If you’re looking for an irresistibly fun, fruity treat that always steals the show, look no further than these Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes. Imagine ultra-soft white cupcakes topped with clouds of cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with a nostalgic homemade strawberry crunch, and crowned with a juicy strawberry slice. Every bite delivers vibrant strawberry flavor, a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures, and a pop of color so pretty you’ll never settle for plain vanilla again.

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how accessible the ingredients are for these Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes; many are pantry staples, while a few simple additions make all the difference. Each one brings a unique touch, whether it’s for fluffy cake, luscious frosting, or that signature crunchy topping.

Vegetable oil: Gives the cupcake base tenderness and keeps it extra moist without weighing it down.
Egg whites: Ensure a light crumb and help the cupcakes rise beautifully while keeping the flavor delicate.
Water: Combines with the cake mix and flour for a smooth, even batter.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness for airy cupcakes.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and smells incredible as the cupcakes bake.
Salt: A small pinch to amplify all those lovely sweet flavors.
White cake mix: A time-saving base that guarantees fluffy, consistent cupcakes.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure, making the cupcakes sturdy enough for generous frosting.
Sour cream: Makes the cake extra soft and adds a hint of tang to balance the sweetness.
Butter, softened: Essential for rich, creamy frosting and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its satiny, sweet texture.
Cream cheese, softened: Brings a tangy, creamy component to the frosting that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
Heavy cream: Loosens the frosting to the perfect pipe-able consistency.
Fresh strawberries: The finishing touch for freshness and a pop of color.
Golden Oreos: These add buttery crunch and that iconic strawberry crunch coating you love from ice cream bars.
Strawberry Jello powder: Brings intense strawberry flavor and that bright red color to the crunch topping.
Butter, melted: Helps the crunchy topping hold together and adds richness.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 325F. Line two standard muffin tins with 24 cupcake liners so you’re ready to fill as soon as your batter is mixed. This ensures even baking and quick cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the vegetable oil, egg whites, water, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed for about 10 seconds—just enough to break up the egg whites and blend everything together evenly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate large bowl and whisk together the white cake mix, flour, granulated sugar, and salt. This step makes sure all the dry ingredients are properly distributed, which leads to super-even, fluffy cupcakes.

Step 4: Make the Batter

With your mixer still on low, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Go slowly, scraping down the sides once or twice, until just combined. Now, mix in the sour cream for extra moisture and a hint of tang—beat just until everything is silky smooth and you don’t see any streaks of flour.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Scoop the batter into your prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full—this leaves room for the cupcakes to puff up without overflowing. Bake at 325F for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean mixer bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the cream cheese and whip together until fluffy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, to avoid a snowy kitchen. Mix in the vanilla and a couple tablespoons of heavy cream, beating until smooth and pipe-able. You’re looking for a creamy yet sturdy consistency that will hold lovely swirls.

Step 7: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

For the iconic Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes finish, roughly crush the Golden Oreos (a food processor or a zip-top bag with a rolling pin both work great). Pour the crumbs into a bowl, mix in the strawberry Jello powder, then drizzle with melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly coated and brilliantly pink—this is your crave-worthy crunchy topping!

Step 8: Decorate and Finish

Spoon your frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large decorative tip (a 2D Drop Flower tip creates beautiful swirls). Pipe a generous mound onto each cooled cupcake, then sprinkle each with plenty of strawberry crunch topping. Just before serving, crown each cupcake with a fresh strawberry slice for the perfect finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Garnishes

These cupcakes already shine, but a few thoughtful garnishes will make them truly irresistible. Add a slice of fresh strawberry on top of each swirl of frosting for freshness, or sprinkle extra Golden Oreo crumbs for bonus crunch. A tiny mint leaf adds a fresh color contrast and a subtle flavor pop.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes pair beautifully with simple, summery sides. Try serving them with a cool fruit salad, a pitcher of strawberry lemonade, or even alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Their bright flavor is a happy match for any light, fruity treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, arrange the cupcakes in a circle on a white platter, then scatter extra strawberry slices and Oreo crumbs around. For extra wow-factor, serve each cupcake in a tulip-style wrapper, or display them on a tiered stand alongside fresh strawberries. Miniature versions make fantastic bite-sized party treats, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay soft, fluffy, and delicious for up to 3 days. Wait to add the fresh strawberry garnish until just before serving to keep things looking pretty and bright.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes easily; once they’re fully cooled, wrap each tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. If you want to make the frosting in advance, whip it up, store in a zip-top freezer bag, and thaw before using, stirring well to freshen it up.

Reheating

If your refrigerated cupcakes get a bit firm, let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Don’t microwave, as the frosting and crunch topping can melt or lose their texture. For maximum crunch, apply the topping just before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake flavor for Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes?

Absolutely! While classic white cake lets the strawberry flavors shine, you can swap in vanilla, strawberry, or even lemon cake mix for a new twist. Just make sure to keep the rest of the ingredients and measurements the same for best results.

Do I have to use Golden Oreos for the crunch topping?

Golden Oreos offer a sweet, buttery crunch, but feel free to use vanilla wafer cookies or shortbread if that’s what you have—or experiment for your own signature crunch.

How can I make these cupcakes ahead for a party?

Make the cupcakes and frosting up to two days in advance and store separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and add the fresh strawberry garnish right before serving for the freshest taste and look.

What’s the best way to crush the Oreos?

For the perfect crumb texture, pulse them briefly in a food processor. If you prefer a chunkier crunch, place the cookies in a zip bag and crush with a rolling pin. Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger bits for the best experience.

How do I achieve bakery-style swirls with the frosting?

Use a sturdy piping bag fitted with a large decorative tip, and hold the bag upright as you pipe in circular motions from the outside edge inward. If you’d like to practice first, try a few swirls on parchment paper before topping your cupcakes.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes is an instant ticket to smiles and second helpings! With their dreamy strawberry flavor, creamy frosting, and that irresistible crunch, these cupcakes never fail to impress. Grab your mixer and let the fun begin—you’re about to fall in love with your new favorite cupcake!

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes Recipe