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For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries)
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How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Crunch Mini Cakes
1. Prepare the Mini Cakes:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini cake pan (or muffin tin) with non-stick spray or butter, or line it with paper cupcake liners if you prefer.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together according to the instructions on the cake mix box. If you’re using a homemade cake mix, follow the directions on your recipe.
Fill each mini cake compartment about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the mini cakes from the oven and let them cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the mini cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until everything is well combined.
Next, in a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. This will give the filling a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the other components.
3. Prepare the Crunch Topping:
To make the crunchy topping, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon (if using) in a small bowl. Stir until everything is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated in the butter. The mixture should be crumbly but not too dry. Set this aside for later use.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the fresh strawberries with the sugar. Toss them gently to coat the strawberries in the sugar, and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to release some of their natural juices. This will make the strawberry topping more syrupy and flavorful.
5. Assemble the Mini Cakes:
Once your mini cakes have cooled, it’s time to assemble them! Carefully slice each mini cake in half horizontally, creating two layers. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling on the bottom half of each cake.
Top the cream cheese layer with a spoonful of the sugared strawberries. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of the graham cracker crunch topping over the strawberries.
Place the top half of the mini cake back on, and you’re ready to serve! For an extra touch, you can garnish with a few more fresh strawberry slices and a dusting of powdered sugar.
6. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor and texture, chill the mini cakes in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes them even more refreshing, especially on a warm day.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Crunch Mini Cakes
- Use Cold Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened but not melted. If it’s too soft, it might make the filling too runny. Softened cream cheese mixes better and results in a smoother filling.
- Fresh Strawberries Are Key: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries in season. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.
- Don’t Skip the Crunch: The crunch topping is essential to the texture of these mini cakes. The buttery graham cracker crumbs add a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling and juicy strawberries.
- Make Ahead: These mini cakes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. In fact, they taste even better the next day once they’ve had time to chill and allow the flavors to develop.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Memorable Dessert
Strawberry Cream Cheese Crunch Mini Cakes are the perfect combination of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, enjoying them for a special occasion, or just treating yourself to something delicious, these mini cakes are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
With their vibrant strawberry topping, fluffy cream cheese filling, and crunchy graham cracker crust, each bite is a heavenly experience. So go ahead, indulge in these little bites of perfection — you won’t regret it!
