Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and cupcakes, and that’s exactly what makes Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes such a delightful treat. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the vibrant color and sweet aroma filled my kitchen, drawing everyone in. As the cupcakes baked, I could hardly wait to frost them with that fluffy vanilla buttercream and sprinkle on that irresistible strawberry crunch topping. These cupcakes are not just delicious; they bring back cherished memories of laughter and joy shared around the table, making every bite feel special.

Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

When it comes to baking, the ingredients are the stars of the show, and in Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes, they shine brightly. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. You’ll notice that combining fresh ingredients like large eggs and whole milk contributes to the moistness of the cupcakes. Meanwhile, strawberry Jell-O adds a delightful fruity flavor that makes these treats truly special.

• 3 large eggs: The foundation for the batter, providing moisture and richness.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and contributes to the overall texture.
• ½ cup canola oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist without adding a strong flavor.
• 1 box strawberry Jell-O, 3 oz. package: Infuses the cupcakes with a sweet and fruity flavor.
• ¾ cup sour cream: Ensures moistness and adds a slight tang.
• 1 box white cake mix, 15.25 oz.: The base of the cupcakes for a light and fluffy texture.
• 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), softened: Essential for the buttercream frosting.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a delightful aroma and depth to the flavor.
• 4 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that creamy texture.
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk: Used to achieve the desired frosting consistency.
• 12 Golden Oreos: Crushed for the crunchy topping that defines these cupcakes.
• ¾ cup freeze dried strawberries: Provides the strawberry flavor and crunch in the topping.
• 2 tbsp butter, melted: Binds the topping ingredients together.

Directions for Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Making Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the process too! Each step is an opportunity to create something delicious. Let’s dive into the directions together!

1. Prepare the Cupcakes: First, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well incorporated. This step is crucial as it combines the wet ingredients, ensuring a fluffy texture.
2. Next, add the sour cream, canola oil, and the strawberry Jell-O to the mixture, whisking until smooth. The Jell-O will give your cupcakes that beautiful pink hue!
3. Then, gradually add the white cake mix to the bowl, continuing to whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. This is where the magic starts to happen.
4. Spoon the cupcake batter into two lined cupcake pans, filling each liner approximately two-thirds of the way. This is important to allow space for the cupcakes to rise.
5. Bake in the oven for about 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; they bake quickly!
6. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring the cupcakes to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before frosting.
7. Make the Vanilla Buttercream: While the cupcakes cool, it’s time to make the frosting! Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. This process is where you build the base of your frosting.
8. Add the vanilla extract and beat until incorporated. The aroma here is simply divine!
9. Begin adding the powdered sugar slowly, about ¾ cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. This will take a bit of time, but it’s worth it for a creamy frosting.
10. Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
11. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping: In a food processor, combine the freeze dried strawberries and Golden Oreos. Process until they’re broken down into fine crumbs.
12. Add in the melted butter and pulse several times to incorporate into the mixture. This delicious topping is what makes these cupcakes unforgettable.
13. Frost the Cupcakes: Once your cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them as desired. You can use a piping bag for a beautiful swirl or simply spread the frosting with a knife.
14. Generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the frosting. Enjoy these delightful treats immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Substitutions and Tips

If you’re looking to enhance your baking experience or need a few handy tips, here are some great ideas:

• Storage: Ensure to store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Cupcakes can be frozen unfrosted for optimal texture. Frosting can be added after thawing.
• Pairing: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberries.
• Decorations: Feel free to get creative with toppings; edible glitter or sprinkles can add a fun twist!
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors of Jell-O to match your preferences.

Perfect Matches for Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

When serving Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes, consider these delightful options to complement your dessert:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing side of mixed fruits can balance the sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Iced Tea: A chilled glass of sweetened iced tea adds a southern charm to your dessert table.
• Barbecues: These cupcakes are perfect for summer barbecues, bringing a sweet ending to savory meals.
• Birthday Parties: Their fun appearance makes them a hit at birthday celebrations!
• Picnics: Easy to transport, making them ideal for outdoor gatherings.

FAQ

Conclusion

The wonderful thing about Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes is not just their delightful flavor but the joy they bring to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, enjoying a picnic, or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; they’re easier than you might think and oh-so-rewarding!

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

The perfect treat for any occasion, Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and topped with a delightful crunch. With their sweet strawberry flavor and creamy frosting, these cupcakes will satisfy any sweet tooth. Make them today for an irresistible dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cupcakes

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 230

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup canola oil
• 1 box strawberry Jell-O 3 oz. package
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 box white cake mix 15.25 oz.
• 1 cup salted butter softened (unsalted will work)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 12 Golden Oreos
• ¾ cup freeze dried strawberries
• 2 tbsp butter melted

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well incorporated.
2. Next, add the sour cream, canola oil, and the strawberry Jell-O to the mixture, whisking until smooth.
3. Gradually add the white cake mix to the bowl, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
4. Spoon the cupcake batter into two lined cupcake pans, filling each liner approximately two-thirds of the way.
5. Bake in the oven for about 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring the cupcakes to a wire cooling rack.
7. While the cupcakes cool, it’s time to make the frosting! Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
8. Add the vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.
9. Begin adding the powdered sugar slowly, about ¾ cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
10. Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
11. In a food processor, combine the freeze dried strawberries and Golden Oreos. Process until they’re broken down into fine crumbs.
12. Add in the melted butter and pulse several times to incorporate into the mixture.
13. Once your cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them as desired.
14. Generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the frosting.
15. Enjoy these delightful treats immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Notes

You can make and store the cupcakes for up to 2 days before frosting. If you need to do some of the work ahead of time, you can make the strawberry cupcakes within 2 days of icing. Store in the refrigerator, in an airtight container until you frost them. To save time, use a container of frosting instead. If you don’t have time, grab a tub of frosting. This will cut down on the work and still give you the fun of these strawberry crunch cupcakes.

If you plan to pipe the frosting on the cupcakes, double the frosting recipe. Room temperature: You can store these strawberry crunch cupcakes at room temperature up to 2 days in an airtight sealed container. Refrigerator: for best results, refrigerate these cupcakes up to about 5 days in the refrigerator, also sealed airtight.

Freezer: these cupcakes can be frozen. You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes after fully cooling in a single layer using a freezer safe, airtight container. They will freeze for up to 3 months. Frosted cupcakes can also be frozen. It’s ideal to partially freeze them before wrapping them so the icing doesn’t get smashed.

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Meet Zara Knight

I founded Zest Home Recipes because I believe home cooking should never be boring. My mission is to wake up your palate with recipes that are vibrant, easy, and full of life. I personally cook, photograph, and approve every dish on this site to ensure it brings a spark of joy and a burst of flavor to your kitchen table.