Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes

Indulge in the perfect combination of rich, velvety red velvet cupcakes with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting. These Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are a delicious twist on the classic red velvet cupcake, offering a delightful surprise with each bite. The subtle cocoa flavor of the red velvet cupcakes pairs perfectly with the tangy and sweet cheesecake filling, topped off with a smooth and creamy frosting. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

The process of making these cupcakes is simple yet rewarding. From the moment you bite into the soft, moist red velvet cake to the creamy cheesecake center and frosting, every aspect of these cupcakes is a little piece of heaven. Plus, the fresh strawberry puree adds a refreshing and fruity note, making them a perfect dessert for any time of the year. Ready to elevate your cupcake game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting offers a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that will satisfy any dessert lover.

2. Moist and Tender Cupcakes

The red velvet cupcakes are soft, moist, and flavorful, with just the right amount of cocoa to complement the creamy filling and frosting.

3. Fun to Make

These cupcakes are not only delicious but also fun to assemble. Filling the cupcakes with the cheesecake mixture adds a fun twist to the traditional cupcake-making process.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The festive red color makes them ideal for holidays like Valentine’s Day and Christmas.

5. Impressive Yet Easy

Despite looking and tasting fancy, these cupcakes are relatively easy to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that make them accessible even for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cocoa powder
• Salt
• Large eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• White vinegar

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream (or coconut cream)
• Strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries)
• Vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream (for consistency)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh strawberries
• Crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs

Variations

• Non-Dairy Version: To make these cupcakes dairy-free, substitute the milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling and frosting.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Filling: Add cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate cheesecake twist.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, plant-based cream cheese, and a vegan butter substitute for the frosting and filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, and food coloring. Add milk and vinegar, and mix well. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until smooth. Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with the batter and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, strawberry puree, and vanilla, and mix until thick and creamy. Place the filling in a piping bag or plastic bag for easy filling.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream to adjust the consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

Cut a small well in the center of each cooled cupcake using a small knife or cupcake corer. Pipe the cheesecake filling into the center of each cupcake. Top with cream cheese frosting and garnish with fresh strawberries or crushed graham crackers, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened before making the filling and frosting to avoid lumps.
• Check for Doneness: Test the cupcakes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are done baking.
• Let the Cupcakes Cool: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before filling them with the cheesecake mixture and frosting to prevent melting.
• Consistency of Filling: If the cheesecake filling is too runny, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up before piping into the cupcakes.

How to Serve

Serve these Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes as a decadent dessert for any occasion. They’re perfect for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. You can also package them individually as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The cream cheese frosting and cheesecake filling need to be refrigerated.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze well! To freeze, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

These cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled, as the flavors meld well when served cold. If you prefer, you can allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the cupcakes and frost them just before serving.

2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the strawberry cheesecake filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries for the cheesecake filling?

Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly fine for the puree. Just thaw and blend them before adding to the filling.

4. Can I make these cupcakes without red food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the food coloring, and the cupcakes will still taste great—just without the vibrant red color.

5. What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off as a makeshift piping bag, or simply spoon the filling into the cupcakes.

6. Can I use a different fruit for the cheesecake filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute the strawberry puree with raspberry, blueberry, or even mango puree for a different fruity flavor.

7. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour to make these cupcakes gluten-free.

8. How do I make the cupcakes more moist?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to dry cupcakes. Using oil instead of butter also helps keep the cupcakes moist.

9. How do I store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Before reusing, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip if necessary.

10. Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting?

Yes, whipped cream can be used for a lighter topping, but cream cheese frosting pairs best with the richness of the red velvet and cheesecake filling.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes are an irresistible treat that combines the best of both worlds: the indulgent taste of red velvet cake and the creamy, fruity goodness of cheesecake. With their soft, moist texture, creamy filling, and tangy frosting, they’re sure to become a favorite for any special occasion or as an everyday dessert. Whether you’re making them for a birthday, holiday, or just because, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

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