Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

If you are searching for a dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the playful charm of cupcakes, look no further than these incredible Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes. Picture a buttery graham cracker crust hugging a moist vanilla cupcake base, all crowned with a luscious strawberry-infused cheesecake frosting that’s simply to die for. It’s a deliciously irresistible treat that never fails to bring smiles, perfect for any occasion or just a sweet little indulgence to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect balance of texture and flavor in your Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes. Each element plays its part, from the crisp graham cracker crust to the fresh-tasting strawberry frosting, creating an unforgettable bite every time.

• Graham crackers: Crushed finely, these form the crunchy, buttery base that adds a lovely texture contrast.
• Brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and slight caramel notes to the crust.
• Butter: Melted for the crust and softened for the cupcake and frosting, it imparts richness and moisture.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the vanilla cupcakes, providing structure without heaviness.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners ensure your cupcakes rise light and fluffy.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch—enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Creamed with sugar for the perfect cupcake crumb and frosting fluffiness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes evenly with a fine, classic texture.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients and enrich the cupcake batter for a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the cupcakes and frosting flavors.
• Milk (room temperature): Moistens the batter for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Freeze-dried strawberries: Powdered, they provide an intense strawberry flavor with vibrant color to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: The foundation of the frosting’s sweetness and smooth texture.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): The star of the frosting, giving it that signature tangy creaminess.
• Cheesecake extract (optional): An extra flavor boost that heightens the rich cheesecake experience.
• Fresh strawberries: For a gorgeous, fresh garnish that makes the cupcakes look as amazing as they taste.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a 12-cup cupcake tin with liners. Crush the graham crackers finely in a food processor, then add brown sugar and melted butter, pulsing just enough to combine. Press about one tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each liner, firmly packing it down to create a sturdy, flavorful crust that will hold up to the creamy layers above.

Step 2: Mix the Vanilla Cupcake Batter

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt to ensure an even texture. Cream the softened butter, oil, and granulated sugar in your mixer until light and fluffy, a critical step for tender cupcakes. Add eggs one at a time for full incorporation, followed by vanilla and milk. Finally, gently fold the dry ingredients in with a spatula to maintain the airiness, resulting in cupcakes that are perfectly soft and moist.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the vanilla batter over your graham cracker crust, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Bake for approximately 18 minutes, starting to check at 15 minutes with a gentle press on top—the cupcakes should spring back when done. Allow them to cool fully before moving on to frosting them, so the rich strawberry cheesecake frosting doesn’t melt or slide off.

Step 4: Create the Strawberry Cheesecake Frosting

Turn freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using your food processor or blender. Sift this strawberry powder along with powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Beat cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, then gradually add the strawberry-sugar mixture. Finish by mixing in vanilla and optional cheesecake extract for a flavor punch that mimics the luscious tang of cheesecake while bursting with fresh strawberry goodness.

Step 5: Decorate and Assemble

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your chosen tip and swirl it generously atop each cooled cupcake. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices for that pop of color and texture. These cupcakes are not just a feast for your taste buds but a visual delight that will impress at any gathering.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry slices make the most obvious and stunning garnish, bringing brightness and natural sweetness. For a little extra flair, try tiny mint leaves or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Each garnish adds personality and creates a fresh contrast to the creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

Although these cupcakes are a complete dessert on their own, pairing them with a light side like a fresh fruit salad or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream enhances the experience beautifully. The acidity of the fruit or creaminess of the ice cream plays well against the rich strawberry cheesecake flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the platter—serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes in festive cupcake holders or on a tiered cake stand to highlight their beauty. You could also wrap each one in pretty cellophane tied with a ribbon for gifts, or even surprise guests by placing cupcake toppers with sweet notes for personal touches at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and maintains the moistness of the cupcakes, so they taste just as dreamy as when freshly baked.

Freezing

You can freeze these cupcakes for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these are best served cool or at room temperature, avoid heating the cupcakes themselves. If you prefer them less chilled, remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the frosting to soften and the flavors to fully bloom.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried in the frosting?

Fresh strawberries contain a lot of moisture, which can make the frosting too runny. Freeze-dried strawberries are ideal as they provide concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid.

Is cheesecake extract necessary for the frosting?

Not at all! The frosting will be delicious with just vanilla extract and strawberries, but cheesecake extract adds that special tang reminiscent of classic cheesecake and is highly recommended if you want to amp up the flavor.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suited for baking, you can make a similarly delicious batch. Just be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Pressing the graham cracker crust firmly and baking it before adding the batter helps create a barrier that keeps the crust crisp and avoids sogginess once the cupcakes bake.

Can these cupcakes be made dairy-free?

With some modifications, yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, and select a plant-based milk. The texture and flavor will be close, though slightly different, but still enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Making these Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes is like inviting a little celebration into your kitchen. The balance of creamy cheesecake frosting, berry brightness, and soft vanilla cupcakes sitting on a buttery crust is just pure joy. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends and family, these cupcakes will quickly become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again.