Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Fluffy Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe: Bake Joy Today

Sweet summer memories dance through these strawberry cheesecake cupcakes that blend creamy indulgence with fruity charm.

Delicate layers of soft cream cheese create a dreamy backdrop for vibrant strawberry swirls.

Compact and irresistible, each miniature dessert packs an incredible flavor punch.

Delightful textures merge in every single bite, promising pure culinary bliss.

Baking skills matter less than passion when crafting these stunning treats.

Each cupcake becomes a small celebration of seasonal ingredients and joyful moments.

Why Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Are a Classic Choice

  • Craft Delightful Dessert Bites: These strawberry cheesecake cupcakes are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: The combination of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberry compote guarantees a dessert that will impress family and friends.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different fruit jams or add chocolate chips to make this recipe uniquely yours, allowing for endless creative variations.
  • Master Simple Baking Skills: Even novice bakers can successfully prepare these cupcakes, with straightforward steps that build confidence in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes You Need

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a classic foundation for the cheesecake cupcakes.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cupcakes their smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake mixture.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Provide bursts of fresh fruit flavor throughout the cupcakes.
  • Strawberry Jam: Adds extra strawberry intensity and sweetness to the filling.
For the Strawberry Compote and Garnish:
  • Fresh Strawberries, Sugar, Lemon Juice: Create a vibrant and sweet strawberry sauce with a hint of brightness.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the compote to the perfect consistency.
  • Extra Fresh Strawberry: An optional decorative topping that adds a fresh, colorful finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your cupcake pan and line it with adorable paper liners. Warm up your oven to a cozy 325F (165C).

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until they become a delightful sandy texture. Gently press this mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner, creating a perfect crispy foundation.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Base

Grab your mixer and blend cream cheese with granulated sugar until silky smooth. Add eggs one by one, then stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Blend until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Fold in Fruity Goodness

Tenderly fold fresh strawberries and strawberry jam into the cheesecake mixture. Be gentle to keep the texture light and airy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared liners. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes.

You’re looking for a center that’s set but still has a slight jiggle.

Step 6: Create Luscious Strawberry Compote

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice

Cook over medium heat until strawberries break down into a gorgeous syrup.

Step 7: Thicken the Compote

Stir in a cornstarch mixture and continue cooking until the compote reaches a thick, glossy consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 8: Finish with Fruity Flair

Once cupcakes have cooled, crown them with the strawberry compote. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a fresh strawberry on top.

Tips to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Even Better

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free batter that blends effortlessly.
  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes with a cracked surface.
  • Chop strawberries into small pieces to distribute evenly throughout the cupcake mixture and prevent sinking.
  • Create a water bath by placing the cupcake pan in a larger pan with hot water to ensure even baking and prevent cracking.
  • Cool cupcakes completely before adding the strawberry compote to maintain the perfect texture and prevent soggy bottoms.

Variations to Change Up Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • Berry Bliss Cupcakes: Swap strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Wonder: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Dream: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and opt for sugar-free jam to reduce overall sugar content.

Ideal Foods to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • Sip Crisp Rosé Wine: The light, fruity notes of a chilled rosé perfectly complement the creamy cheesecake and bright strawberry flavors, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity.
  • Create Champagne Cocktail Match: A sparkling wine with hints of strawberry or raspberry adds elegant bubbles that dance alongside the dessert's sweet and tangy profile.
  • Brew Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The delicate floral undertones of lavender earl grey tea provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the rich, creamy cupcake, enhancing the strawberry's natural sweetness.

How to Keep Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Fresh Longer

Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month without the strawberry compote topping.

Remove frozen cupcakes from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Add fresh compote just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Warm cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheesecake from becoming rubbery or losing its creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Frozen strawberries can work, but they might release more moisture. Thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the cheesecake mixture to prevent excess liquid.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake cupcakes from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a low temperature, and let them cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open. This helps prevent cracks from forming.

  • Is it necessary to use a mixer for this recipe?

While a mixer makes the process easier and ensures a smoother batter, you can use a hand whisk. Just be sure to mix thoroughly and avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.

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Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 47 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes blend creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberry essence for an irresistible dessert. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced, these cupcakes offer a luxurious treat that will make dessert lovers swoon with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cream cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 325F (165C) and arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin.
  2. Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the base of each liner to create a compact crust.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, incorporating eggs individually, then blend in vanilla extract and sour cream until perfectly integrated.
  4. Delicately incorporate fresh strawberries and strawberry jam, stirring minimally to maintain texture.
  5. Distribute the cheesecake mixture evenly across cupcake liners, ensuring uniform filling.
  6. Bake for 20-22 minutes, monitoring until centers stabilize yet retain a subtle wobble.
  7. Simultaneously prepare strawberry compote by simmering fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until fruit disintegrates into a vibrant syrup.
  8. Introduce cornstarch mixture to the compote, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and reaches a glossy consistency.
  9. Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.
  10. Generously drizzle cooled strawberry compote over each cupcake and optionally crown with a fresh strawberry garnish.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground graham crackers for a more intense, buttery base that ensures a crisp, flavorful foundation for your cupcakes.
  • Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky-smooth texture without lumps.
  • Gently fold strawberries to prevent breaking down the fruit, maintaining beautiful whole fruit pieces throughout the cheesecake.
  • Watch the cupcakes carefully during baking; a slightly jiggly center means a creamy, not dry, cheesecake texture.
  • Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 279 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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