Strawberry Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes: Decadent, Festive, and Irresistible

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk and vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Make the Red Velvet Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in the strawberry jam or chopped strawberries until evenly distributed. Set aside.

Assemble the Cupcakes: Spoon a small amount of red velvet batter into each cupcake liner, filling about halfway. Add a spoonful of the strawberry cheesecake filling on top of the batter, then cover with more red velvet batter until the liners are about two-thirds full.

Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and, if desired, a few drops of pink food coloring for a subtle tint.

Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish each cupcake with a fresh strawberry slice and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for an added touch of flavor and crunch.

Serving and Storage Tips: