Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes That Steal the Show
There are cupcakes… and then there are these cupcakes. Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert trifecta: rich red velvet base, creamy cheesecake center, and a tangy-sweet strawberry topping. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a homemade treat, or simply spoiling yourself on a weekend, these are the cupcakes that make jaws drop and eyes widen.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe was born out of a craving for all my favorite desserts rolled into one. The soft cocoa-kissed red velvet cake, the silky cheesecake core, and that pop of fruity strawberry—every bite is a flavor celebration. Plus, they look like they came straight from a boutique bakery but are surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the red velvet cupcake base:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
For the cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the strawberry topping:
- ½ cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Buttermilk: No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Red food coloring: Gel-based color offers a deeper hue than liquid.
- Strawberries: Frozen can work, but fresh gives the topping better texture and brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cupcake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In one bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Mix in buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble
Spoon red velvet batter halfway into each cupcake liner. Add a generous spoonful of cheesecake filling in the center.
4. Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted (avoiding the cheesecake) comes out clean. Cool completely.
5. Make the Strawberry Topping
Simmer strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan until syrupy. Let cool.
6. Decorate
Top each cupcake with a spoonful of strawberry compote.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined for fluffier cupcakes.
- Let the cupcakes cool fully before adding the strawberry topping to prevent it from melting into the cake.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cupcakes shine as a stand-alone dessert, but they also pair beautifully with a refreshing drink like this blueberry lemonade. Hosting a gathering? Start with baked brie or sheet pan quesadillas to make it a full affair.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze without topping for up to 2 months. Add the strawberry sauce after thawing.
- Reheat: Let them come to room temp before serving or warm briefly in the microwave.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If these cupcakes made your tastebuds sing, try these next:
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes are a surefire hit. They bring elegance, indulgence, and homemade love to every bite. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out in the comments!
❤️ If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to follow for more dessert ideas and share your creations with us!
Leave a Reply