Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Table of Contents

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes 🍓🧁

A fun, nostalgic twist on classic cupcakes, inspired by the iconic Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars! These feature moist strawberry cake, creamy frosting, and that signature golden “crunch” topping.

🍰 Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temp
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + ½ tbsp vinegar)

½ cup (60g) freeze-dried strawberries, blended into powder
2-3 drops pink food coloring (optional)

For the Frosting:

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar

¼ cup (30g) freeze-dried strawberry powder
2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crunch Topping:

½ cup (50g) vanilla sandwich cookies (like Golden Oreos), crushed

½ cup (15g) freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
2 tbsp melted butter

📝 Instructions

1. Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry powder in a bowl.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.

Fill liners ⅔ full and bake 18-20 mins (until a toothpick comes out clean). Cool completely.

2. Make the Frosting

Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry powder, cream, and vanilla. Whip until light and fluffy.

3. Prepare the Crunch Topping

Crush cookies and freeze-dried strawberries into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter.

4. Assemble

Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
Dip frosted tops into the crunch mixture (or sprinkle generously).

💡 Pro Tips

✅ No freeze-dried strawberries? Use ¼ cup strawberry jam (reduce buttermilk slightly).
✅ Extra flavor – Add a splash of strawberry extract to the batter.
✅ Storage – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days (topping stays crisp!).

Why You’ll Love These

✨ Tastes like the ice cream bar – but in cupcake form!
✨ Perfect for parties – kids and adults adore them.
✨ Easy to customize – try with blueberry or lemon crunch!

Serve chilled for the best “ice cream cake” vibe! 🍦😍

Want a cake version? Bake in a 9×9″ pan and layer with frosting + crunch!