Strawberry Cupcakes With Vanilla and Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream

INGREDIENTS

3 cups

all-purpose flour (sifted)

2 1/2 tsp

baking powder

1 tsp

salt

2 cups

granulated sugar

packet strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)

8 oz

butter (at room temperature”)

eggs (at room temperature)

1 cup

whole milk (at room temperature)

1 tsp

vanilla extract

1/2 cup

strawberry puree (strained of seeds)

egg whites (room temperature)

1/2 cup

water

14 oz

granulated sugar (about 2 cups)

1/2 tsp

cream of tartar

12 oz

unsalted butter, slightly softened but still cool ((3 sticks))

1 tbsp

vanilla extract

1/2 cup

strawberry puree (strained of seeds)

pink food coloring (optional)