Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
Cupcake Base (Graham or Vanilla):
Option 1: Graham Crust Base (like cheesecake)
¾ cup (75g) graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp melted butter
Option 2: Vanilla Cupcake Base
1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk
Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping or Swirl:
½–¾ cup chopped fresh strawberries
1–2 tsp sugar
Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch if you want it thickened
(Mash slightly or cook down if you'd like a jammy swirl)
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (113g) butter, softened
2–3 cups (240–360g) powdered sugar
2 tbsp strawberry purée or freeze-dried strawberry powder
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
🔪 Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Crust or Cupcake Base
For Graham Base:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line muffin tin with liners.
Mix crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press 1 tbsp into each liner.
Bake 5 minutes, then cool while you prep the rest.
For Vanilla Cake Base:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then add to wet alternating with milk.
Fill liners halfway full.
Step 2: Add Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Spoon 1–2 tbsp of the mixture over each base (graham or cake).
Drop a bit of strawberry mash or swirl on top and gently swirl with a toothpick.
Step 3: Bake
Bake 20–24 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers just barely jiggle.
Cool to room temp, then chill in fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
Step 4: Frost (Optional but YES)
Beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
Add strawberry purée/powder, vanilla, and salt.
Slowly add powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
Pipe onto chilled cupcakes, or top with a swirl of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry slice!
✨ Garnish Ideas:
Fresh strawberry halves
Crushed graham cracker sprinkle
Tiny mint leaves
White chocolate drizzle