There’s something timeless and comforting about the taste of a strawberry milkshake. Now, imagine capturing that sweet, creamy, fruity flavor in the form of a light, fluffy cupcake. That’s exactly what these Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes deliver—a fusion of childhood nostalgia and modern-day indulgence. With simple ingredients, a playful pop of color, and rich buttercream frosting that smells like a soda shop, this dessert is more than just pretty in pink. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes Recipe for another fruity twist.
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What Makes Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes So Special?
The Sweet Flavor of Childhood in Every Bite
Strawberry milkshakes often take us back to diners, fast food counters, and sunny afternoons. These cupcakes channel that same flavor profile by replacing traditional sugar with strawberry Nesquik milkshake powder. The result? A naturally sweet, mildly fruity taste that instantly sparks warm memories. The cupcakes themselves are light and airy, with a tender crumb that complements the fluffy buttercream.
Why Nesquik Works Better Than Fresh Strawberries
While many strawberry cupcake recipes call for pureed berries, this version ditches the fruit entirely in favor of milkshake powder. Here’s why that works brilliantly:
- Consistency: No excess moisture means a more predictable texture.
- Flavor Intensity: Nesquik provides a strong, concentrated strawberry punch without being overpowering.
- Color Control: You can easily customize the hue with a drop of food coloring, creating a pastel pink or a vibrant bold shade.
Discover great ideas like our Biscoff Cupcake Recipe that also use unique flavor bases.
Texture, Color & Aroma: A Dessert That Hits All the Senses
One bite into these cupcakes and you’re greeted with a springy sponge that’s subtly sweet and wonderfully aromatic. The buttercream frosting, whipped to perfection, adds both a creamy mouthfeel and visual appeal with its pale pink swirl. You can top them with retro paper straws, festive sprinkles, or edible glitter to turn a simple bake into an eye-catching treat.
Don’t miss our soft and flavorful Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe if you’re looking for something more classic.
How to Make Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes at Home
These cupcakes are as simple as they are delicious. Using pantry staples and just one mixing bowl, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a weekend baker or a kitchen novice, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to whip up this retro-inspired treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Cupcakes and Frosting
Below is everything you’ll need for the cupcake base and the buttercream frosting. This recipe yields 12 cupcakes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter/margarine | 200g (13 tbsp) | Base fat for moist texture |
| Nesquik strawberry powder | 200g (1 cup) | Sweetness and strawberry flavor |
| Self-raising flour | 200g (1½ cups) | Provides structure and rise |
| Large eggs | 3 | Binding agent and moisture |
| Food coloring (optional) | A few drops | Adds desired pink hue |
| Icing sugar | 250g (1⅓ cups) | Sweetens and structures frosting |
| Additional Nesquik powder | 150g (¾ cup) | Intensifies frosting flavor |
| Milk (optional) | 1–2 tsp | Loosens buttercream if needed |
| Sprinkles, straws (optional) | As needed | For decoration and fun presentation |
Want a unique combo flavor? Don’t miss our Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-hole cupcake tray with pink or red cupcake liners for an extra visual pop.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
Place the butter, strawberry Nesquik powder, flour, and eggs all together in a large bowl. Beat well with an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Add Food Coloring (Optional)
Add a small amount of pink or red food coloring to intensify the cupcake’s color. Blend until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch.
Step 5: Cool Before Frosting
Let the cupcakes rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Buttercream
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with half the icing sugar. Once combined, add the rest of the icing sugar, the remaining Nesquik powder, and a touch of milk if needed. Beat until fluffy and pale pink.
Step 7: Decorate
Scoop the frosting into a piping bag and swirl onto cooled cupcakes. Add sprinkles or insert paper straws for a milkshake-themed finish.
Expert Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes (Like Grainy Frosting)
- Avoid grainy buttercream: Some users report graininess when using dry Nesquik powder. To prevent this, sift the powder and icing sugar, or mix the powder with a splash of warm milk before adding to the frosting.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the oven. Overbaking leads to dry cupcakes. Use a toothpick test for doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
- Color fades while baking: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant result that lasts through baking.
Looking for a refreshing side pairing? Try our Non-Alcohol Red Punch with Hibiscus—a perfect summer combo with these cupcakes.
Creative Twists and Serving Ideas
What’s better than a classic cupcake? A cupcake with personality! These strawberry milkshake cupcakes are incredibly versatile—perfect for birthdays, baby showers, picnics, or simply satisfying a sugar craving.
Turn Them Into Freakshake Cupcakes for Parties
Want to go the extra mile for your next celebration? Transform these into freakshake cupcakes by topping them with:
- Whipped cream
- A mini marshmallow skewer
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- A drizzle of white chocolate
Stick a straw right in the frosting and you’ve got a party-ready dessert that’s equal parts fun and flavor.
Variations Using Chocolate or Banana Milkshake Powder
Although strawberry is the star here, Nesquik and other brands offer multiple options. You can easily substitute the strawberry milkshake powder with:
- Chocolate milkshake powder for a rich cocoa version
- Banana milkshake powder for a funky twist that kids will love
Just remember to match your food coloring and toppings for the full effect.
Check out our Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad if you want a sweet-savory combo to balance the richness.
Fun Toppings: Sprinkles, Straws, and Beyond
Get creative with your toppings! Some fun ideas:
- Crushed cereal (like Fruity Pebbles or Cornflakes)
- Edible glitter or metallic pearls
- White chocolate shavings
- Mini wafer cookies
Personalization makes each cupcake feel homemade and festive. You could even set up a cupcake decorating station for guests to add their own flair.
FAQ About Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes
Can I use real strawberries instead of milkshake powder?
Technically yes, but it changes the entire structure and flavor balance. Fresh berries add moisture, which may lead to a denser crumb. Using strawberry powder offers consistent flavor and color without the need to adjust the other wet ingredients.
How do I store them and how long do they last?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your home is very warm, refrigerate them—but bring them to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Can this recipe be made into a full cake?
Absolutely. The batter quantities are ideal for a 6-inch, two-layer cake. Bake for about 30–35 minutes and decorate just like you would the cupcakes.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to These Cupcakes
These Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes are more than just a recipe—they’re a memory in the making. With their dreamy pink hue, nostalgic flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they check every box for a show-stopping treat. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or indulging, these cupcakes bring back the sweet simplicity of childhood with every bite.
Check out our full dessert collection in the Foodienarium blog to keep your baking inspiration flowing.
Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes
These Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes are fluffy, sweet, and bursting with nostalgic strawberry flavor thanks to Nesquik powder. Topped with pink whipped buttercream, they’re perfect for parties, birthdays, or any sweet craving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 200g (13 tbsp) butter or margarine
- 200g (1 cup) Nesquik strawberry milkshake powder
- 200g (1½ cups) self-raising flour
- 3 large eggs
- Pink or red food coloring paste (optional)
- 250g (16½ tbsp) softened unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 250g (1⅓ cups) icing sugar
- 150g (¾ cup) Nesquik strawberry milkshake powder (for frosting)
- 1–2 tsp milk (optional, to loosen frosting)
- Sprinkles and paper straws for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 12-hole cupcake tray with paper liners.
- Place butter, Nesquik powder, flour, and eggs into a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
- Add a few drops of food coloring and mix until evenly combined.
- Spoon mixture into cupcake cases evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.
- Cool cupcakes in the tray for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make buttercream, beat softened butter with half the icing sugar until combined.
- Add the rest of the icing sugar, Nesquik powder, and milk (if needed) and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add food coloring to the buttercream if desired and whip until pale pink.
- Pipe or spread buttercream onto cooled cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles or straws.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant pink that lasts through baking.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- To prevent grainy buttercream, sift dry ingredients or dissolve powder in a splash of milk.
- This recipe can be used for a 6-inch two-layer cake—just adjust baking time to 30–35 minutes.
