Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes Recipe: A Nostalgic Treat with a Modern Twist

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are a delightful, nostalgic dessert that transports you back to your childhood summers. The inspiration for these cupcakes comes from the beloved Strawberry Crunch popsicles we all remember chasing down the ice cream truck for. The combination of soft, moist vanilla cupcakes, tangy cream cheese frosting, and the iconic crunchy, sweet topping captures the essence of the popsicle perfectly.

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These cupcakes are not only visually stunning but are also bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike. The mix of creamy frosting, soft cake, and the irresistible strawberry crunch topping makes each bite an experience to savor. Let’s dive into the full recipe, which includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to achieve the perfect Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we get into the instructions, let’s break down the ingredients. The key components for these cupcakes include a soft base, a creamy frosting, and the star of the show – the strawberry crunch topping.

Cupcakes:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Adds moisture to the cupcakes, keeping them tender.
• 4 egg whites – Provides structure to the batter without making the cupcakes too dense.
• 1 1/3 cups water – Helps to create a lighter batter, balancing out the dry ingredients.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes and contributes to their soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cupcakes.
• 1 box white cake mix – The foundation of the cupcakes. Using a cake mix simplifies the process while ensuring a soft, fluffy texture.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Adds structure and a slight chew to the cake.
• 1 cup sour cream – Gives the cupcakes moisture and a subtle tang that elevates the flavor.

Frosting:

• 1 cup butter, softened – Creates a creamy texture that blends easily with the powdered sugar and cream cheese.
• 8 cups powdered sugar – The base for the frosting, providing sweetness and structure.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Gives the frosting a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream – Helps achieve the desired consistency for the frosting.

Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 12 fresh strawberries – A fresh topping to enhance the flavor of the cupcakes and give them a pop of color.
• 20 Golden Oreos – The crunchy base for the topping. Their sweetness and crunch mimic the texture of the iconic strawberry crunch popsicle coating.
• 3.4 oz box strawberry Jello powder – Infuses the topping with a burst of strawberry flavor and color.
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted – Helps bind the Oreo crumbs and Jello powder together, creating the crunchy topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cupcake Batter:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
• In the bowl of a mixer, combine 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 4 egg whites, 1 1/3 cups water, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix on low speed for about 10 seconds until everything is well combined.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until fully incorporated.
• Once the dry ingredients are mixed in, add 1 cup sour cream to the batter. Mix again until the batter is smooth and well-blended.

2. Baking the Cupcakes:

• Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about 3/4 full with batter. This ensures the cupcakes have room to rise without overflowing.
• Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cupcakes should be lightly golden on top.
• Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In the bowl of a mixer, cream 1 cup softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
• Add 8 ounces softened cream cheese to the butter and beat until fully combined. This will create a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
• Gradually add 8 cups powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing on low to avoid a sugar cloud. Once combined, add 2 teaspoons vanilla and mix until smooth.
• To achieve the perfect frosting consistency, add 2-4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed until the frosting is light and fluffy, but still spreadable.

4. Preparing the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• In a large bowl, roughly crush 20 Golden Oreos using a rolling pin or food processor. The crumbs should be large enough to create a satisfying crunch but not too fine.
• Stir in 3.4 oz of strawberry Jello powder and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined, and the crumbs are lightly coated with the butter and Jello powder.

5. Assembling and Decorating the Cupcakes:

• Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to decorate. Using a piping bag fitted with a 2D Drop Flower Decorating Tip, pipe a generous swirl of the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake. This creates a beautiful, textured swirl that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
• Next, sprinkle a generous amount of the strawberry crunch topping onto each frosted cupcake. The crunchy topping will add texture and a burst of strawberry flavor, creating a perfect contrast to the soft and creamy frosting.
• Finally, top each cupcake with a sliced fresh strawberry. This adds a fresh, fruity touch that elevates the overall flavor and appearance of the cupcakes.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

• Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for full-fat cream cheese and sour cream in both the frosting and the cake batter. Low-fat alternatives can affect the texture and richness of the cupcakes.
• Fresh Strawberries: Be sure to use ripe, fresh strawberries for the topping. They provide a juicy contrast to the sweetness of the frosting and add a pop of color to the cupcakes.
• Storing Leftovers: These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you plan to store them for longer, they can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• Make It Your Own: While the strawberry crunch topping is undeniably delicious, you can experiment with other flavors. Try substituting crushed vanilla Oreos or adding a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a different twist on the classic.

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

These Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are a nostalgic treat that is sure to please people of all ages. From the soft, vanilla-flavored cake to the creamy, tangy frosting and the irresistible strawberry crunch topping, every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making them for a birthday party, a picnic, or just a special family treat, these cupcakes will surely become a favorite.

The best part? They’re easy to make and highly customizable. You can even make them a day in advance to save time, and they’ll only get better as they sit. Serve these cupcakes at your next gathering, and prepare to be bombarded with compliments!

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a fun, flavorful treat. The soft, moist cake paired with the creamy frosting and crunchy, sweet topping delivers a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood summers or simply looking for a delicious and eye-catching dessert, these cupcakes will hit the spot.

So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these nostalgic and delightful Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes. Your taste buds will thank you!