Scrumptious Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Ingredients

For cupcakes

• 1 (18 1/4 ounce) packages white cake mix
• 1 (3 ounce) packages strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries ( 1 and 1/2 c. whole=1 c. mashed)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 4 eggs

For the lemon cream cheese frosting

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) bar cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 lbs powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 -2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. For cupcakes: In a large bowl, stir together cake mix and gelatin mix. Make a well in the center and pour in mashed strawberries, oil, milk and eggs. Beat on low speed until blended. Scrape bowl and beat 2 minutes on medium speed. Pour batter into prepared cupcake pans.
2. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min or until cupcakes are done.
3. For the lemon cream cheese frosting: Cream together shortening, butter, and cream cheese until nice and smooth. Add vanilla into mixture and combine. Sift together sugar and salt, and slowly add to shortening, butter & cheese mixture. Add lemon juice and mix well.
4. Top each cupcake with a slice of strawberry and lemon zest. Voila!

Courtesy of www.food.com