These Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes bring back sweet memories of childhood ice cream truck treats. Perfect for parties, birthdays, or just a delightful afternoon snack, these cupcakes are a fun and delicious twist on classic strawberry flavors. With their creamy frosting and crunchy topping, they stand out as an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavor: These cupcakes capture the taste of those beloved strawberry popsicles from childhood.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile for Occasions: Great for birthdays, picnics, and any festive gathering where you want to impress.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors and textures make for stunning treats that are sure to wow your guests.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or fillings to suit your taste!
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful cupcakes, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes baking more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Muffin/cupcake tin
- Paper liners
- Mixing bowls
- Piping bag with 2D tip
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and ensures thorough mixing, creating a smooth batter and frosting.
- Muffin/cupcake tin: Essential for shaping the cupcakes uniformly so they bake evenly.
- Piping bag with 2D tip: Allows for elegant frosting decoration that elevates the presentation of your cupcakes.
Ingredients
These Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes remind me of those amazing Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes popsicles that we use to get from the ice cream truck as kids!
For the Cupcakes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 egg whites
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sour cream (8oz container)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 12 fresh strawberries
- 20 Golden Oreos
- 3.4 oz box strawberry Jello powder
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that the cupcakes begin cooking at the correct temperature right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a bowl of a mixer:
1. Mix together the vegetable oil, egg whites, water, and vanilla. Blend on low speed for about 10 seconds.
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the cake mix, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined.
2. Add in the sour cream and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
- Line your muffin/cupcake tin with paper liners.
- Fill each liner about three-fourths full with batter.
- Bake at 325°F for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
In a clean bowl of a mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter until smooth.
2. Add in softened cream cheese and mix well until combined.
3. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
4. Finally, add in vanilla and heavy cream; blend until creamy.
Step 5: Prepare Strawberry Crunch Topping
In a separate bowl:
1. Crush the Golden Oreos roughly until crumbly.
2. Mix in the strawberry Jello powder and melted butter until well combined.
Step 6: Decorate Your Cupcakes
- Use a piping bag fitted with a 2D Drop Flower Decorating Tip to swirl frosting onto each cupcake elegantly.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of strawberry crunch topping over each frosted cupcake.
- Finish by placing a sliced fresh strawberry on top for added appeal.
Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes that are sure to bring smiles at any gathering!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a birthday party, a picnic, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these cupcakes can be served in style.
For a Festive Gathering
- Display on a tiered stand: Arrange the cupcakes on a decorative tiered cake stand to create an attractive centerpiece.
- Add colorful sprinkles: Enhance the visual appeal by sprinkling colorful edible glitter or confetti sprinkles on top of the frosting.
Pair with Beverages
- Serve with lemonade: The refreshing taste of lemonade complements the sweetness of the cupcakes perfectly.
- Offer coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea can balance the flavors and make for a cozy dessert experience.
Make it Personal
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves: Adding a small mint leaf on top of each cupcake gives an elegant touch.
- Create cupcake boxes: Package individual cupcakes in cute boxes for party favors or gifts, making them both stylish and portable.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
To make your Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature will help achieve a smoother batter and frosting.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture in your cupcakes.
- Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready!
- Cool completely before frosting: Allowing cupcakes to cool prevents melting the frosting and ensures better presentation.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist on the classic strawberry flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
While Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: Offer soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese that pair well with strawberries.
- Chocolate Fondue: A rich chocolate dip invites guests to enjoy an interactive dessert experience.
- Mini Fruit Tarts: These provide an equally sweet yet different texture that pairs nicely with strawberry flavors.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up toppings like nuts, whipped cream, and cherries to create custom sundaes alongside your cupcakes.
- Savory Crackers: Lightly salted crackers can offset the sweetness of the cupcakes for a balanced snack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking these Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes can be a joy, but it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls that can affect your results.
- Skipping ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.
- Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and proper rising of the cupcakes.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
- Ignoring cooling times: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt and lose its shape.
- Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients yield better flavor and texture. Check expiration dates on your baking supplies, especially the baking powder and flour.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
- Place cooled cupcakes in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cupcake for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still curious about Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes, here are some common questions that may help.
Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes?
Yes! You can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture before adding them to your cupcakes.
How do I customize my Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes?
Feel free to experiment with different toppings or fillings. You could add chocolate chips or swap out the vanilla for almond extract for a unique twist!
What is the best way to store leftover cupcakes?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a couple of days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
Can I make mini versions of these Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes when using a mini muffin tin.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are not only delightful but also versatile! You can customize them with various toppings or flavors to suit any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging yourself, these cupcakes are sure to bring joy. Try them out and enjoy every bite!
Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
Indulge in the delightful taste of Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes, a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of summer days filled with ice cream truck visits. These cupcakes combine the rich flavors of strawberry and cream, topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble that adds a delightful texture. Perfect for parties, birthdays, or a sweet afternoon snack, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and customizable with various toppings or fillings, these cupcakes are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Bring joy into your kitchen and create these whimsical treats that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 egg whites
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 12 fresh strawberries
- 20 Golden Oreos
- 3.4 oz box strawberry Jello powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a mixer bowl, blend vegetable oil, egg whites, water, and vanilla on low speed for about 10 seconds.
- In another bowl, mix cake mix, flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until combined.
- Fold in sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Fill each liner three-fourths full with batter and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- For frosting: In a mixer bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and then add vanilla and heavy cream until creamy.
- For the topping: Crush Golden Oreos and mix with melted butter and strawberry Jello powder.
- Decorate cooled cupcakes with frosting using a piping bag, sprinkle the crunch topping on top, and finish with a sliced strawberry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (75g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
