Introduction

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are a delightful twist on classic strawberry cake, featuring a creamy pink frosting and a crunchy Oreo topping with a hint of strawberry flavor. These cupcakes are perfect for parties or a sweet treat any time you crave something fruity and textured.

A single cupcake stands in a shiny red wrapper on a white marbled textured surface. The cupcake base is light pink with a soft, slightly crumbly texture. On top, there are about six thick swirled layers of smooth light pink frosting, each layer evenly piped and forming a spiral upwards. The whole frosting is covered with fine pink and yellowish crumb topping, giving a slightly rough texture on the surface, with a small peak of frosting in the center. A glittery pink heart-shaped decoration lies flat in front of the cupcake on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package of Strawberry Cake Mix
1 cup of Water
1/2 cup of Oil
3 Eggs
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 cup Butter
2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
1 box Powdered Sugar
1/2 of a 3 oz. package Strawberry Jello Mix (divided)
Red Food Coloring
Piping Bag and 1M Piping Tip
1 and 1/2 sleeves of Golden Oreos (cream removed)
1.5 to 2.5 tablespoons Butter (melted)
Pink Cupcake Liners

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, oil, eggs, and water. Beat until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Line a cupcake pan with pink cupcake liners and fill each about halfway with the batter.
Step 3: Bake according to the cake mix box instructions. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
Step 4: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and half of the strawberry Jello mix until creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Add the heavy cream, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired thickness.
Step 6: Add red food coloring a little at a time and mix until you achieve a soft pink hue.
Step 7: Fit a piping bag with a 1M tip and fill it with the pink frosting. Starting in the center of each cupcake, pipe the frosting outward and upward to create a swirl.
Step 8: In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos (cream removed) until finely ground. Add the remaining half package of strawberry Jello mix and pulse to combine.
Step 9: Add melted butter to the Oreo mixture and process until the crumbs are moist and hold together slightly. Let the mixture sit for about 1 hour to stiffen.
Step 10: Stir the Oreo mixture to break it up, then sprinkle generously over the frosted cupcakes.
Step 11: Serve your Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes and enjoy the perfect balance of soft cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping!

Tips & Variations

For extra strawberry flavor, add fresh chopped strawberries into the batter before baking.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting gradually until it suits your taste.
Substitute Golden Oreos for regular Oreos to keep the strawberry color theme consistent.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant pink frosting without affecting texture.

Storage

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving. The crunchy topping may soften slightly after refrigeration but will still add great texture. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months and frost after thawing.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a cupcake with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a soft pink cake wrapped in a shiny red cupcake liner. On top of the cake is a thick swirl of smooth, light pink frosting, decorated with crushed crumbs in a mix of pink and beige colors, covering the whole frosting dome. The cupcake sits on a white plate scattered with the same pink and beige crumbs, creating a textured bed around it. In the background, there are other similar cupcakes slightly blurred, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

What can I use instead of strawberry Jello mix?

If you don’t have strawberry Jello, consider using natural strawberry puree or freeze-dried strawberry powder to maintain the strawberry flavor in the frosting and topping.

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

Delight in these Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes featuring a moist strawberry cake base topped with creamy strawberry-flavored frosting and a crunchy golden Oreo crumble. This recipe combines the sweetness of strawberry cake mix with a luscious cream cheese frosting tinted pink and finished off with a textured strawberry Oreo crumble, perfect for parties or special occasions.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes

1 package Strawberry Cake Mix
1 cup Water
1/2 cup Oil
3 Eggs

For the Frosting

8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup Butter, softened
2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
1 box Powdered Sugar (approximately 3–4 cups)
1/2 (3 oz) package Strawberry Jello Mix
Red Food Coloring, a few drops

For the Crunch Topping

1 and 1/2 sleeves Golden Oreos, cream removed
1/2 (3 oz) package Strawberry Jello Mix
1.5 to 2.5 tablespoons Butter, melted

Other

Pink Cupcake Liners
Piping Bag with 1M Piping Tip

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture until completely smooth and well incorporated.
Bake the Cupcakes: Line a cupcake pan with pink liners and fill each cupcake liner about halfway with the batter. Bake according to the package instructions, usually around 18-22 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Once baked, remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and strawberry Jello mix until creamy. Add the heavy cream to loosen the mixture slightly, then gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired thickness and sweetness. Mix in a few drops of red food coloring until the frosting is a vibrant pink color.
Pipe the Frosting: Fit your piping bag with the 1M tip and fill it with the strawberry frosting. Starting from the center of each cupcake, pipe the frosting in a circular motion working your way upward to create a swirl.
Prepare the Crunch Topping: In a food processor, pulse the golden Oreos (with cream removed) until finely ground. Add the strawberry Jello mix and combine. Then add the melted butter and continue processing until the mixture is moist and holds together when pressed. Let this mixture sit for about 1 hour to stiffen.
Add the Crunch Topping: Before serving, stir the Oreo crumble with a spoon to break it up, then generously sprinkle it over the piped frosting on each cupcake for a delightful crunchy texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes at room temperature and enjoy the perfect balance of soft cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping.

Notes

Ensure that cream cheese and butter for frosting are softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth consistency.
Removing the cream from the Oreos is essential for the right texture in the crunch topping.
Chilling the Oreo crumble topping helps it become firmer and easier to sprinkle over the cupcakes.
You can adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of pink in the frosting.
This recipe is perfect for celebrations and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Strawberry cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, Oreo crunch topping, sweet dessert, party cupcakes, pink frosting