Strawberry Cream Cheese Crunch Mini Cakes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a mini cake pan (or cupcake pan).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
6. Divide the batter among the mini cake molds and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Chill until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Crunch Topping

1. In a bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers (or graham crackers), melted butter, and freeze-dried strawberries.
2. Stir until well combined and slightly crumbly.

Step 4: Assemble the Mini Cakes

1. Slice each mini cake in half horizontally.
2. Spread or pipe a layer of cream cheese filling on the bottom half, then place the top half back on.
3. Spread a thin layer of filling on top and sprinkle generously with the crunch topping.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For a twist, drizzle with strawberry glaze or white chocolate before serving!

Variations & Customization

✨ Lemon Zest – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
✨ Chocolate Twist – Mix mini chocolate chips into the cake batter.
✨ Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or almonds to the topping for extra texture.

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Crunch Mini Cakes are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. Whether for a celebration or a simple treat, they bring a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch.

Would you like any modifications or a gluten-free version? 😊