Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk, room temperature
For the Buttercream:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
2-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Strawberry Filling:
3-4 cups finely diced strawberries
1 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 cupcake pans with 24 cupcake liners.
2. Make the Cupcake Batter:
In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
Alternately add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, along with the milk, in three parts. Stir just until combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
3. Bake the Cupcakes:
Spoon the batter into the lined cupcake pans, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Buttercream:
In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough heavy cream or milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Beat the frosting on high for 3-4 minutes until very fluffy.
5. Make the Strawberry Filling:
Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the finely diced strawberries.
Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
6. Assemble the Cupcakes:
Spread a small amount of frosting on the top of each cooled cupcake as a mini crumb coat to prevent the strawberry juices from soaking into the cupcake.
Pipe a circle of buttercream around the outer edge of each cupcake.
Fill the center with a tablespoon or two of the strawberry filling.
For best results, fill the cupcakes with strawberries just a few hours or right before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes!