Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

I sat down the other night and made a "to do" list before I went to bed. It was 2 pages. And that is just what I could think of in about 5 minutes. I give up.

But in better news, these sweet little cupcakes were on my list and I got to check them off. I love checking things off lists, I feel so accomplished. These are so yummy and light and topped with cream cheese frosting which in my book, is the greatest frosting created. 

These cupcakes have a buttery graham cracker bottom, then a light strawberry cupcake (with REAL strawberries) and topped with cream cheese frosting. I love using real strawberries in this cupcake so much more than using a flavor extract, makes them more moist as well. 

Leave me a comment and let me know what you guys think of these. Also check out @lolosdesserts on Instagram and Facebook to see what I'm up to. 

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

7 whole graham cracker sheets

2 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup strawberries

1/4 cup whole milk, room temp

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temp

1 cup sugar

1 large egg, room temp

2 large egg whites, room temp

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

1 bar cream cheese (8 ounce)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temp

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

3 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cupcake Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Makes about 12 cupcakes.

2. In a food processor (or a good old Ziploc and rolling pin), process the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the melted butter until thoroughly covered.

3. Scoop one Tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner and press firmly using the back of a spoon to make an even layer.

4. Bake about 7 minutes. Put pan aside to cool while you make the cupcake batter.

5. In a medium size bowl, whisk together th flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

6. In a food processor or blender, puree the strawberries until smooth. Transfer to another bowl. Add the milk and vanilla and whisk.

7. In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed, then add the egg and two egg whites one at a time. Mix in between each addition.

8. Add half the flour mixture, then the strawberry mixture, then the rest of the flour and mix in between until just combined. Do not over mix.

9. Scoop batter evenly among the liners and bake about 21-23 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Directions

1. In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy. About 2 minutes.

2. Reduce the speed, then add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and mix after each addition. Increase speed and add vanilla. Mix again for about 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

3. Frost the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with crumbled graham crackers.