Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the lightness of cupcakes. These mini desserts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or just a sweet snack at home. With a strawberry cake base filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a luscious strawberry frosting, they are sure to impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle of a full cheesecake. They are easy to bake and serve, and their presentation is charming. Plus, these cupcakes feature fresh strawberries, adding a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you are a beginner or experienced baker, this recipe is simple yet rewarding!

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 box strawberry cake mix
1 (3.4 oz) instant strawberry pudding mix
1/2 cup oil
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 (3.4 oz) package instant cheesecake pudding mix
1/2 cup milk
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups Cool Whip, thawed
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp strawberry extract
3/4 cup diced ripe strawberries
5-6 cups powdered sugar
24 whole strawberries
48 graham cracker cookie sticks

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line muffin tins with 24 cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, pudding mix, oil, milk, and eggs. Beat the mixture for 2 minutes. Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tins and bake for 18-20 minutes. The cupcakes are done when the tops spring back when touched. Let them cool on a wire rack.
While the cupcakes cool, make the cheesecake filling. In a small bowl, whisk the milk and cheesecake pudding mix together until thick. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the pudding mixture. Fold in the Cool Whip. Cut out the center of each cupcake and fill it with the cheesecake filling. Place the cupcakes in the refrigerator while you make the frosting.
To make the frosting, beat together the shortening and butter until creamy. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract, then mix. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Puree the diced strawberries in a food processor and add them to the frosting. Add the remaining powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Use a piping bag fitted with icing tip 1M to swirl the strawberry frosting on top of the chilled cupcakes. Keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Before serving, add a fresh strawberry and two graham cracker cookie sticks on top of each cupcake.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes chilled. They are best enjoyed fresh but are also delicious after a couple of hours in the refrigerator. Garnish with a whole strawberry and graham cracker sticks for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cupcakes without frosting, then thaw and frost them when you’re ready to serve.

Tips to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
For a stronger strawberry flavor, add more strawberry puree to the frosting.
You can use a boxed vanilla or chocolate cake mix instead of strawberry if you prefer.

Variation

You can change the flavor of these cupcakes by using different cake mixes and pudding flavors. For example, try a lemon cake mix with a lemon pudding for a zesty twist.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Add the frosting just before serving.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, fresh whipped cream can be a great substitute! Just make sure it is stiff enough to hold up in the filling.
What can I use if I don’t have cupcake liners?
If you don’t have cupcake liners, you can lightly grease the muffin tin and pour the batter directly in. Just be sure to let them cool before removing them.

With this guide, you will create delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes that everyone will love! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!