Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

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🍓 Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes — A Delicious Symphony of Sweet, Creamy & Crunchy! 🧁🍓

🧁 Introduction

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are the whimsical, delightful fusion of nostalgic ice cream bars and elegant bakery-style treats. Moist strawberry cake, fluffy vanilla frosting, and that irresistible strawberry shortcake crunch topping make these cupcakes perfect for birthdays, brunches, and lovers of all things pink and sweet.

📜 History

The flavor is inspired by the iconic Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar—originally made popular by brands like Good Humor. These bars featured a creamy center, strawberry shell, and a crunchy strawberry-vanilla coating. The cupcake version brings that same childhood joy in a bite-sized, homemade form!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • ½ cup strawberry Jell-O powder (divided – ¼ cup for batter, ¼ cup for topping)
  • Optional: ½ cup finely diced fresh strawberries (for added texture)

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt

For the Crunch Topping:

  • 10 Golden Oreos (crushed)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup strawberry Jell-O powder (reserved)
  • 1 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries (optional, for extra berry burst)

🍰 Instructions & Methods

👉 Cupcake Formation:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with 12 liners.
  2. Mix cake batter as instructed on the box.
  3. Add ¼ cup of strawberry Jell-O powder into the batter and mix until combined.
  4. Optional: Gently fold in fresh diced strawberries.
  5. Scoop batter into liners, filling each 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely before frosting.

👉 Frosting Preparation:

  1. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  2. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
  3. Add vanilla, salt, and cream as needed to reach smooth, pipeable consistency.
  4. Beat for 2–3 more minutes for fluffy texture.

👉 Crunch Topping Formation:

  1. In a food processor, pulse Golden Oreos into crumbs.
  2. Add melted butter and ¼ cup strawberry Jell-O powder.
  3. Mix in optional freeze-dried strawberries.
  4. Spread the mix on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5–6 minutes to “set” the crunch.

🌟 Assembly

  1. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cupcake.
  2. Dip or sprinkle the top with strawberry crunch topping.
  3. Optional: Add fresh strawberry slices or white chocolate drizzle.

💡 Benefits

  • Flavorful fusion of creamy vanilla and fruity strawberry.
  • Visual appeal with bright pink crunch and luscious frosting.
  • Kid-friendly and nostalgic for adults.
  • Quick to prepare thanks to box cake base.

🍴 Nutrition (per cupcake, approx.)

  • Calories: 330–380
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Protein: 2g
    (Note: Varies based on toppings and frosting amount)

💘 For the Lovers of Sweet Moments

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re memories in a wrapper. Couples have used them at engagement parties, friends bring them to baby showers, and kids simply adore them. Whether it’s your first bite or your fiftieth, it always feels like the perfect love letter to your taste buds.

🔁 Conclusion

These cupcakes are a celebration of texture, color, and flavor. From the moist strawberry cake to the creamy frosting and that heavenly crunch, Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes bring smiles with every bite. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because—there’s always room for another.

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