Name: Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups strawberries (sliced); 2 kiwis (peeled and sliced); 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup butter (at room temperature); 1 cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk or regular milk); ¼ cup vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 16 ounces cream cheese (softened); ½ cup butter (softened); 2 cups confectioners sugar (sifted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 strawberries (diced); 1 kiwi (peeled and diced)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 30 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s bursting with fresh, fruity goodness and a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, you’re in for a treat! This Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes Recipe combines the luscious flavors of ripe strawberries and juicy kiwis in a moist, tender cupcake, topped with a creamy, dreamy strawberry kiwi cream cheese frosting. It’s the kind of recipe that turns any ordinary day into a celebration, offering vibrant colors and refreshing tastes that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance. Whether you’re baking for a party or just to surprise yourself with something special, these cupcakes are pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl filled with a thick, creamy mixture that is light pink in color with small red and green bits scattered throughout. The creamy mix has a smooth and swirled texture, showing the motion of mixing. Two metal beaters covered in the same mixture rest inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes Recipe means gathering a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an important role—from the fresh fruit that gives this treat its signature flavor to the creamy elements that ensure the perfect texture and color.

2 cups strawberries (sliced): Fresh and ripe for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
2 kiwis (peeled and sliced): Adds a zesty tang and a beautiful green hue.
2 cups flour: The base that holds the cupcake together with just the right crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise light and fluffy.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies flavors.
½ cup butter (at room temperature): Adds richness and tenderness to the batter.
1 cup brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moistness.
⅓ cup vanilla almond milk (or coconut/regular milk): Keeps the cupcakes moist and adds a subtle hint of vanilla.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Ensures extra moisture without weighing down the cupcakes.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity to the batter.
16 ounces cream cheese (softened): Base for a luscious, tangy frosting.
½ cup butter (softened): Enriches the frosting with smooth creaminess.
2 cups confectioners sugar (sifted): Creates a sweet, silky texture perfect for frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Perfectly complements the fruit flavors.
4 strawberries (diced): Fresh bits to enhance the frosting’s texture.
1 kiwi (peeled and diced): Adds exciting pops of flavor and color to the frosting.

How to Make Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Fruit

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, peel the kiwis carefully using a vegetable peeler for a smooth finish, then slice both the kiwi and strawberries. This prep gets you ready to infuse the cupcakes with that signature fresh fruit punch.

Step 2: Puree the Fruit

Next, place the sliced strawberries and kiwis into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This puree will mix into the batter, creating that beautiful pink hue and incredible fruity flavor we all crave every time we make the Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes Recipe.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the foundation for your cupcakes’ texture and rise.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat your room temperature butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This crucial step ensures your cupcakes are soft and tender later on. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the vegetable oil, vanilla almond milk, vanilla extract, and fruit puree. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend until everything is fully incorporated and you see that gorgeous pink batter forming.

Step 6: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold in the flour mixture into your batter. Mix just until combined to keep the cupcakes light and airy. The batter will have a wonderful, inviting color and a sweet, fruity scent that’s hard to resist.

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

Line muffin pans with cupcake liners and pour the batter evenly into each spot. Bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once done, let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Strawberry Kiwi Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, peel and dice the strawberries and kiwi again. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter, then add confectioners sugar and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, folding in the diced fruit last for a wonderful texture contrast.

Step 9: Frost the Cupcakes

Use a piping bag for an elegant presentation, or simply spread the frosting on top with a knife for a more rustic look. Each cupcake is now a little piece of fruity heaven.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows several cupcakes placed on a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has one brown cake layer topped with a swirl of light pink frosting that has small red bits mixed in. On top of the frosting, there are small green and red fruit pieces, likely kiwi and strawberry. The cupcakes are wrapped in red paper liners with a green edge at the bottom. In the background, there is a blurred black cooling rack holding more similarly decorated cupcakes and a slice of kiwi. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance presentation by topping each cupcake with a small slice of kiwi or a halved strawberry. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, delicate finish that impresses your guests visually and adds an extra touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance richness with refreshing simplicity. A light iced green tea or sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully to keep the fruity theme going.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes Recipe in colorful mini cupcake liners or arrange them on a tiered stand with edible flowers for an eye-catching dessert display. You can also hollow out some kiwi halves and pipe frosting inside for cupcake “bites.” The possibilities to delight your guests are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cupcakes stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Thanks to the cream cheese frosting, chilling helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage. They taste just as wonderful the next day, with flavors even more melded together.

Freezing

To enjoy your Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes Recipe later, freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or an airtight container. Freeze the frosting separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving to preserve optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

If you’d like to serve the cupcakes warm, gently reheat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave at a low setting after frosting, but avoid overheating to protect the creamy frosting’s perfection. Enjoy warm bites or room temperature — either way, delicious!

FAQs

Can I substitute the almond milk for regular milk?

Absolutely! Regular cow’s milk or even coconut milk can be used without changing the overall flavor dramatically. Almond milk just adds a subtle nuttiness, but the cupcakes will still be moist and flavorful with any of these options.

Is it necessary to peel the kiwis?

Peeling the kiwis is recommended because the skin can be a bit tough and tart, which might affect the cupcake’s texture and taste. Using peeled kiwi ensures a smooth puree and a consistent sweet-tart flavor.

How long will these cupcakes keep fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cupcakes stay fresh for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh fruit and cream cheese frosting, it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

You can make some adaptations such as using a plant-based cream cheese, egg substitutes, and plant-based milk. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly, but they can still be delicious with the right adjustments.

Can the frosting be made without fruit chunks?

Yes, if you prefer a smoother frosting, simply omit the diced strawberries and kiwi. The frosting will still taste amazing and maintain its creamy texture, with a lovely hint of vanilla and cream cheese tang.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about baking a batch of Strawberry Kiwi Cupcakes Recipe, with their sweet, tangy flavor and irresistibly creamy frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, I promise this recipe will bring a burst of sunshine and happiness to your kitchen. Give it a try, share with loved ones, and enjoy every delightful bite of this fresh and fruity treat!