Cheese Cupcake Recipe

This Cheese Cupcake Recipe makes soft, buttery cupcakes with the rich flavor of cheddar cheese. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and moisture, while freshly grated cheddar gives the batter a savory taste. Adding more cheese on top creates a golden finish as the cupcakes bake.

For a tender texture, use softened butter, room-temperature eggs, and mix the batter just until the flour is incorporated. These homemade cheese cupcakes are popular in the Philippines and are easy to enjoy for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or with a cup of coffee or tea.

What Makes This Cheese Cupcake Recipe Special?

Cheese cupcakes are soft, sweet cupcakes made with grated cheese mixed into the batter and more cheese sprinkled on top before baking. They are popular in the Philippines and are known for their combination of sweet cake and savory cheese.

Unlike cheesecake, these are regular cupcakes with a soft, tender crumb. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and richness, while cheddar cheese gives them a savory flavor that balances the sweetness. If you enjoy cheese-based desserts, you may also like this cottage cheese cheesecake.

The cheese on top melts as the cupcakes bake, creating a golden finish with a slightly crisp texture.

Homemade Cheese Cupcakes: Ingredients and Preparation

Gather the ingredients below before starting. This Cheese Cupcake Recipe uses simple baking ingredients to create soft, flavorful cupcakes with cheddar cheese. Once everything is ready, you can prepare the batter and bake the cupcakes.

Ingredients for Cheese Cupcake Recipe

You only need a few basic baking ingredients to make these cupcakes. Butter, eggs, and condensed milk create a rich batter, while cheddar cheese gives them their signature flavor.

• 1½ cups cake flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 medium eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 300 ml sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Extra grated cheddar cheese for topping

How to Make This Cheese Cupcake Recipe

Making cheese cupcakes is simple. Prepare the batter, fold in the grated cheddar, and add more cheese on top before baking. Follow these six steps to make soft cupcakes with a golden cheese topping.

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and set it aside.

Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking so the cupcakes cook evenly.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set the mixture aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted. Creaming the butter and sugar properly helps give the cupcakes a lighter texture.

4. Add the Eggs and Combine the Batter

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Next, add the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently and stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.

Using a rubber spatula, fold 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese into the batter until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cupcakes dense.

5. Fill the Cupcake Liners and Add Cheese

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each one about three quarters full.

Sprinkle extra grated cheddar cheese over the top of each cupcake. A light, even layer is enough to create a golden cheese topping without making the cupcakes too heavy.

6. Bake, Cool, and Serve

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cupcakes are set and lightly golden on top.

To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one cupcake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking around 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool further.

You can enjoy them slightly warm or at room temperature.

What Cheese Is Best for Cheese Cupcakes?

Cheddar is a great choice for cheese cupcakes because it has enough flavor to stand out against the sweetness of the condensed milk.

You can use mild cheddar for a gentler cheese flavor or sharp cheddar if you prefer a stronger contrast between the sweet cake and savory cheese.

Other firm cheeses that melt well can also be used, but very soft or watery cheeses are not ideal. They can affect the texture of the batter and may not give you the same golden topping.

For the best result, grate the cheese yourself if possible. Freshly grated cheese also makes it easier to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the batter.

Tips for Soft and Moist Cheese Cupcakes

A few simple baking habits can help you get a soft crumb and an evenly baked cheese topping.

• Use softened butter: Make sure the butter is soft but not melted so it creams properly with the sugar.
• Use room temperature eggs: They blend more easily into the batter and help create a smooth mixture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the flour, mix only until combined to prevent dense cupcakes.
• Use freshly grated cheese: It distributes easily through the batter and gives the cupcakes a fresh cheddar flavor.
• Don’t overbake: Start checking around 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

How to Store and Reheat Cheese Cupcakes

Proper storage helps keep your cheese cupcakes fresh and prevents them from drying out. Let them cool completely before placing them in a container.

1. Cool completely: Let the cupcakes cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent excess moisture from building up inside the container.

2. Refrigerate: Place the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate them. This is a sensible storage choice for cupcakes containing cheese. For more information, see these food safety tips.

3. Freeze for longer storage: For longer storage, place the cupcakes in a freezer safe container or bag and seal them well.

4. Reheat before serving: If you prefer them warm, heat the cupcakes briefly in the microwave or oven until just warmed through. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the cake and make the cheese topping chewy.

How to Serve Cheese Cupcakes

This Cheese Cupcake Recipe is easy to serve without frosting and makes a lovely option for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or Filipino merienda.

Serve them slightly warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or your favorite drink. For gatherings, let them cool completely before arranging them on a serving plate.

For another homemade dessert to serve at family gatherings, try this Berry Chantilly Cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to a few common questions about making, baking, and serving homemade cheese cupcakes.

Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?

Yes. Mild or sharp cheddar can both be used, and you can also try another firm cheese that melts well.

Keep in mind that changing the cheese will change the flavor and saltiness of the cupcakes. Very soft or watery cheeses are less suitable because they can affect the texture.

Can I Use All Purpose Flour Instead of Cake Flour?

Yes. All purpose flour can be used if cake flour isn’t available.

The cupcakes may have a slightly firmer texture, but the recipe will still work well.

Why Are My Cheese Cupcakes Dense?

Overmixing is one of the most common reasons cupcakes become dense.

Once you add the flour, mix only until it is incorporated. Using melted butter instead of softened butter can also change the texture.

Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh enough to help the cupcakes rise properly.

Can I Make Cheese Cupcakes Without Cupcake Liners?

Yes, although liners make the cupcakes easier to remove and serve.

If you don’t have liners, grease the muffin pan well before adding the batter. Let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes before removing them.

Conclusion

Whether you’re making these Cheese Cupcake Recipe treats for a family breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a small gathering, they’re easy to share and enjoy. Serve them with coffee or tea, and save a few for later when you want a homemade treat. I hope this recipe becomes a lovely addition to your baking favorites.