I’ve always been a fan of cupcakes, but when I decided to combine two of my favorite treats — cheesecake and cupcakes — it became a match made in heaven. These strawberry cheesecake cupcakes are the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy, all tucked into a fluffy cupcake base. The vibrant strawberry topping is the cherry on top, making these cupcakes as delicious as they are beautiful. They’re perfect for any occasion — from a casual snack to a fancy dessert for a celebration.

The best part is how easy it is to make them! With just a few ingredients, you can create something that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery. Trust me, once you try these strawberry cheesecake cupcakes, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

If you’re someone who loves indulgent desserts that feel luxurious but aren’t overly complicated, these strawberry cheesecake cupcakes are a dream come true. The cheesecake filling is rich and smooth, creating a delightful contrast against the light, fluffy cupcake. And the strawberry filling? It adds just the right amount of fruity freshness. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a family gathering, or just craving something sweet, these cupcakes will never disappoint. Plus, they’re easy to customize — you can swap the strawberry topping for other fruits if you prefer. It’s a treat that’s sure to become a favorite!

What Kind of Cupcake Base Should I Use for Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes?

When it comes to the cupcake base, you’ll want something light and fluffy, but not overpowering in flavor. A classic vanilla cupcake works beautifully here as it allows the creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry filling to shine. Some people prefer using a lemon or almond-flavored base for a twist, but the traditional vanilla is a perfect match.

The texture of the cupcake is key, as you want it to complement the dense cheesecake filling without overwhelming it. A slightly denser cupcake may compete with the cheesecake’s smoothness, while a lighter one offers the ideal balance.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to experiment or need to make a substitution, there are plenty of options available. For the cupcake base, you could try:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cupcake batter if you need to make these gluten-free. You may also want to check your baking powder and other ingredients for gluten-free alternatives.
Dairy-Free: If you’re dairy-free, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy cream cheese and whipped cream. Just make sure the substitutes you use still provide the same richness and texture.
Sugar Substitutes: You can replace regular sugar with coconut sugar, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie or healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that sugar substitutes can sometimes change the texture or flavor slightly.

As for the cheesecake filling, you could also get creative by adding different flavors like lemon, vanilla bean, or even a swirl of chocolate!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

All-purpose flour
This is the base for your cupcake batter, providing structure while keeping the cupcakes light and tender. It creates a soft crumb that complements the creamy cheesecake filling perfectly.
Sugar
The sweetness in the cupcake base and the cheesecake filling comes from sugar. It balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and the fruitiness of the strawberry, ensuring that each bite is deliciously balanced.
Baking powder
Baking powder helps the cupcakes rise and achieve that light, fluffy texture. Without it, the cupcakes might turn out dense and heavy, which wouldn’t pair as well with the cheesecake filling.
Butter
Butter adds richness to the cupcake batter and gives it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also helps with the flavor, giving the cupcakes a buttery, comforting taste.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the cupcake batter together while also contributing to its texture and moisture.
Vanilla extract
This adds a fragrant, warm flavor to the cupcake base, enhancing the overall sweetness without overpowering the more delicate cheesecake and strawberry components.
Cream cheese
The star of the cheesecake filling! Cream cheese gives that velvety, tangy flavor that defines cheesecake. It’s creamy and rich, making each bite of the cupcake incredibly indulgent.
Whipped cream
Whipped cream is folded into the cream cheese filling to lighten the texture, making it airy and smooth, while still keeping that creamy cheesecake flavor.
Strawberries
Fresh strawberries are used for the topping and the filling. Their natural sweetness and tartness provide the perfect contrast to the rich cheesecake filling and the light cupcake base.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the cream cheese filling without changing its smooth texture. It dissolves quickly, giving the filling its light and airy consistency.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cupcake Liners

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to make removing the cupcakes easier after baking. This ensures you get clean and perfectly shaped cupcakes every time.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until everything is well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix — just stir until combined to keep the cupcakes light and airy.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

While the cupcakes cool, make the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually fold in the whipped cream until the filling is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Hollow Out the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small spoon or a cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Set aside the cupcake crumbs — you’ll need them for topping the cheesecake filling.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcakes with Cheesecake Filling

Spoon the cheesecake filling into the hollowed-out cupcakes. Be generous with the filling, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 7: Add Strawberry Filling and Topping

Top each filled cupcake with a small dollop of strawberry jam or fresh strawberry puree. You can use a spoon or pipe the topping for a neat presentation. Finish off by adding a fresh strawberry on top of each cupcake for that extra touch of beauty and flavor.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Allow the filled cupcakes to chill in the fridge for about 1 hour before serving. This helps the cheesecake filling firm up and gives the flavors time to meld. Once chilled, these strawberry cheesecake cupcakes are ready to enjoy!

How Long to Cook the Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Baking the cupcakes themselves takes about 18-22 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, it’s crucial to let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before filling them with the cheesecake mixture. Once filled, the cupcakes don’t require baking but should be chilled in the fridge for about 1 hour to allow the cheesecake filling to set properly. This gives you that perfectly creamy and refreshing texture!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Don’t Overmix the Batter
When making the cupcake batter, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can cause the cupcakes to be dense. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined for light and fluffy cupcakes.
Let Cupcakes Cool Completely
Make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before filling them with the cheesecake mixture. If they’re too warm, the filling could melt or get too soft, resulting in a messy cupcake.
Chill Before Serving
After filling your cupcakes, refrigerate them for at least an hour. This ensures the cheesecake filling firms up and the flavors meld together. A chilled cupcake will have a smoother texture and better flavor profile.
Use Fresh Strawberries
For the best flavor, opt for fresh strawberries instead of canned or frozen ones. Fresh strawberries not only look beautiful but also offer a bright, natural sweetness that’s key to balancing the tangy cheesecake filling.
Top Just Before Serving
For the best texture and freshness, add the strawberry topping right before serving. This prevents any moisture from soaking into the cupcakes, ensuring they stay intact and fresh.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Underbaking the Cupcakes
It’s easy to get excited about these strawberry cheesecake cupcakes and take them out of the oven too soon, but underbaking can lead to a dense, gooey texture. Make sure you test with a toothpick to ensure the cupcakes are fully baked before removing them from the oven.
Overfilling the Cupcake Liners
When filling the cupcake liners, avoid filling them all the way to the top. Leave some room for the batter to rise. Overfilling can cause the cupcakes to overflow and lose their perfect shape.
Using Warm Cupcakes for Filling
Filling warm cupcakes with cheesecake filling can cause it to melt and become too soft. Always allow your cupcakes to cool completely before filling them for the best texture.
Not Enough Strawberry Filling
The strawberry topping is essential to balance the richness of the cheesecake filling. Make sure to generously fill each cupcake with strawberry jam or fresh strawberry puree to enhance the flavor and visual appeal.
Skipping the Chilling Step
Chilling the cupcakes after filling them with the cheesecake mixture is crucial for the filling to firm up. If you skip this step, the filling will be too soft and messy when you try to serve the cupcakes.

What to Serve With Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes?

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

Pair your cupcakes with a refreshing, light fruit salad to balance out the richness. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the tartness of the cheesecake filling beautifully.

2. Whipped Cream

Serve with an extra dollop of whipped cream on top or on the side for a creamy, light addition that enhances the cupcake’s dessert appeal.

3. Ice Cream

For a classic dessert combo, serve these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream pairs wonderfully with the soft cupcake and rich cheesecake filling.

4. Coffee or Tea

A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect drink to serve alongside these cupcakes. The bitterness of the coffee or the soothing taste of tea contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cupcakes.

5. Chocolate Drizzle

If you’re a chocolate lover, a light drizzle of chocolate ganache or melted chocolate will add an indulgent touch to these already decadent cupcakes.

6. Lemon Sorbet

For something light and refreshing, pair these cupcakes with a scoop of lemon sorbet. The tartness of the sorbet will contrast with the richness of the cheesecake and provide a palate-cleansing effect.

7. Cheesecake Bites

For a double cheesecake treat, serve these cupcakes with mini cheesecake bites. They’ll complement the cheesecake cupcake flavor while offering a different texture and presentation.

8. Sparkling Water with Lime

For a non-alcoholic option, serve these cupcakes with sparkling water and a slice of lime. The refreshing fizz and tart lime will cut through the richness of the cupcakes, making it a perfect pairing.

Storage Instructions (and Reheating if Applicable)

Storage:
Store your strawberry cheesecake cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the cheesecake filling fresh and prevent the cupcakes from drying out. They can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
These cupcakes are best served chilled, so you don’t need to reheat them. In fact, chilling them enhances the texture of the cheesecake filling. However, if you prefer to enjoy them at room temperature, simply let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as the filling might become too soft and lose its shape.

Estimated Nutrition

These strawberry cheesecake cupcakes are a treat, and while they’re indulgent, here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per cupcake:

Calories: 280-300 kcal
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 150mg

Please note that the nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. To reduce the calorie count, consider swapping ingredients like butter and sugar for lower-calorie alternatives, or using a lighter cream cheese for the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries for these cupcakes?

Yes! You can easily swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Fresh or jam versions of the fruit work well, just ensure they complement the cheesecake flavor.

2. Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake filling a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to fill the cupcakes with it once you’re ready to assemble.

3. Can I freeze these strawberry cheesecake cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cupcakes for up to 3 months. Once they’re fully cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and fill them with the cheesecake mixture.

4. How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

To make these cupcakes gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients, like baking powder and any other additions, are also gluten-free.

5. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

While it’s possible to use whipped topping, the taste and texture might differ slightly. Whipped cream gives a more natural, creamy flavor, while whipped topping may have a lighter, more airy texture.

6. Can I skip the strawberry filling?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of strawberries or want to try a different topping, feel free to substitute with other fruit fillings like raspberry, blueberry, or even a chocolate ganache. Just make sure to balance the richness of the cheesecake with the fruit’s sweetness.

7. Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients. Use a dairy-free butter alternative and non-dairy cream cheese, along with dairy-free whipped cream for the filling. Be sure to check all your ingredients to ensure they’re completely dairy-free.

8. What can I serve these cupcakes with at a party?

These cupcakes are great on their own, but you can serve them with a variety of accompaniments like fresh fruit salad, whipped cream, or a light sorbet. They also pair well with a nice cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion

These strawberry cheesecake cupcakes are a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making them the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating your family, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a sweet treat, these cupcakes will surely impress. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends so they can enjoy them too!