Dreamy Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Moments

Decadent cherry cheesecake cupcakes bring together the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the playful charm of individual-sized treats.

These delightful desserts blend smooth cream cheese and sweet cherries in a perfectly balanced bite.

Each cupcake promises a burst of fruity flavor nestled within a velvety cheesecake base.

The delicate graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, luxurious filling.

Tart cherries swirled throughout create beautiful marbled patterns that look as stunning as they taste.

Guests will be utterly charmed by these elegant yet approachable dessert bites.

Prepare to wow everyone with this irresistible sweet sensation that elevates your baking game.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my cupcake liners from sticking?

Use high-quality, non-stick cupcake liners or lightly grease them with butter or cooking spray before adding the graham cracker base to ensure easy removal.

• Can I use frozen cherries for the filling?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to maintain the right consistency for your filling.

• What if my frosting looks lumpy?

Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, and beat slowly to prevent lumps. If needed, strain the frosting through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture.

Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes – Why Bake Them

• Whip up these cupcakes without complicated techniques, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a show-stopping dessert.
• Combine classic cheesecake and cupcake elements to create a dessert that delights both kids and adults with its irresistible flavor combination.
• Break down the recipe into manageable stages, allowing home bakers to enjoy the process of creating a stunning and delicious treat from scratch.
• Ideal for potlucks, birthdays, summer gatherings, or any special occasion that calls for a sweet and impressive dessert that looks professionally made.

Cherry Cheesecake Cupcake Ingredients

• Graham Crumbs: A classic foundation that adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cupcake base.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the graham base together.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter creates a rich and cohesive graham cracker crust.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the cupcake's soft and tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cupcake and helps create a golden surface.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cupcakes rise and achieve a light, airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cupcake.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide moisture to the batter.
• Milk: Adds liquid and helps create a smooth, well-mixed batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Contributes a warm, aromatic flavor to the cupcakes.

• Fresh Cherries: A vibrant and juicy fruit that creates a luscious filling.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the cherry's sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling and creates a smooth consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps achieve a smooth frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor of the frosting with its classic taste.

Cupcake Tools and Gear Needed

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating frosting, and mixing cake batter smoothly.
• Cupcake Pan: Holds cupcake liners and shapes perfect cupcake bases.
• Cupcake Liners: Prevents sticking and creates neat individual cupcake servings.
• Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients and combining wet and dry mixtures evenly.
• Saucepan: Perfect for cooking cherry filling to right consistency.
• Piping Bag: Helps create beautiful frosting edges and professional-looking decoration.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Medium Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing batter, mixing ingredients separately.
• Small Bowl: Useful for making cornstarch slurry and mixing additional ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps core cupcakes for filling and creates clean cuts.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Create Crumbly Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.

Mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter until well combined.

Sprinkle one tablespoon of the mixture into each cupcake liner, pressing gently to create a compact bottom layer.

Set aside some crumbs for later decoration.

Step 2: Prepare Delightful Batter

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Carefully fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place cupcake pan in a preheated oven at 350°F/180°C.

Bake for 16-22 minutes, watching for golden edges and a springy top.

When lightly touched, the cupcakes should bounce back.

Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Craft Luscious Cherry Filling

• Fresh or frozen cherries
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice

Cook the mixture over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

Create a cornstarch slurry and stir into the cherry mixture.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Allow the filling to cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat butter until smooth and creamy.

Add cold cream cheese and continue mixing.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

Blend in heavy cream and vanilla extract until the frosting reaches a silky consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Gorgeous Cupcakes

Use a small knife or cupcake corer to create a center in each cooled cupcake.

Fill the centers with the prepared cherry filling.

Pipe cream cheese frosting around the edges of each cupcake.

Gently roll the frosted edges in the reserved graham cracker crumbs.

Top with an extra dollop of cherry filling and a fresh cherry for a stunning final touch.

Helpful Cupcake Tips for Success

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly into liners to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble when eating.
• Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep cupcakes light and tender, avoiding tough texture.
• Stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve the perfect jam-like consistency that won't run.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for lump-free, silky-smooth frosting that pipes beautifully.
• Use ripe, sweet cherries for garnish to add a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color to your cupcake presentation.

Cherry Cheesecake Cupcake Variations

• Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use gluten-free flour blend in cupcake batter for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Bliss: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs. Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream for frosting. Replace regular milk with almond milk.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Classic: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in graham base and cupcake batter. Choose sugar-free cherry preserves for filling. Opt for reduced-sugar cream cheese for frosting.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Dream: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream. Maintain original flavor profile while accommodating lactose-intolerant needs.

Serving Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes Creatively

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange cupcakes on a decorative tiered stand for elegant gatherings, perfect for birthdays or bridal showers.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled glass of sweet moscato or port wine to complement the cherry and creamy flavors.
• Breakfast Surprise: Transform these cupcakes into a morning treat by adding a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh cherry compote on top.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack individual cupcakes in clear boxes with ribbon, creating a delightful homemade gift for friends and family.

Storing Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes

• Store cupcakes in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve frosting design.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cupcakes at room temperature for 2 hours maximum. Cream cheese frosting requires consistent chilling to maintain texture and prevent spoilage.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent frosting melting or cupcake becoming dry.

Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent cherry cheesecake cupcakes blend creamy cheesecake with sweet cherry goodness. Rich textures and delightful flavors invite you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (180 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) sour cream, room temperature
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated sugar

Cherry Filling and Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups frozen sweet red cherries
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 6 ounces (170 grams) full-fat cream cheese, cold
• 2 1/4 cups (270 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or

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Instructions

1. Craft the graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Press a tablespoon of mixture into each cupcake liner, reserving extra for later garnishing.
2. Prepare the cupcake batter by whisking dry ingredients in one bowl. In a separate container, blend wet ingredients thoroughly. Gradually incorporate wet mixture into dry components, stirring until smooth and homogeneous. Distribute batter evenly, filling liners approximately two-thirds full.
3. Bake cupcakes at 350°F for 18-20 minutes. Verify doneness by gently pressing the surface – it should spring back elastically. Transfer to cooling rack immediately after removing from oven.
4. Develop cherry filling by simmering fruit with sugar and lemon juice for 15-20 minutes until consistency thickens. Introduce cornstarch mixture, cooking additional 2 minutes. Allow filling to cool completely before application.
5. Construct cream cheese frosting by whipping butter until light and airy. Incorporate cold cream cheese, then gradually fold in powdered sugar. Beat until achieving fluffy texture. Blend in cream and vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
6. Finalize cupcakes by carefully coring centers and filling with prepared cherry compote. Pipe frosting around edges, then roll outer rim in reserved graham cracker crumbs. Embellish with additional cherry filling and fresh cherry accent on top.

Notes

• Crumb Crust Hack: Press graham cracker mixture firmly into liners to create a solid, compact base that won’t crumble when eating.
• Batter Balancing: Avoid overmixing cupcake batter to prevent tough, dense texture; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
• Cherry Filling Thickness: Use cornstarch carefully to control consistency; too much can make filling gluey, while too little keeps it runny.
• Frosting Temperature Trick: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at similar room temperatures to prevent lumpy, separated frosting.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies for celiac-friendly version; use dairy-free cream cheese for vegan alternative.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 174 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 68 mg