Introduction

These Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes combine light, fluffy cake with a creamy frosting and a fun, crunchy topping. Topped with fresh strawberries, they deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will delight any dessert lover.

A close-up view of three vanilla cupcakes with white swirled frosting topped with small red crumbs evenly sprinkled across the top. Each cupcake is decorated with a bright red half-cut strawberry placed upright in the center of the frosting, showing the juicy texture inside. The cupcakes are lined with white paper wrappers. They sit on a white marbled surface with a blurred white and red patterned cloth and whole strawberries in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 egg whites
1 1/3 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
1 box white cake mix
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sour cream (8 oz container)
1 cup butter, softened
8 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
12 fresh strawberries
20 Golden Oreos
3.4 oz box strawberry Jello powder
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F and line a muffin or cupcake tin with paper liners.
Step 2: In a mixer bowl, combine vegetable oil, egg whites, water, and vanilla. Mix on low speed for about 10 seconds.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low until all is combined.
Step 5: Add sour cream to the batter and mix well until smooth.
Step 6: Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full with batter.
Step 7: Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely.
Step 8: For the frosting, cream together softened butter in a mixer bowl.
Step 9: Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
Step 10: Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing. Then add vanilla and heavy cream, mixing until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Step 11: For the strawberry crunch topping, roughly crush Golden Oreos and place in a bowl.
Step 12: Stir in strawberry Jello powder and melted butter until well combined.
Step 13: Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with a 2D Drop Flower Decorating Tip or a spatula.
Step 14: Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over the frosted cupcakes.
Step 15: Top each cupcake with a sliced fresh strawberry for a final touch.

Tips & Variations

Use full egg instead of just egg whites for a richer cupcake texture.
Swap Golden Oreos for another flavored cookie for a different twist on the crunch topping.
If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly and add more heavy cream.
For easier slicing, chill strawberries before cutting.

Storage

Store these cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. Leftover frosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

A single cupcake is shown with a light golden base in a white paper liner. On top, a thick swirl of creamy white frosting is visible, covered in small red crumb bits that add texture. A fresh, bright red strawberry sliced in half decorates the top center of the frosting, with its green leafy cap still attached. In the background, more similar cupcakes are slightly out of focus, sitting on a white marbled surface. The colors are bright and fresh, presenting a sweet and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes without a mixer?

Yes, you can mix the batter and frosting by hand using a whisk and wooden spoon, but it will require more effort to achieve a smooth texture.

Can I use regular Oreos instead of Golden Oreos for the crunch topping?

Absolutely! Regular Oreos will add a different flavor and color contrast but work just as well in the strawberry crunch topping.