Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup

shortening or room temperature butter

+ 1/3 cup granulated sugar

large eggs

3 tsp

vanilla extract

3 cups

all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp

salt

4 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

baking soda

1 cup

milk

[b]Center Filling

[/b]18 strawberries ((or strawberries in syrup can be used))

[b]Buttercream Frosting

[/b]1 + 1/2 cup ((3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature)

+ 1/2 cup powdered sugar

6 tbsp

heavy cream

2 tsp

vanilla extract

1/4 tsp

salt

strawberries