In the Kitchen

Cheesecake Cupcakes and a Wedding

by Ingrid

With the impending wedding less than two weeks away, final preparations are in full swing. Oh, what wedding you ask? Did I not mention, my son is getting married in mid August? Yes, exciting times for us around Arizona!

Although, Al and I had several reasons for not traveling outside of the state of Arizona this summer, the number one reason to stay somewhat close to Phoenix was the wedding. Being only an hours drive away from Phoenix has worked out perfectly, and I’ve been able to be included in any and all wedding festivities and preparations.

yellow rose

Even though the children live in Phoenix, the actual wedding venue is on a ranch in Skull Valley, just west of our RV Park in Prescott, Arizona. Thus, the location of the wedding is rather convenient for Al and me, but then again, we did plan accordingly 😀

I haven’t really had much involvement in the whole process. The bride seems to have everything under control, but I’ve been around to attend dress fittings, doing a tour of the venue, and a few other events. The one thing the bride did ask me to do was bake my son’s favorite dessert for the wedding.

dessert tray
This is a dessert tray I took over to a friend’s house last fall. All made by yours truly!

Instead of a wedding cake …

You see, the bride and groom don’t intend to have a big wedding cake. Probably just a little one for them to cut for traditional purposes. Instead of serving guests a slice of wedding cake, they’ve chosen to have a dessert bar for their guests so guests can enjoy a variety of desserts. For this, the bride has enlisted the help of several people.

easy cheesecake cupcakes recipeWith that said, I’ve been asked to make my famous cheesecake cupcakes for the wedding. My son loves cheesecake. It’s his favorite dessert.

I used to make him a yummy New York style cheesecake, but it was always a great deal of work and a tad more challenging to make in my little RV kitchen.

Then I discovered an easy recipe for cheesecake cupcakes, which my son enjoys equally as much. These are so much easier to make than a big cheesecake, especially in the RV.

I didn’t think twice about saying yes to the bride when she asked me if I would make my son’s favorite dessert for the wedding … until … until … until she told me around 90 cupcakes should be about the right amount 😲 Say what?

Okay, I’ve adapted to working in my little RV kitchen and can put out some amazing meals and baked goods. Quite frankly, with a little organization, anything that can be made in a sticks and bricks dwelling, can be made in a RV, but now we’re talking about production … large quantities. No, the RV wouldn’t work. Sure, I could actually make them all in the RV, that’s not the problem. Cheesecake needs to be refrigerated, and therein lies the problem. You know how big my refrigerator is? Six (6) cubic feet! Yeah, that’s small. Let’s compare … how big is yours?

easy cheesecake cupcake recipe
production at daughters place

I needed to come up with another plan. That is, after trying logically to enlighten my future daughter-in-law on the wisdom of serving a chilled dessert like cheesecake at an outdoor wedding in the middle of August … I was met with a blank stare. Ah, brides!!!

Cheesecake it is, and for plan B, I enlisted the help of my daughter. I still haven’t totally figured out how we’re going to keep these little cheesecakes chilled at the outdoor wedding venue, but I have a few possible ideas swirling in my head.

So, a couple of weekends ago, I took the 90 mile drive to the Phoenix valley to spend the weekend at my daughter’s place and dive into the baking production challenge.

She and I always have so much fun spending a weekend together. However, during this visit, we were on a mission and the baking task at hand took precedence. Oh, not that we didn’t have fun … we did indeed. There was plenty of laughing and shenanigans in the kitchen all the while binge watching “Nailed It”. We had to keep motivated, and the baking show did just that!

Nailed it Pinterest fail
Happy birthday Daughter – my Pinterest fail – it’s the thought that counts – Nailed It!

My daughter recently discovered this Netflix original baking show and immediately thought of me. Seriously, if you have never heard of the show, I recommend you Google images of Nailed It, and you too will laugh your a*s off. She thinks I’d make the perfect contestant with my many a Pinterest fail … ah, my baking endeavors and failures 😏

Whew! Five exhausting hours later – success!  We had the cupcake containers filled with the requested 90 cheesecake cupcakes. Now it was time to take them over to son’s house to be stored in his deep freezer. The decorating on top of the cheesecakes will be done the morning of the wedding. After all, I have nothing else to do the morning of the wedding other than decorate 90 80 cupcakes 😏

The cupcake container was so heavy that Ashton and I decided to weigh it. Oh my gosh, almost twelve (12) pounds of cupcakes!!!

recipe for easy Cheesecake cupcakes
We weigh the cupcakes – nearly 12 pounds!

While I lead the way carrying my pans and utensils down the outdoor apartment steps to load into the car, Ashton followed carrying the cupcakes. She had gone down maybe four steps, when I heard some very unladylike exclamations loudly uttered. I didn’t need to turn around to know what had happened, but I did need to know the extent of the damage. The cupcakes were so heavy that one of the container clips on the side gave way. (Note to self … in the future, do not carry by the handle but rather cradle in arms holding from bottom. Do not trust the clips to hold. Lesson learned!)

Although Ashton was on the verge of tears, I quickly calmed her concerns and gathered up the tossed cupcakes. We returned to her apartment to see what I could salvage.

what to bring to a social gathering
This plate of desserts made it successful to a social gathering!

Turns out about ten of the cheesecake cupcakes were not salvageable to serve to wedding guests. The main problem was the shape. Only two had actually touched the ground while the others remained in the container, but ended up either upside down or smashed to one side. The ones that were still slightly warm were now misshapen and not very pretty … tasty, but not pretty.

I gathered the rejects and placed them on a paper plate, and with a sharpie, I marked the paper liners of the two cupcakes that had touched the ground. This plate of rejects would return with me to the RV. The rest of the cupcakes eventually made it safely into my son’s freezer where they await the big day.

With the cupcake challenge behind us, next on our list was to go to the liquor store and purchase the wine for the wedding which Al and I, parents of the groom, had offered to do. With the wine loaded in my backseat and then dropped off at son’s place, Ashton and I returned to her apartment with a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio for ourselves and a healthy take-out dinner order from Panera Bread. We were exhausted and needed an evening of fun and relaxation.

The rest of the evening was spent laughing, drinking, and eating while we watched a combination of Nailed It and comedian Ali Wong. I’d say we had a very successful and entertaining day in spite of the little mishap on the apartment steps.

Between Al and our RV Park neighbors, the reject cupcakes were devoured in short order with requests for more rejects. And to think, my daughter was going to throw them away! They may not have been pretty, but they were still very tasty as evidenced by their quick disappearance and request for more .

Recipe for my dessert contribution to the wedding

Easy Cheesecake Cupcakes

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Cheesecake Filling
2 – 8 ounce packages of softened cream cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
easy cheesecake cupcake recipe2 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla

Crust
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons melted butter

Directions – Turn oven on to 325 degrees.
Crust – In a food processor, grind graham crackers into crumbs. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with sugar. Add in melted butter. Using a spoon, combine until all crumbs are coated with butter.

Line a muffin tin with paper liners (do not use foil liners) – 18 cupcakes. With non-stick cooking spray, lightly spray paper liners then add about 1 Tablespoon (or slightly less) of graham cracker mixture to each liner. Firmly press crumbs down.

Filling – In a large bowl, using an electric mixer beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined. Spoon mixture into prepared graham cracker muffin tin. Fill about 3/4 full.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until filling looks baked. Cool completely before decorating. This recipe makes about 18 cupcakes.

Decoration –
Top with buttercream frosting and a teaspoon of strawberry or blueberry preserves or  instead of frosting, top with strawberry or blueberry preserves and whip cream.

Recipe by Ingrid at LiveLaughRV.com

Tips for making these cheesecake cupcakes

1.  Organization is tip number one, especially when working in a small kitchen.

2. Use a Tablespoon to measure out the graham cracker crust into the cupcake liners to try to get an equal amount into each well.how to make easy cheesecake cupcakes3. Use the top of a wine bottle to firmly press down the graham cracker crust. Of course, we washed the top of the bottle well before using. Perk … drink and enjoy when done using the bottle 🤣
recipe for cheesecake for a wedding
4. Cool the cheesecakes completely before decorating or moving them to a new location. Do as I say, not as I do!

Final thoughts …

With the groom’s mother (me) doing her part for the wedding, let’s hope Mother Nature does hers and cooperates by giving us a reprieve from the daily afternoon thunderstorms that we’ve been experiencing since early July.

I don’t know why, but the bride and groom didn’t share my sense of humor when I told them my rubber muck boots and raincoat coordinate with my dress nicely and dad (Al) intended to bring his fishing waders just in case. Hey, when ya live in a RV, as Al and I do, one is always prepared for adversity … it’s part of the RV adventure!

Arizona wedding venue
Let’s hope the monsoon season takes a break for us to enjoy this setting for the ceremony! Photo taken during the winter … foliage is much prettier now especially after all the rain!

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Sunbeam MixMaster Stand Mixer
 Nonstick Carbon Steel Muffin Pan – 2-Pack


Silicone Spatula Set
Wonder Woman Adjustable  Apron

53 thoughts on “Cheesecake Cupcakes and a Wedding”

  1. Pingback: A Wedding to Remember | Live Laugh RV

  2. While I do have to apologize for chuckling at your Cheesecake Cupcake Adventure, Ingrid, I have to say that this was a delightful and entertaining post that highlights your wonderful relationship with your kids. Enjoy every minute of the wedding day and remember that while rain may ruin a pair of shoes, it will never wash away the joyful meaning of the day or your family’s delightful celebration of it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Glad I was able to provide a good chuckle. Now that it’s behind us, Ashton and I too laugh about the events of the day. I’m hopeful the big day will go well. We’re looking forward to seeing folks we haven’t seen in years.

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  3. What an adventure! What an undertaking! I love the idea of a dessert bar instead of wedding cake… I am glad your daughter was there to make this chore more enjoyable! And, the wedding location looks beautiful.

    I hope the weather cooperates but make sure you have a tent as a back up plan. We attended a family wedding in Vermont a few years back, outside in a gorgeous setting. Monsoon rains but we were mostly dry under a huge tent procured at the last minute. Good luck you guys! But, most of all, have fun. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fortunately, there’s a huge covered pavilion. With the Arizona sun, a cover of some sorts is an absolute must. It is a beautiful location and we’re looking forward to connecting with family and friends whom we haven’t seen in a while. So regardless of the weather, I’m sure we’ll have a good time 😀but I’m still hoping for no rain or lightening!

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  4. Wow you got to bake 80 cupcakes!! Woo Hoo! I got to paint calligraphy (my version) on barn wood for the wedding. They came out pretty good and I got to help out with the centerpieces as well. It was fun and our wedding was a blast.

    I am glad you only lost 2 and the others were gobbled up in no time. Praying for no rain at that pretty place and a fabulous wedding!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, I’m glad I wasn’t asked to do any more Pinterest projects other than the cupcakes. I think I’ve excelled in the “pinterest fail” category 😂 one too many times! At least I’m good at the simple baking challenges … usually!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. The venue’s a lovely setting for the wedding. I’m sure the wedding photos will be stunning. I hope the weather for your son’s ceremony will be just as beautiful. Looking forward to seeing your photos of it.
    On another note, you’re pretty courageous taking on all those cheesecakes. Good thing your daughter’s kitchen was handy. I totally get the refrigerator thing, I have the same issue.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yeah, the fridge in the RV just wasn’t going to work for all those cupcakes. It was so much more convenient to have the use of an apartment size kitchen, which was still small, but bigger than the RV. We’re looking forward to reconnecting with friends and family at the wedding and hoping the weather agrees.

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  6. Hi, Ingrid – This post grabbed me at the title, and kept me reading all of the way through. Congratulations on your son’s wedding. And WELL DONE for successfully making 90 cheesecake cupcakes for the wedding guests. That is very impressive (and cheesecake cupcakes are my absolute favourite)!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. And this recipe is a keeper – my son’s favorite. Hopefully they’ll be a hit with the wedding guests and I’ll have success at keeping them chilled. Should be an interesting and fun day!

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  9. I must say when you and your daughter get together there is always fun. Glad the cupcakes weren’t a total disaster. I bet they are so yummy! Thanks for the recipe. I love the wine bottle idea.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh so nice to hear from you Marsha. Hope you are doing well. Yes, my daughter and I always have a good time together especially when we have a goal in mind. Something usually goes astray that ends up being entertaining.

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  10. I can’t wait to hear more about the wedding … such an exciting time! I made my famous cheesecake last year for the first time in the RV and your right, it isn’t the oven that’s the problem, it’s the storage space in the fridge. I have thought about doing it as cupcakes and now that I have seen your blog I will definitely have to do it 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Absolutely give it a try as cupcakes. So much easier to find little nooks and crannies for a bunch of little cakes in the RV freezer than one big cake. I’m hoping this outdoor wedding is every bit as lovely as the one you recently attended.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. The outdoor wedding we attended July 8 was picture perfect!!! Hoping and praying you all get the same. But then, they live in northern California where it’s really dry. They also served cupcakes. There was a limit, three per guest. The choices were chocolate, vanilla and lemon. Bill and I are no longer eating sugar (only fresh fruit) so we gladly gave our share to some family members who said three wasn’t enough – they were delicious! LOL
    Just an idea for the bride and groom. I have a feeling they will disappear pretty quickly….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I thought about making another batch of cheesecakes since ten were lost, but the keeping of them chilled issue is still the problem. I may make a couple of batches of my Blueberry Bars which are always a huge hit and don’t need to be kept chilled like the cheesecakes. With an attendance of about 80 people and three of us bringing baked goods along with some treats from a professional, I think we’ll be fine on amount of desserts.

      The climate around here is much like northern CA, but has been unusually wet this season. The landscape is beautifully green compared to last year at this time and the threat of fire is low. So there’s an upside. A slight reprieve from the storms for the wedding would be nice though.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Count me in to do some finger crossing for Logan’s wedding. Im sure mom and daughter had a blast while working in the kitchen, but you do look so serious and focused in the picture. Cheesecake don’t agree with me but I bet your cheese cupcakes will be the hit at the reception.Looking forward to your pics of the wedding.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yeah, cheesecake doesn’t normally agree with me either, but I do take a bite or two just to make sure I serve guests something yummy. It just isn’t right for the baker/chef not to eat her own fixings 🤣

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  13. Thanks for another delicious sounding recipe! So glad most of the cupcakes survived. Haven’t seen “Nailed it” but another fun baking show on Netflix is “The Great British Baking Show”. Watched it with my daughter and granddaughter and now I’m hooked. Sending vibes for great wedding day weather!

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    1. This is a great recipe to make ahead of time then freeze until needed. Or in my son’s case, he likes eating the cheesecake cupcakes frozen without any decoration. I’ve watched the “Great British Baking Show” as well as the American version. Such amazing talent that I don’t seem to possess making me a better contestant for “Nailed It” … you really must watch that show!

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  15. Finger’s crossed for a perfect day for your son’s perfect day! Outdoor weddings are a challenge anywhere…..our son and daughter in law were married beside the rushing St. Vrain creek, mid-September in Lyons, Colorado. Everyone’s “fingers crossed” wishes worked for them and I know they will for you! Looking forward to pictures.

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    1. I remember exactly where Jesse and Erin got married and the severe flood damage that had occurred in that area. Still a beautiful location. Hope we’ll be as lucky and the day turns out lovely.

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    1. Thank you Cindy. It is a beautiful location for a wedding just hoping for agreeable weather. We’ve sure had a very wet six weeks and loving all the green hills.

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  17. Exciting times for all of you. Your photos were beautiful and the cheesecake cupcakes sound wonderful. What a fun way for you and Ashton to spend time together. I love the idea of a mini dessert bar. Prayers for a beautiful wedding day!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jeanette. It has worked out very well for us to spend the summer in Prescott, but those 110 degree days in the valley get old real quick. Looks like you guys are enjoying MN. Hope we’ll see you this winter!

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  18. Holy Schlamoly!! Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world of mother-in-laws…I do my best to be a good one, but sometimes it’s hard!. I did all of the flowers for all 3 of my kids weddings, all silk flowers. (They all got married in 1995). Your cupcake debacle was hysterical…but I hate baking and cupcakes are not in my wheelhouse..too labor intensive. I can’t believe you made it more intensive by including cheesecake…I do love cheesecake but have never attempted to make it..Hope the Arizona monsoons leave your wedding venue alone…Take lots of photos.!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh Donna … I am indeed finding myself zipping my lips more and more so I don’t come across as meddlesome MIL. It’s a fine dance, is it not? Unfortunately, I possess the flower arranging gene even less than the cake decorating gene. I’m sure your kids love your talent.

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  19. I admit, I laughed at your calamity. Poor Ashton, I can imagine how she felt. In time, she’ll be retelling the story and laughing about it.

    So glad you posted the recipe. I’m the only one who likes cheesecake and sometimes I’m just dying to have some. These mini cakes are just perfect. If I freeze them I can have them whenever I want…and I have all the ingredients in the house! Now, all I need is a bottle of wine! 😜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My son loves these little cheesecakes. Whenever I make them for him, he leaves them in the freezer and then always has a little treat available when he’s looking for one. And they aren’t difficult to make. Hope you make some for yourself and be sure and let me know!

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  21. Great job on the cupcakes and the salvaging…I also send best wishes to the young couple and hope you get a beautiful day. IT will be no matter what.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. They are going to be great. I still use my go to cheesecake recipe, that was given to me by a CIA chef, in the rv. Only reason I keep a 10″ springform pan. Great photo of the cupcake tray. Fingers crossed that Mother Nature got the message.

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    1. Amazing what we’ll carry around with us for those special occasions. Next time we’re together, we’ll each need to bake our cheesecakes and compare!

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  23. Fingers crossed that you have a beautiful day for the wedding. Our daughter had a mini dessert bar at her wedding which was so much nicer than wedding cake. She bought a small single tier from our local grocery store for the cake cutting. I am sure your cheesecakes will be a big hit. I rather enjoy the small versions since cheesecake is do heavy. SO very glad the little mishap was very minor:) Looking forward to the photos!

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    1. Sounds like a dessert bar is becoming more popular. I really like the idea. Fingers, toes, legs … whatever we can cross, we’re crossing 😆 for good weather!

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  24. I was waiting for a post mentioning the wedding again! Awesome, fun post with great photos, much enjoyed here with my morning’s coffee. 🙂 Your cupcake recipe sounds awesome, saving to my recipe box!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you’ll enjoy the cupcakes … easy and yummy! The big day will be here before we know it, and I will be taking my camera regardless of what my kids say 🤣

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