Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcake

Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes sound like a decadent, festive treat! These cupcakes combine the rich flavor of red velvet cake, the creaminess of cheesecake, and the sweetness of fresh strawberries. Here’s a recipe to help you make these mouthwatering cupcakes:

Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Red Velvet Cupcakes:

• 1 box (15 oz) red velvet cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions:

1. Make the Red Velvet Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the cupcake batter: In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and food coloring. Beat the mixture until smooth and combined.
3. Bake the cupcakes: Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling and frosting.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Mix the filling ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
2. Add cheesecake filling to the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small spoon or a melon baller to create a small well in the center of each cupcake. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the cheesecake filling into each cupcake hole.

3. Make the Strawberry Topping:

1. Prepare the strawberries: In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice (optional). Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to macerate and release their juices.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Mix the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is thick and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.

5. Assemble the Cupcakes:

1. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool and the cheesecake filling has set, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting onto the top of each cupcake.
2. Top with strawberries: Spoon a small amount of the macerated strawberries on top of the frosted cupcakes.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, red velvet cake, and fresh strawberries!

These cupcakes are sure to be a showstopper at any gathering! Let me know how they turn out, or if you need any additional tips! 🍓🧁