Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes: A Decadent Dessert Delight

Key Info:

Prep time: 25–35 minutes
Cook time: 18–25 minutes
Total time: 2.5–3 hours
Servings: 12–16 cupcakes
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary: Vegetarian

Equipment Needed:

• 12-count muffin pan
• Cupcake liners
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Food processor
• Offset spatula or piping bag

Ingredients:

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cupcake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare Graham Cracker Crust:
   • Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar
   • Press firmly into bottom of each liner
   • Bake for 5 minutes, then cool
3. Make Cupcake Batter:
   • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt
   • Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
   • Add eggs one at a time
   • Mix in milk and vanilla
   • Fold in chopped strawberries
4. Cheesecake Layer:
   • Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla
   • Smooth over graham cracker crust
5. Bake Cupcakes:
   • Fill liners 2/3 full
   • Bake 18-25 minutes
   • Center should be slightly jiggly
   • Cool completely
6. Prepare Frosting:
   • Beat cream cheese and butter
   • Gradually add powdered sugar
   • Mix in strawberry puree and vanilla
   • Pipe or spread on cooled cupcakes

Crucial Tips:

• Don’t overmix batter
• Use room temperature ingredients
• Chill at least 2 hours before serving

Storage:

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Best served chilled
• Do not freeze frosted cupcakes

Variations:

• Use gluten-free graham crackers
• Swap strawberries for raspberries
• Add lemon zest for extra tang

Pro Tips:

• Use peak-season strawberries
• Drain excess liquid from strawberries
• Let cream cheese soften naturally

Nutrition:

• High in calcium
• Good source of vitamin C
• Contains dairy and eggs

Enjoy your homemade strawberry cheesecake cupcakes – a perfect blend of fruity freshness and creamy decadence!