Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes

Oh, my goodness, these Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are a little slice of heaven! Imagine the rich, velvety goodness of a red velvet cupcake, topped with a luscious cheesecake filling, and then crowned with a fresh, juicy strawberry. It’s like the best of both worlds—decadent red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake in one adorable, bite-sized treat. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one, and neither will your friends or family! These cupcakes are perfect for special occasions, a sweet treat after dinner, or just because you deserve a little indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: Red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and a fresh strawberry on top? Need I say more? These cupcakes have a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors in every bite.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: They’re as gorgeous as they are delicious. The red velvet color paired with the bright strawberry and creamy filling makes these cupcakes an absolute showstopper for any occasion.
• A Unique Twist on Two Favorites: This recipe combines the best elements of two beloved desserts: red velvet cake and cheesecake. It’s the kind of treat that’ll have people asking, “How did you make these?”
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a special get-together, these cupcakes will steal the show. They’re always a hit at parties!
• Easy to Make: Despite how fancy they look, these cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make. You’ll impress everyone with your baking skills without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering cupcakes:

For the Red Velvet Cupcake Base:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cupcake, providing structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the red velvet cake.
• Baking Soda: To help the cupcakes rise to perfection.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Butter: For a rich, moist base.
• Sugar: To sweeten the cake.
• Eggs: To bind everything together.
• Buttermilk: Essential for the soft, tender texture of red velvet cake.
• Red Food Coloring: To get that beautiful red velvet hue.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of flavor.
• Vinegar: This is the secret ingredient that gives red velvet cake its signature flavor and helps with the cake’s texture.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The star of the filling—creamy and tangy!
• Sugar: For a bit of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: To enhance the flavor.
• Egg: To set the filling and make it creamy.

For the Topping:

• Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and juicy to complement the cheesecake filling.
• Whipped Cream: For a light, airy topping (optional, but highly recommended for extra creaminess!).

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking and create these stunning cupcakes!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cupcake Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Red Velvet Cupcake Base

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and vinegar. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cupcakes tender.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, beating until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Scoop a spoonful of red velvet cupcake batter into each cupcake liner, filling each about halfway.
2. Add a spoonful of cheesecake filling on top of the red velvet batter, then top with a little more cupcake batter until the liners are about three-quarters full. Use a toothpick or a small knife to gently swirl the cheesecake filling into the cupcake batter, if desired.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs attached). The cheesecake filling should be set, and the cupcake base should be fully cooked.
2. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Top with Strawberries

1. Once the cupcakes are cool, top each one with a fresh strawberry. You can either place them whole or slice them for a more decorative look.

Step 7: Optional Whipped Cream

1. For extra indulgence, top each cupcake with a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes

• For Parties: Serve these cupcakes on a platter with fresh mint leaves or even a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair them with vanilla or strawberry ice cream for the ultimate dessert combo.
• As a Gift: Wrap these cupcakes up in a cute box or basket to give as a gift. They make a perfect treat for birthdays or holidays.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 19g

• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 75mg
  Sodium: 240mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 41g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 28g
  Protein: 4g
  Vitamin A: 10%
  Vitamin C: 25%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare these cupcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add the strawberry topping and whipped cream right before serving.
• Variations: For an extra twist, try adding a bit of orange zest or lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy kick.
• Frosting Alternative: If you want to skip the whipped cream, try adding a cream cheese frosting instead for extra cheesecake flavor!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cupcakes without food coloring?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the red food coloring, you can make them a classic chocolate cheesecake flavor, and they’ll still taste amazing.

Q2: Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Be sure to check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Q3: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A3: Yes! Once they’re completely cooled, you can freeze the cupcakes without the strawberry topping for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and top with fresh strawberries when ready to serve.

Q4: Can I use a different fruit besides strawberries?
A4: Of course! These cupcakes would be delicious with blueberries, raspberries, or even a slice of kiwi on top.

Q5: Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?
A5: Yes! Just reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes, depending on your oven, and keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake.

Q6: Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
A6: You can make the cheesecake filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before using it.

Q7: How can I make these cupcakes extra rich?
A7: You can add some melted white chocolate or dark chocolate chips to the cupcake batter for an extra layer of richness.

Q8: Do these cupcakes need to be refrigerated?
A8: Yes, if you top them with whipped cream or store them for later, it’s best to refrigerate them. Otherwise, you can keep them at room temperature for a day or two.

Q9: Can I make these cupcakes with a regular cupcake tin (not muffin tin)?
A9: Yes! A standard cupcake tin will work just fine. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

Q10: Can I add a layer of chocolate ganache?
A10: Absolutely! A rich chocolate ganache would pair wonderfully with the red velvet cake base and cheesecake filling for an indulgent treat.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are truly a showstopper. They combine the best of red velvet, cheesecake, and fresh fruit, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something indulgent, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Go ahead, treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something sweet, creamy, and unforgettable!

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