• Preheat oven to 350'.
• Using cupcake liners, place 12 liners in a muffin pan and set to the side.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt and set a side.
• In a food processor or blender add strawberries and process until pureed.
• Empty pureed strawberries into a 1/3c measuring cup and set aside. Add rest of strawberry puree to a small bowl and set aside to use in the frosting.
• Using a electric mixer with bowl, cream butter on medium high speed until lightly fluffy.
• Gradually add sugar and continue to mix until well blended. Reduce speed to low and slowly add one egg and egg whites and mix until lightly blended.
• Add vanilla extract if using.
• Mix together milk and 1/3c strawberry puree.
• Alternate flour and milk mixture to mixer slowly ending with flour. Scrap down sides of bowl and continue to blend well.
• Using a ice cream scoop or tablespoon, add batter to prepared muffin cups.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
• Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting.

How to make the Strawberry Frosting:

• Using a electric mixer with bowl, add 1 cup butter (soften) and salt and blend on medium high until fluffy.
• Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar and blend well.
• Add vanilla extract and 3TBS of the strawberry puree, blend well.
• Using a knife frost the cupcakes and top with decorative candies.