Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes

These Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are a perfect blend of rich, decadent red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a truly indulgent treat. With a moist and vibrant red velvet base, a smooth and tangy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberry chunks mixed in, these cupcakes are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a special event, bringing a sweet treat to a party, or simply craving something indulgent, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make with a box mix that saves time while still delivering delicious results.

The cream cheese filling adds a luscious, tangy contrast to the sweet red velvet, while the fresh strawberries provide a pop of freshness and sweetness in every bite. These cupcakes are a beautiful, festive choice, perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to treat yourself and others to something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Flavor Combination

The rich, moist red velvet cake paired with the creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries offers a delightful combination of flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

2. Easy to Make

With a box cake mix as the base, these cupcakes are quick and simple to prepare, allowing you to create a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

3. Fresh and Fruity

The chopped strawberries mixed into the cream cheese filling add a burst of freshness that balances the sweetness of the red velvet cake.

4. Perfect for Special Occasions

These cupcakes are visually stunning and make a perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests.

5. Creamy Cheesecake Center

The cheesecake filling in the middle is a creamy and tangy surprise, elevating the flavor of the classic red velvet cupcake.

Ingredients

• Red velvet cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water
• Cream cheese, softened
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, chopped

Variations

1. Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolate twist, mix some mini chocolate chips into the red velvet batter before baking.
2. Use Fresh Raspberries: Swap out the strawberries for fresh raspberries for a slightly tart flavor.
3. Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
4. Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cupcake before serving for an extra creamy touch.
5. Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a cream cheese filling, top with a rich cream cheese frosting for a more traditional cheesecake experience.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the instructions on the package. This usually involves adding eggs, oil, and water, and mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Chopped Strawberries

Fold the chopped strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with red velvet cake batter.

Step 6: Add the Cheesecake Mixture

Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese and strawberry mixture on top of the red velvet batter in each liner.

Step 7: Top with More Cake Batter

Add a little more red velvet batter to each liner, filling them about 3/4 of the way full.

Step 8: Bake the Cupcakes

Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Be sure to mix the cake batter just until the ingredients are combined to ensure light, fluffy cupcakes.
2. Chill the Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with sugar and vanilla. This will help the mixture come together smoothly.
3. Don’t Overfill the Cupcake Liners: Fill the cupcake liners no more than 3/4 full to give the cupcakes room to rise and bake evenly.
4. Let Cupcakes Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before serving to ensure the cheesecake filling sets properly and the cupcakes are easy to eat.
5. Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for adding a burst of juicy flavor. Avoid using frozen strawberries, as they can make the filling too watery.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion and make a stunning addition to any dessert table. Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra special touch, top with a sprig of fresh mint or a few more chopped strawberries just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze these cupcakes for up to 2 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and make sure they are completely cooled before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

These cupcakes are best served at room temperature, so let them sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake batter?

Yes! You can use homemade red velvet cake batter instead of a box mix if you prefer.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh strawberries for this recipe, as frozen strawberries can release too much water and affect the texture of the filling.

3. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cupcakes a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

4. How can I make these cupcakes more moist?

Make sure not to overmix the cake batter, and if you like, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or buttermilk to the batter for extra moisture.

5. Can I use a different fruit in the cheesecake filling?

Yes, you can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches for a different flavor.

6. Can I make this recipe into a cake instead of cupcakes?

Yes, you can use the same batter and filling to make a layered cake. Adjust the baking time based on the size of the pans you use.

7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different than with full-fat cream cheese.

8. How do I know when the cupcakes are done?

Use a toothpick to check for doneness. When inserted into the center of the cupcake, it should come out clean, with no wet batter sticking to it.

9. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

10. How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert to impress your guests. The moist, flavorful red velvet cake paired with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. Easy to make and beautiful to serve, these cupcakes are ideal for any special occasion or just as an everyday indulgence. Try them today, and they’re sure to become a favorite!

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