Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth. Fold in the diced strawberries.
Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Fill the cupcake liners halfway with the red velvet cupcake batter.
- Add a spoonful of the cheesecake filling into the center of each cupcake.
- Top with more batter to cover the cheesecake filling.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
Decorate:
- Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and red velvet crumbs for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Notes
- Chocolate Frosting: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for chocolate frosting for a richer flavor.
- Berries: Swap the fresh strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
- Mini Cupcakes: Make mini versions of these cupcakes by reducing the baking time to around 12-15 minutes.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cheesecake filling for crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free