Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes -

Calling all dessert lovers! If you’re searching for the perfect treat that combines indulgent red velvet, luscious cheesecake, and fresh strawberries, look no further than these Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes. This delightful recipe marries vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or just looking for a sweet ending to your day, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are an exquisite blend of flavors that ensure your taste buds will have a party of their own. The rich chocolatey flavor of the red velvet base pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the cheesecake filling and the burst of fresh strawberries. Not only are they delicious, but they also look stunning, making them perfect for celebrations or as a special treat for yourself. Plus, they’re more than just a pretty face—these cupcakes are relatively easy to whip up, making them a must-try for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start baking:

For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup vegetable oil
½ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon red food coloring

For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
½ cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:

Fresh strawberry slices
Red velvet cake crumbs (optional)

Directions

Follow these steps to create your delightful cupcakes:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
Step 3: In another bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until well combined.

Step 4: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: For the cheesecake filling, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
Step 6: Gently fold in the diced strawberries to incorporate them into the cheesecake mixture.

Step 7: Assemble the cupcakes by filling each cupcake liner halfway with red velvet batter.
Step 8: Add a spoonful of the cheesecake filling in the center of each cup.
Step 9: Top with more red velvet batter, ensuring that the cheesecake filling is covered.

Step 10: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the cheesecake) comes out clean.
Step 11: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
Step 12: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy and well combined.

Step 13: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 14: Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or spatula.
Step 15: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of red velvet cake crumbs if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits in place of strawberries?

Yes! You can substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor.

2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.

3. What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can create a buttermilk substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

4. Can these cupcakes be frozen?

Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

5. How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be aware that the frosting may soften slightly when stored.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, these Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are for you! With their rich flavors and delightful presentation, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe for your next gathering or treat yourself to a deliciously decadent cupcake. Happy baking!