If you love the rich, indulgent taste of red velvet cake and the creamy, tangy goodness of strawberry cheesecake, then Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are the perfect treat for you. These decadent cupcakes combine the best of both worlds, offering a vibrant red velvet base topped with a luscious cheesecake filling and a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious dessert to enjoy with loved ones, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Red velvet cake has been a popular dessert for generations, known for its striking red color and subtle cocoa flavor. But when combined with the creamy, fruity taste of strawberry cheesecake, this dessert takes things to the next level. If you’re looking to explore more ways to incorporate red velvet into your baking, check out Allrecipes’ Red Velvet Recipes for some additional ideas. For those interested in baking with kids, Simply Recipes’ Valentine’s Day Treats has plenty of fun and easy recipes that can be enjoyed together.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s go over the essential ingredients needed to make these cupcakes. You’ll need ingredients for the red velvet base, the strawberry cheesecake filling, and the cream cheese frosting.
For the Red Velvet Cupcake Base:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Cocoa powder
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- White sugar
- Red food coloring
- Vanilla extract
- Vinegar
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries or strawberry puree
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
These ingredients will come together to create a cupcake that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Cupcakes
Creating the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes is an art that requires a few important steps. From preparing the cupcake batter to making the cheesecake filling and frosting, follow this guide to make your cupcakes come out perfect every time.
1. Preparing the Red Velvet Cupcake Batter
Start by making the red velvet cupcake batter, which is the base of this delicious treat. Here’s what you need to do:
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Once combined, add sugar to this mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Add red food coloring: Pour in red food coloring to achieve the signature vibrant red color. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the color is even throughout the batter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
2. Making the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
The strawberry cheesecake filling is what sets these cupcakes apart. Here’s how to make it:
- Blend the cream cheese: Start by beating the cream cheese until it’s smooth. This will form the creamy base of your cheesecake filling.
- Add the sour cream and sugar: Next, add sour cream and granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate the strawberries: If you’re using fresh strawberries, chop them finely or puree them. Gently fold the strawberries or strawberry puree into the cream cheese mixture to create a smooth and creamy filling.
The strawberry filling will add a tangy and fruity contrast to the rich red velvet cake, making these cupcakes truly unforgettable.
3. Assembling the Cupcakes
Now it’s time to assemble your Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes. Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Fill the cupcake liners: Spoon the red velvet batter into cupcake liners, filling them about halfway. This will leave enough room for the cheesecake filling.
- Add the cheesecake filling: Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop a dollop of the strawberry cheesecake filling into the center of each cupcake. Be careful not to overfill.
- Top with more red velvet batter: Cover the cheesecake filling with more of the red velvet batter until the liners are about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cupcakes for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.
4. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
For the frosting, a smooth cream cheese frosting works perfectly with the flavors of the cupcakes. Here’s how to make it:
- Cream the butter and cream cheese: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the mixture, and continue beating until smooth.
- Flavor with vanilla: Add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the frosting. Once the frosting is ready, transfer it to a piping bag for easy application.
5. Frosting the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled, it’s time to frost them:
- Pipe the frosting: Pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake, creating a generous swirl on top.
- Garnish with strawberries: Add fresh strawberries or other decorations like sprinkles, edible flowers, or even chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
Creative Variations
While the classic Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are delicious on their own, you can experiment with different flavors and fillings. Here are a few creative ideas:
- Raspberry or blueberry cheesecake filling: For a different fruity twist, swap the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries. These will add a unique flavor profile while still keeping the cupcakes refreshing and fruity.
- Chocolate frosting: If you love the combination of chocolate and red velvet, try swapping out the cream cheese frosting for a rich chocolate buttercream or chocolate ganache.
- Mini cupcakes: To make the cupcakes more bite-sized, try baking mini versions of the Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes. They’re perfect for parties or when you want a smaller treat.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Presentation is key when it comes to serving Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes. Here are some ideas to make your cupcakes look as amazing as they taste:
- Add fresh fruit garnishes: Decorate the cupcakes with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or edible flowers to make them visually stunning.
- Pair with beverages: Serve these cupcakes with your favorite beverage, such as a warm cup of coffee, dessert wine, or even a fruity iced tea to complement the sweet and tangy flavors.
These small touches will elevate your cupcakes and make them the star of any dessert table.
Nutritional Information and Storage
As with any dessert, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content and storage options for Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: One Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcake typically contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the size and frosting amount.
- Substitute for healthier options: You can make healthier substitutions by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or stevia or honey instead of sugar.
Storing and Freezing Cupcakes
- Room temperature: If you’re not planning to serve the cupcakes right away, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, allow them to thaw and add the frosting just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes ahead of time. You can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the frosting just before serving.
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from sinking?
To prevent the cheesecake filling from sinking, make sure to fill the cupcake liners halfway with the red velvet batter before adding the cheesecake filling. The batter will help support the filling while baking.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk plus lemon juice or vinegar. Simply add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
How do I achieve a moist red velvet base?
To achieve a moist red velvet cupcake, use vegetable oil instead of butter, and avoid over-mixing the batter. Over-mixing can make the cupcakes dense.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the cheesecake filling.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
Description
These decadent cupcakes combine the rich taste of red velvet with the creamy, tangy goodness of strawberry cheesecake, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Cocoa powder
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- White sugar
- Red food coloring
- Vanilla extract
- Vinegar
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh strawberries or strawberry puree
- Powdered sugar
- Butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Add sugar and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in red food coloring for a vibrant red color.
- Gradually combine dry and wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- For the cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sour cream and sugar, mixing until fluffy.
- Fold in finely chopped or pureed strawberries.
- Fill cupcake liners halfway with red velvet batter, add a spoonful of cheesecake filling, then top with more batter.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Pipe cream cheese frosting onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Notes
To ensure moist cupcakes, avoid overmixing the batter and use room temperature ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: red velvet, cheesecake, strawberry, cupcakes, dessert