Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Cupcake Base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries (whole or sliced, for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
5. Fill Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with the batter.

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Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture onto the center of each cupcake.

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Step 3: Bake

1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cupcakes are set and a toothpick inserted into the edges (not the center) comes out clean.
2. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

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Step 5: Decorate and Serve

1. Pipe or spread the whipped cream on top of the cooled cupcakes.
2. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the cheesecake filling to set completely.

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Tips for Success

• Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
• Chill for Best Flavor: These cupcakes taste even better after chilling for a few hours.
• Optional Additions: Drizzle with strawberry syrup or sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for extra flair.