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Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes combine the best of two classic desserts with a buttery graham cracker crust, tender vanilla cake, and a swirl of berry-rich frosting. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors that feel just right for any celebration.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 370kcal

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 9 sheets graham crackers 137 g
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar 37 g
  • 1/4 cup melted butter 56 g

Vanilla Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 127 g
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened (56 g)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar 133 g
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup milk at room temperature (78 ml)

Strawberry Cheesecake Frosting

  • 1 1/2 cups whole freeze-dried strawberries 34 g*
  • 4 cups powdered sugar 500 g
  • 1 cup cream cheese softened (226 g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (113 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cheesecake extract optional*
  • Fresh strawberries for garnish

Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 12-count muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they resemble fine crumbs. Add the brown sugar and melted butter, pulsing a few times until the mixture is combined and resembles damp sand. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into the base of each cupcake liner. Firmly press down using the bottom of a glass or your fingers to create an even layer. Set aside.

Vanilla Cupcakes

  • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  • Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add in the vegetable oil and granulated sugar, continuing to beat for another 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract followed by the room-temperature milk, mixing just until combined.
  • Gently fold in the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix to preserve the batter’s lightness.
  • Evenly divide the batter over the prepared graham cracker crusts, filling each liner approximately two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, but begin checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark. Lightly press the tops of the cupcakes; if they spring back, they are ready. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Strawberry Cheesecake Frosting

  • In a food processor or blender, grind the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Sift the powdered strawberries together with the powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl to ensure a smooth consistency.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed for about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes airy and pale in color, pausing once or twice to scrape the bowl.
  • With the mixer off, add the sifted powdered sugar and strawberry powder. Begin mixing on low speed to prevent a dust cloud, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for another minute until fully incorporated.
  • Add the vanilla extract and cheesecake extract, if using, blending until smooth and well combined.
  • Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting atop each cooled cupcake.
  • For a final flourish, top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry if desired. Store the cupcakes covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal
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