Susan @ Adventures in my Kitchen {Guest Post}

Hey y'all! I am so happy to be guest posting for Stephanie today!  I'm Susan and I blog over at Adventures in my Kitchen.  I like to create simple yet creative, budget friendly recipes that are easy on your wallet and your waistline! 

I hope you love these cupcakes today, I save the desserts for special occasions- everything in moderation!  These cupcakes are fresh and flavorful, packed inside with fresh strawberries and topped with a summery basil buttercream icing.  A box mix for the cake makes everything super simple, plus it saves time and money!

I hope you'll come on over and join the Adventures in my Kitchen!  You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Strawberry Cupcakes with Balsamic Soaked Strawberries

and Fresh Basil Buttercream

by: Adventures in my Kitchen

Cupcakes:
1 box Strawberry Cake Mix- such as Pilsbury (18.25oz) + water, vegetable oil, and eggs- directions on back of box
Balsamic Strawberries:

1/4 lb of fresh strawberries- diced
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

Fresh Basil Buttercream:
6 large leaves basil, roughly torn
1 stick butter- divided in half
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Mix and Bake cupcakes as per package directions. As cupcakes are baking, pour balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and set on medium heat.  Allow to simmer for 15 minutes, or until it coats the back of a spoon.  Let cool and then add in diced strawberries to soak.

For buttercream, melt 1/2 a stick of butter in microwave for aprx 20 seconds.  Combine basil leaves and melted butter.  Combine well and let cool until solid again.  Add other 1/2 stick of butter and whip.  Add in powdered sugar and ricotta cheese, mixing thoroughly.

*Note- if you store the icing in the fridge, you'll need to bring the icing back to room temp to spread on the cupcakes.

When cupcakes are cooled, cut out a chunk of the center to add strawberries.  Drain the balsamic from the strawberries and spoon them into each cupcake being careful not to overfill.

Top with Fresh Basil Buttercream and enjoy!