Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Want to channel your inner Gordan Ramsay? I have a special and tasty recipe for you! Become a connoisseur of baking by following the steps below:

Ingredients:

 The Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter 

• 1/4 cup sugar

The Cupcakes

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter 

• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 4 large egg whites

• 2 cups fresh strawberries 

The Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

The Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

2. Get a 24 count cupcake pan and line each cupcake with cupcake liners. 

3. Mix graham cracker crumbs with butter and sugar. 

4. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the crushed graham cracker into the bottom of each cupcake liner. 

5. You will have a small number of extra crumbs that you will save for garnish before serving. 

6. Press the graham cracker mixture down using the back of the measuring spoon and bake for 3-5 minutes or until slightly browned. 

7. Remove immediately from the oven and set aside to cool.

The Cupcakes

1. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks appear, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt. 

3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the vanilla and beat on a low speed. 

5. Add half the flour mixture. Mix.

6. Mix in the sour cream. 

7. Add remaining flour and mix until just blended.

8. Gently fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the batter until combined, do not over mix the egg whites or the cake will fall flat. 

9. Fold in remaining egg whites and fold in the chopped strawberries. 

10. Fill each cupcake paper about 3/4 of the way. They will not rise too much.  

11. Bake for about 20 minutes depending on your oven. 

12. You can test to see if they are done by sticking a toothpick through the center, if it comes out clean it is ready to take out!

The Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together until smooth. 

2. Add the sugar slowly in small batches, beating on low speed until mixed. 

3. Once all sugar has been added, increase the speed to high and mix until light and fluffy.

4. Spread icing on cupcakes or use a pastry bag with a star tip. 

5. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

6. When ready to serve, garnish with freshly cut strawberries and graham cracker crumbs. 

Now you have a scrumptious dessert you can share with your family!