Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

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🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe – A Dreamy Dessert Fusion!

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes combine the luscious, fruity sweetness of strawberries with the velvety smoothness of cheesecake—all nestled in a fluffy cupcake. These delightful treats are perfect for birthdays, baby showers, bridal teas, Valentine’s Day, or whenever your sweet tooth calls. With a moist strawberry cupcake base, rich cheesecake center, and strawberry-infused buttercream frosting, this recipe brings a bakery-quality experience straight to your kitchen.

🧁 INGREDIENTS

🍓 Cupcake Base:

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix
  • Ingredients listed on box (typically):
    • 1 cup water
    • ½ cup vegetable oil
    • 3 large eggs

🍰 Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

🍓 Strawberry Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3½ – 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree (strained for seeds)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: pink food coloring for vibrant color

👨‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare Cupcake Batter

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake pan with paper liners.
  • In a large bowl, prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package instructions (add water, oil, and eggs). Mix until smooth.

2. Make Cheesecake Filling

  • In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until creamy and lump-free.

3. Assemble the Cupcakes

  • Fill each cupcake liner ⅔ full with strawberry cake batter.
  • Spoon 1 heaping teaspoon of cheesecake filling into the center of each cupcake.
  • Do not stir—baking will settle the cheesecake into the middle.

4. Bake

  • Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the tops spring back lightly when touched.
  • Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Strawberry Frosting

  • Beat softened butter until light and fluffy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating in between.
  • Mix in strawberry puree, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
  • Beat until fluffy. Add more sugar to thicken or more puree to thin.
  • Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.

🏛️ HISTORY

The marriage of strawberry and cheesecake has long been celebrated in American dessert culture, especially since the rise of cream cheese-based confections in the early 20th century. Cupcake culture surged in popularity in the early 2000s, and creative combinations like these emerged as bakery signatures. These cupcakes offer a nostalgic twist on two iconic desserts.

💪 BENEFITS

  • Mood Booster: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
  • Portion Control: Cupcake format keeps serving size in check.
  • Cream Cheese Protein: Adds a bit of satiating protein to the treat.
  • Freshness Factor: Strawberry puree in frosting adds real fruit flavor.

🧬 FORMATION (SCIENCE OF BAKING)

When baking, the high moisture from the strawberry puree reacts with the fats and sugars to create a soft, tender crumb. The cheesecake center bakes at the same rate as the surrounding cake, resulting in a gooey, creamy core. The butter in the frosting traps air when whipped, yielding a fluffy, pipeable topping.

🍓 NUTRITION (per cupcake, estimated)

  • Calories: 320–380 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g

Note: These numbers vary depending on cake mix brand and frosting amount used.

💘 CUPCAKE LOVERS’ CORNER

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes are beloved by:

  • Romantics on Valentine’s Day
  • Birthday bashers looking for something unique
  • Summer picnic lovers who crave fruity freshness
  • Brunch queens who like sweet starters
  • Kids and adults alike—who can resist a cheesecake core?

🧾 CONCLUSION

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes aren’t just a treat—they’re an experience. From the first bite of fruity cake to the creamy cheesecake middle and berry-bursting frosting, they hit all the right notes. Whether you’re baking for a party, a romantic dinner, or just because, this recipe delivers both fun and flavor.

Would you like a no-bake version, or a gluten-free twist on this recipe too?

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