Cheesecake Filled Cream Cheese Strawberry Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the instructions on the box, using the water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
3. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
6. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the prepared strawberry cake batter.
7. Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each cupcake.
8. Top the cream cheese mixture with another spoonful of strawberry cake batter, covering the cream cheese layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
10. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Once cooled, garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.
12. Serve and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes | Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 24 cupcakes