Cooking and Baking..

So, I have recently been baking like crazy and realizing how many kitchen tools that I will be putting on my Christmas list this year. With that being said, I am also learning about moderation and self control. Now that I have lost *ahem* 85 POUNDS!!!! (note my extreme happiness) in a matter of 2 ish years (and with having a baby) I am not as picky about my diet as I once was. Doing an extra workout is worth a piece of cake or some Fettucine Alfredo once and awhile right? I mean, that's life and as long as there is moderation, I'm good! We are having a BBQ today so this weekend I thought about what treat I would like to make. I usually go straight for a chocolate ooey gooey cake or a traditional cobbler but instead found a great recipe (made a few modifications) and wa-la! Here is the best Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes I have ever eaten (and my husband would also agree). 




Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes:

Graham Cracker Crust:

2 sleeves of graham cracker crumbs (about 18 whole crackers)

1 stick of butter (8 Tablespoons), room temperature
2 Tablespoons of sugar
touch of honey
Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
4 large egg whites
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and coarsely chopped (and more for garnish)
splash of Vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 18-20 muffin tins with cupcake liners.  Mix graham cracker crumbs with butter using a food processor.  Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the crushed graham cracker into the bottom of each prepared muffin tin.  Press down using fingers and bake for 3-5 minutes or until slightly browned.  Remove immediately from oven and set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl beat the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks appear, about 3-4 minutes, be careful not to overbeat. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy and then add the vanilla and beat on a low-speed. Then add half the flour mixture until incorporated then mix in the sour cream or yogurt. Add remaining flour and mix until just blended.

Gently fold 1/3 of the egg into the batter until combined, do not over mix the egg whites or the cake will fall flat. Add remaining egg and fold in the chopped strawberries. Fill each muffin tin about 3/4 of the way and bake for about 20 minutes depending on your oven. You can test to see if they are done by sticking a toothpick through the center, if it comes out clean it is ready to take out!
Cream Cheese Frosting 
Note: I made half of this recipe and had enough frosting.

2 (8 ounce) packets of cream cheese (16 ounces total)
2 sticks of unsalted butter (16 Tablespoons)
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar slowly in small batches, beating on low speed until incorporated. Once all sugar has been added, increase the speed to high and mix until light and fluffy. Refrigerate for 1 hour (I didn't do this). When ready to serve, spread icing on cupcakes or use a pastry bag with a star tip. Garnish with freshly cut strawberries and graham cracker crumbs and refrigerate until ready to serve. I definitely think these cupcakes are best when they have been chilled and then taken out of the fridge for a couple of minutes to soften.


Hope you guys enjoy these! They sure are yummmmmy! :-)