Step 1

Beat cream cheese in a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, until fluffy. Gradually beat in lemon curd until smooth. Refrigerate frosting and strawberries until ready to use.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper cups. Stir flour with baking powder and salt. Beat butter with lemon zest in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually beat in sugar until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla. Gradually beat in a third of flour mixture, then half the milk. Repeat additions, ending with remaining third of flour mixture. Spoon into muffin cups, filling three-quarters full.

Step 3

Bake in centre of oven until a cake tester inserted in centre of cupcakes comes out clean, 20-25 min. Let cupcakes cool completely.

Step 4

To assemble, insert a small paring knife 1 inch deep into a cupcake at a 45-degree angle, halfway between the centre and the outside edge. Cut out a small cone and save for another use. Repeat with remaining cupcakes. Stir 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberries into frosting. Fill and frost each cupcake with a palette knife or spoon, then top with a strawberry half.