Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Filling

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray 18 muffin cups with nonstick spray.

2 . Stage

Blend cake mix, water, oil, egg whites, almond extract, and vanilla extract in a large bowl at low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour batter evenly into the prepared cups.

3 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

4 . Stage

While cupcakes cool, smash the fresh strawberries with the back of a fork in a bowl until they are a coarse pulp. Add jam and lemon zest.

5 . Stage

Beat cream cheese in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Mix in fruit mixture and until well combined. Fold in whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate until cupcakes finish cooling.

6 . Stage

Slice off the top half of the cupcakes and spoon a layer of strawberry filling onto each. Cover with the top half. Dust with confectioners' sugar.