Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes Recipe

If you have a soft spot for sweet, fruity treats with a satisfying crunch, then Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes should be your new go-to dessert. These delightful cupcakes combine a moist, tender crumb with luscious cream cheese frosting, all crowned by a uniquely crunchy topping made from crushed Golden Oreos blended with strawberry Jello and butter. Topped off with fresh strawberry slices, the Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes manage to balance creamy, sweet, and textured into one irresistible bite that you’ll want to share (or maybe keep all to yourself).

Ingredients You’ll Need

As simple as these ingredients are, each one plays an important role in creating the perfect Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes. From the tender crumb of the cake to the rich frosting and crunchy topping, every component contributes to the layers of flavor and texture that make these cupcakes so special.

• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist while offering a neutral flavor that lets other ingredients shine.
• Egg whites: Lighten the batter and add structure without heaviness.
• Water: Hydrates the batter for smooth consistency.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a golden crust.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma and enhances all the flavors.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.
• White cake mix: Forms the base for a tender and fluffy cupcake.
• All-purpose flour: Provides extra structure for perfect crumb.
• Sour cream: Adds richness and moistness to the cake texture.
• Butter (for frosting and topping): Creates a creamy frosting and binds the crunchy topping.
• Cream cheese: Delivers tangy creaminess to balance the sweet frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for smooth spreading.
• Heavy cream: Adjusts frosting texture to your preferred consistency.
• Golden Oreos: Crushed to add a sweet, buttery crunch topping with a hint of vanilla cookie goodness.
• Strawberry Jello powder: Infuses the topping with strawberry flavor and a bit of color.
• Fresh strawberries: Sliced for fresh garnish, adding vibrant color and juicy sweetness.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Step 1: Bake Your Cupcakes

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare the perfect foundation. The lower temperature ensures a tender crumb with even baking, so your cupcakes come out moist and fluffy every time. Whisk together the vegetable oil, egg whites, water, and vanilla in a stand mixer on low speed for about 10 seconds—this creates a light, airy base that promises fluffiness.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk the white cake mix, flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid lumps and keep the texture even. The flour adds body, sugar sweetens while lightly crusting the edges, and salt balances flavors for that perfect bite.

Step 3: Add Sour Cream for Moistness

Incorporate sour cream last to keep the batter rich and tender—this is your secret weapon for cupcakes that stay moist and don’t dry out quickly. Mix until the batter is smooth and thick but still pourable, the ideal texture for even baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Golden

Scoop the batter about three-quarters full into each cupcake liner, ensuring they bake evenly and rise nicely. Bake for around 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a rack before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

Step 5: Create the Cream Cheese Frosting

While cupcakes cool, whip softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Slowly mix in powdered sugar to achieve that luscious sweetness. Add vanilla for depth and drizzle in heavy cream until you find the perfect frosting softness—enough to pipe and hold shape without being stiff.

Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping

Crush Golden Oreos into coarse crumbs for texture and mix with strawberry Jello powder and melted butter. This mix locks in a sweet, fruity crunch that complements the creaminess of the frosting and the softness of the cupcakes beautifully.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate Your Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Pipe generous swirls of frosting onto each cupcake and sprinkle the crunchy topping over the creamy surface. Finally, adorn with fresh strawberry slices to introduce a bright, natural sweetness and vibrant pop of color that makes these cupcakes irresistible.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry slices are the star garnish, lending juicy freshness that cuts through the rich frosting and crunchy topping perfectly. You can also dust a little powdered sugar or add an extra Oreo crumb sprinkle for an elegant finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes pair wonderfully with a light, refreshing drink like iced tea or sparkling lemonade. A simple fruit salad or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream can complement the cupcakes without overwhelming their delightful flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling these cupcakes in adorable clear plastic cups layered with small cubes of fresh strawberries to mimic a parfait look. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered stand decorated with fresh flowers and greenery for a festive gathering that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent the frosting from melting. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days with the texture and flavor intact.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled and frosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

For best results, allow cupcakes to come to room temperature after refrigerating or thawing. Avoid microwaving frozen cupcakes with frosting, as this might cause the frosting to melt unevenly; instead, thaw first naturally.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Using whole eggs will make the cupcakes richer but slightly denser. Egg whites help keep the texture lighter and airier, which balances the moistness from the sour cream perfectly.

Do I have to use Golden Oreos for the topping?

Golden Oreos add a subtle vanilla sweetness that complements the strawberry flavors beautifully, but you can experiment with regular Oreos or other vanilla-flavored cookies if preferred.

Is there a substitute for strawberry Jello powder?

If you can’t find strawberry Jello powder, you can substitute with strawberry gelatin or even freeze-dried strawberry powder, though the texture and flavor might differ slightly.

Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?

You can substitute the cake mix and flour for gluten-free versions; just be sure to select products that work well for baking to maintain the cupcake’s tender texture.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Reducing the powdered sugar or increasing the cream cheese proportion will tone down the sweetness while maintaining a creamy frosting that’s still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are truly a joy to make and enjoy—a delightful balance of moist cake, rich frosting, and that unforgettable crunchy topping with fresh strawberries adding the perfect finishing touch. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes are sure to brighten anyone’s day, so go ahead and treat yourself to a batch that’s bursting with flavor and fun textures.

Print