda and salt in a small mixing bowl.

Next cream together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl, then add the eggs one at a time and mix well.

Then add the oil, almond milk, vanilla and fruit puree.

Blend well then add the flour mixture.

Combine all of the ingredients until a dark pink batter forms.

Now pour the batter into pre-lined muffin pans.

Bake the cupcakes at 350° for 22-25 minutes.

Now it’s time to make the frosting.

I used my cream cheese frosting recipe and added fresh strawberries and kiwi. Simple and delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 8 oz packages cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups confectioners sugar (sifted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 strawberries (diced)
• 1 kiwi (peeled and diced)

Start by peeling and dicing the strawberries and kiwi.

Combine all ingredients with an electric hand mixer.

Now place the frosting onto the cupcakes with a cake decorator or spread on top with a knife. Add additional sliced fruit as a garnish if you like!

I went a little crazy with the picture-taking because they were so pretty! Here are a few of my favorites!

How cute are all the little spring-y accessories?  All from my favorite spot, World Market!

These cupcakes are perfect for spring, would be so cute at a picnic, birthday party or baby shower!

♣ Vegetarian Option: This recipe is vegetarian.

♦ Gluten Free Option: Substitute gluten-free baking flour for traditional flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

♥ All pottery seen on the littleleopardbook can be purchased by visiting www.longaberger.com/muffetbond or e-mailing keepsakebl@sbcglobal.net.