Delight in these Strawberry Bliss Cupcakes, a treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 325°F for dark or nonstick pans).
Preheating ensures even baking, so don't skip this step.
Line a muffin tin with 24 paper baking cups.
Using paper liners makes cleanup easier and keeps the cupcakes intact.
In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, lemon-lime soda, and egg whites. Mix until smooth.
Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cupcakes dense.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
Filling each cup about two-thirds full ensures even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Cooling completely is crucial before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Stir a few drops of pink food color into the vanilla frosting until evenly colored.
Adjust the color intensity by adding more or fewer drops of food coloring.
Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or a spatula.
For a professional look, use a piping bag with a star tip.
In a small bag, combine the sprinkles with a drop of pink food color. Shake until the sprinkles are evenly tinted.
This step adds a personalized touch to your cupcakes.
Sprinkle the tinted sprinkles around the edges of the frosted cupcakes and top each with a fresh strawberry.
Adding a fresh strawberry on top enhances both the flavor and presentation.