Oh my goodness, I am so excited to share this recipe with you! Strawberry crunch cupcakes with a cheesecake filling are like a little bite of summer sunshine. They remind me of the endless picnics in the park when I was a kid, where my aunt would whip out treats that left everyone begging for seconds. I mean, who could resist the combination of chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and that delightful crunch?
I still remember the first time I made these cupcakes for a summer gathering. I invited a few friends over, and the kitchen was filled with laughter and delicious aromas. As soon as the cupcakes were ready, I could see their eyes light up! Trust me when I say, these cupcakes will definitely leave your friends and family wanting more. Let’s jump right in!
What’s in Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes?
Chocolate Cupcake Base: The foundation of these scrumptious cupcakes is rich chocolate, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling. My favorite is the classic cocoa powder, but feel free to use your own favorite chocolate cake recipe!
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the cheesecake filling! Cream cheese adds that distinct richness and tangy flavor. I always opt for full-fat cream cheese for the best texture, but you can use low-fat if you prefer.
Sugar: A little sweetener goes a long way in making the cheesecake filling luscious! I use granulated sugar for simplicity, but you could also experiment with powdered sugar for a smoother finish.
Vanilla Extract: Ah, the magical flavor enhancer! It brings harmony to the cheesecake filling. Don’t skimp on the good stuff—pure vanilla extract is the way to go.
Strawberry Cookies or Wafers: This is what gives our cupcakes the crunchy, fruity topping! I love using strawberry wafers, but crushed strawberry cookies work beautifully too.
Butter: Just a little melted butter is needed to bind the cookie crumbles together, making sure our “crunch” sticks perfectly on top of the cupcakes.
Whipped Cream: What’s a dessert without a fluffy dollop of whipped cream? I usually go for homemade, but store-bought works in a pinch!
Fresh Strawberries: These are for that perfect garnish and an extra burst of flavor. Plus, they make everything look more beautiful!
Is Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes Good for You?
Well, let’s be real. These delicious cupcakes are more about indulgence than health! But let me break down some of the key ingredients for you:
Cream Cheese: It’s packed with calcium and protein, making it a better option than many other fillers in desserts, but do keep moderation in mind due to its rich fat content.
Strawberries: These delightful berries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber! They add a fruity component to this indulgence to help lighten things up a bit.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate can have some health benefits when consumed in moderation, including potential heart health perks due to its antioxidants.
In short, enjoy these cupcakes as a special treat! It’s all about balance, right?
Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes (Makes 12 cupcakes)
– 1 batch of chocolate cupcake batter (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup crushed strawberry cookies or wafers
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– Whipped cream for topping
– Fresh strawberries for garnish
– Strawberry sauce for drizzle
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes?
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare your chocolate cupcake batter as directed and fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You want it to be light and airy, so don’t rush!
4. Once your cupcakes are cool, use a small knife or cupcake corer to make a hole in the center of each cupcake. Be careful not to break through the bottom.
5. Fill each cupcake evenly with the cream cheese filling.
6. In another bowl, mix the crushed strawberry cookies with the melted butter until well combined. It should look like wet sand.
7. Sprinkle the crunchy topping generously over the cream cheese filling on each cupcake.
8. Now, for the fun part—top with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry on top, and drizzle with strawberry sauce for that final touch of sweetness.
9. Enjoy! You’ve just created a stunning sweet treat that’s sure to impress!
Sweet Little Tips for Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
– Feel free to get creative! You can use different flavors of cake (like vanilla or even red velvet) as a base to switch things up.
– If you’re aiming for a more refined look, consider piping your whipped cream on top!
– These cupcakes can be made a day in advance; just wait to add the whipped cream garnish until right before serving to keep it fresh.
I cannot wait for you to give these Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes a try! I promise they will bring joy to your dessert table, just like they did at mine. Share your experiences as you create these delicious treats, and I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy baking!
