If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, strawberry crunch cupcakes are the perfect choice. These cupcakes are inspired by the classic strawberry crunch ice cream bars we all loved. They offer a delicious combination of strawberry and vanilla flavors.
You can easily make them using store-bought or homemade ingredients, making them accessible for any baking skill level.
I recently experimented with various recipes to find the right balance of flavor and texture. You can create your own strawberry crunch topping with Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. Adding cream cheese frosting gives these treats an extra decadent twist that you and your friends will love.
Whether it’s a birthday party or a simple afternoon snack, these cupcakes are sure to impress. You’ll enjoy the process of baking and decorating them, and the best part is sharing them with others.
Why You Will Love Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are a delightful treat that you will enjoy for many reasons.
Bursting with Flavor
These cupcakes combine the sweet taste of strawberry cake with a crunchy topping. Each bite has a mix of soft and crunchy textures that make it exciting.
Easy to Make
Using a boxed cake mix, you can whip up these homemade cupcakes quickly. They are beginner-friendly, making them perfect for anyone looking to bake without stress.
Fun Toppings
The strawberry crunch crumble adds a unique layer of flavor. It often includes crushed cookies mixed with strawberry powder. This crunchy topping enhances the overall cupcake experience.
Versatile Dessert
You can customize Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes for any occasion. They are great for birthdays, baby showers, or just a sunny day treat.
Perfect for Strawberry Lovers
If you love strawberries, you will not be disappointed. The combination of fresh strawberries and strawberry flavor in the cake and filling is irresistible.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
Making Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes involves several steps, including gathering ingredients and tools, followed by a straightforward preparation method. This delicious treat combines a moist cupcake base with a sweet strawberry crunch topping.
Ingredients
To make Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cupcake Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk or sour cream
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (optional for flavor)
- Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup Golden Oreos, crushed
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional for sweetness)
Instruments
You’ll need specific tools to prepare your Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes:
- Baking Tools:
- 12-cup cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Rubber spatula
- Food processor (for crushing cookies)
- Decoration Tools:
- Piping bags (optional for frosting)
- Cooling rack for cooling the cupcakes
Step By Step Instruction
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just mixed.
- Prepare Fresh Strawberries: If using, fold in the pureed fresh strawberries for additional flavor.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the lined cupcake pan, filling each liner about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare the Crunch Topping: In a food processor, combine crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. Mix in melted butter and powdered sugar until it resembles a crumbly topping.
- Cool and Top: Once cupcakes are cool, sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping on top. Use a piping bag if you wish to add frosting for further decoration.
Tips & Tricks
To make the perfect Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes, keep these tips in mind.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter.
Make a Strawberry Crumble
For added texture, try making a strawberry crumble topping. Mix crushed freeze-dried strawberries with crushed Golden Oreos and melted butter. This adds a delicious crunch.
Frosting Recipe
A cream cheese or vanilla frosting pairs well with these cupcakes. Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla for a creamy topping.
Don’t Overmix
When mixing your batter, do it for just 2-3 minutes. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes.
Check for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool Completely
Let your cupcakes cool fully before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Storage Tips
Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain fresh for a few days. If you need longer storage, consider refrigerating them.
Ingredient Substitute
You can easily adjust ingredients in your strawberry crunch cupcakes based on what you have on hand. Here are some common substitutes:
- Frosting Options:
- Instead of cream cheese frosting, try buttercream frosting or vanilla cream cheese frosting.
- Whipped cream cheese frosting is a lighter alternative that adds a nice texture.
- Cake Base:
- If you want to save time, use vanilla cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch.
- For added flavor, you can mix in strawberry jello powder.
- Strawberry Flavoring:
- Substitute fresh strawberry puree for fresh strawberries if you want a smoother texture.
- Strawberry jam or strawberry filling can replace fresh strawberries in the batter or frosting.
- Dairy-Free Options:
- Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version of your frosting.
- Texture Boost:
- You may replace part of the flour in the recipe with crushed up strawberry crunch topping for added texture.
What to Serve with Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are perfect for special occasions. They can be paired with various treats and drinks to enhance your dessert experience.
For a Valentine’s Day celebration, consider serving these cupcakes with a side of strawberry sauce. The bright color and flavor will complement the cupcakes nicely.
If you’re hosting a baby shower, offer a selection of refreshing beverages. Try serving lemonade or sparkling water with fresh strawberries. This adds a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
You can also create a fun dessert bar. Include treats like strawberry crunch ice cream bars and strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. These options appeal to guests of all ages and provide variety.
Also, consider a light fruit salad. Mixing strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or bananas creates a vibrant dish. It would be a great balance alongside the cupcakes.
Don’t forget to add serving utensils and napkins that match your theme. This attention to detail elevates the presentation of your dessert table.
Nutrition Facts
Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes offer a tasty treat, and it’s helpful to know their nutritional content. Here are some key facts to consider:
- Calories: Approximately 237-351 calories per cupcake, depending on the recipe used.
- Fat: Ranges from 12g to 14g.
- Saturated Fat: Around 7g.
- Protein: About 2g per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g.
When making these cupcakes, you can use simple ingredients such as:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For those looking to enhance flavor, consider these additions:
- Frosting: Cream cheese frosting can add creaminess and taste.
- Strawberry Filling: This can elevate the fruity flavor.
The Strawberry Crunch Topping usually includes crushed cookies, which can also affect the final nutritional content.
You can modify your recipe based on dietary needs, like using less sugar or a healthier fat option. Always check your specific ingredients for the most accurate information.
