Strawberry Compote Cupcakes

Step 1
Combine strawberries and sugar in a bowl; stir well. Place in a refrigerator until a light syrup forms, about 40 minutes.

Step 2
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 24 cupcake cups or line with paper liners.

Step 3
Combine cake mix, oil, eggs, and food coloring in a large bowl. Add strawberry compote and mix well. Pour in water slowly and mix until batter is blended.

Step 4
Divide batter evenly between the prepared cupcake cups.

Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely, 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 6
Beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract together in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold in cream cheese until smooth. Frost completely cooled cupcakes.