Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of cheesecake with the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer BBQ, or simply indulging on a cozy afternoon. Having made these beauties numerous times, I can say they not only look stunning but also bring a satisfying burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the fluffy cake, creamy filling, and decadent frosting, making them an irresistible dessert.

Why you’ll love this dish

If you’re on the fence about making Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes, let me give you some great reasons to say yes. First off, they’re incredibly quick and easy to whip up, thanks to the use of boxed cake mix and instant pudding. Plus, these cupcakes are kid-approved, which makes them perfect for family gatherings or birthday parties. The bright pink color and whimsical decoration of fresh strawberries and graham cracker cookie sticks will certainly catch the eye!

"These cupcakes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Deliciously sweet with just the right amount of tang, they disappeared in minutes at my daughter’s birthday party!" – Sarah M.

The cooking process explained

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes is a straightforward process that’s as fun as it is rewarding. You’ll start by preparing the cupcakes, then move on to the creamy cheesecake filling. Finally, you’ll whip up a light and fluffy strawberry frosting to top them off. This step-by-step guide will help you follow along, ensuring that you don’t miss any important details while creating these delightful treats.

What you’ll need

Here’s a quick ingredient list to help you gather everything you need:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 (3.4 oz) instant strawberry pudding mix
• 1/2 cup oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant cheesecake pudding mix
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups Cool Whip, thawed
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract
• 3/4 cup diced ripe strawberries
• 5-6 cups powdered sugar
• 24 whole strawberries for topping
• 48 graham cracker cookie sticks for decoration

For a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese, or swap out fresh strawberries for frozen if you’re in a pinch.