1/2 cup seedless strawberry jam or preserves, warmed
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large egg whites, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Red food coloring, optional
FROSTING:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam or preserves
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Line 16 muffin cups with paper or foil liners. Press warm jam through a fine-mesh strainer. Discard pulp.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in strained jam and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk milk and sour cream until smooth. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk mixture, beating well after each addition. If desired, stir in food coloring.
Fill prepared muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners’ sugar, jam and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over cupcakes. Refrigerate leftovers. If desired, garnish with fresh strawberries.
