Let’s talk about a dessert that embodies pure summer magic: Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes. These cloud-like cupcakes are a bubbly blend of light, sweet angel food cake paired up with fresh strawberries drizzled in bourbon for a grown-up spin. The cupcake itself is pillowy and delicate, just begging to be adorned with juicy, macerated berries that have soaked up the warmth of bourbon. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just treat yourself, this recipe sings with simple ingredients and playful, festive flavors. Prepare to fall in love with every bite!

Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of carefully chosen ingredients to whip up these Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes, and each one earns its place in the spotlight. The secret to their irresistible tenderness and flavor lies in the subtle balance between the airy cake and the vibrant, bourbon-kissed strawberries.

Cake Flour: Gives the cupcakes their signature lightness and super-soft crumb—don’t skip the sifting for best results!
Sugar: Divided for sweetness in both the cupcakes and for tossing with strawberries, ensuring just the right balance.
Egg Whites: The foundation for that fluffy, billowy texture; make sure they’re at room temperature for maximum volume.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out the depth of flavors and keeps the cupcakes from tasting flat.
Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites, so your cakes rise tall and delicate.
Vanilla Bean: Scraped seeds for an aromatic, naturally sweet flavor throughout the cake.
Almond Extract: A dash adds a delicious, almost floral complexity that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Fresh Strawberries: Sliced and bursting with tangy-sweetness, they are the stars of the topping.
Bourbon: Brings warmth and depth, infusing the strawberries with a grown-up richness.
Turbinado Sugar: Sprinkled on top for sparkle and a subtle crunchy finish.

How to Make Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes

Step 1: Whip the Egg Whites

Start by making sure your egg whites are at room temperature—this step is the key to achieving that airy, lofty texture. In a squeaky-clean mixing bowl, add the egg whites and whip them on medium speed until foamy. Sprinkle in the cream of tartar and salt, then gradually add half the sugar, a spoonful at a time. Continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form. This stage right here will determine if your Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes will be light as a feather, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Fold in Flavors

Using a gentle hand, fold in the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean and a splash of almond extract—these add a deep, inviting aroma. Sift in the cake flour and remaining sugar in batches, folding after each addition. The trick here is not to deflate the precious egg foam you just created; use that classic “lift and circle” motion with your spatula. It’s this process that keeps your cupcakes ethereal.

Step 3: Bake into Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cupcake pan with ungreased paper liners so the batter can really climb the sides. Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake wells, filling them almost to the top. Sprinkle each with a little turbinado sugar for that irresistible crunchy finish. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the tops are golden and gently spring back when touched. Let them cool completely—the anticipation is worth it!

Step 4: Macerate the Strawberries

While your cupcakes are cooling, turn your attention to those luscious strawberries. Toss the sliced berries in a bowl with the bourbon and turbinado sugar. Give it a good stir and let them sit for at least 15 minutes. As they rest, the berries will soften and release their juices, soaking up all that bourbon goodness to create a juicy, boozy topping fit for royalty.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, spoon a generous mound of bourbon-soaked strawberries over each cupcake. Let the syrup drip down for an extra decadent touch. This final flourish turns every bite into a celebration of flavors and textures, making the Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes impossible to resist!

How to Serve Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes

Garnishes

A simple garnish can turn these cupcakes into showstoppers. Try a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a few extra whole strawberries, or even a sprig of mint right on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar or extra turbinado sugar can add sparkle and even more charm to your Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes.

Side Dishes

Keep things light! Fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a fruit salad make perfect companions without overpowering the cupcakes. If you’re celebrating, try serving with iced coffee or even a glass of bourbon on the rocks to tie everything together.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your dessert table by layering the cupcakes, bourbon strawberries, and whipped cream in small mason jars for a playful parfait. Or place each cupcake on a mini cake stand for extra wow-factor at parties. Cupcake towers, decorative platters, or serving under glass cloches can turn your Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes into a centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover cupcakes (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep the strawberries in the fridge separately and add them just before serving to maintain the cupcake’s fluffy texture.

Freezing

The cupcakes themselves freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, tuck into a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and top with fresh bourbon strawberries when ready to enjoy. Avoid freezing the strawberry topping as it can become mushy when thawed.

Reheating

No reheating necessary—these cupcakes are best at room temperature. If you want to revive that just-baked softness, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave (without any topping) will do the trick, but be gentle not to dry them out!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them well before tossing with sugar and bourbon, as extra moisture could make the topping too runny.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?

You can swap the bourbon for orange juice, apple juice, or even a splash of vanilla extract and water. The result is still fruity and flavorful, just minus the boozy hint.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a quick substitute by replacing two tablespoons of every cup of all-purpose flour with cornstarch and sifting well. Still, true cake flour delivers the softest result!

Why don’t I grease the cupcake liners?

Angel food batter needs to climb up the sides while baking. Greasing the liners can cause the cupcakes to collapse, so skipping the grease is key for airy, tall cupcakes.

Can I make a full cake instead of cupcakes?

Definitely! Pour the batter into an ungreased tube or angel food cake pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35-40 minutes, then cool upside-down before slicing and topping with bourbon strawberries.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for an unforgettable treat, give these Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes a spot on your dessert table. Every bite will have you swooning with their blend of delicate cake and grown-up, boozy berries. Trust me—one taste, and you’ll be hooked!

Bourbon Strawberry Angel Food Cupcakes Recipe