Short Description
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate cake with fresh strawberries and a luscious chocolate coating. These cupcakes are perfect for special occasions, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you crave a delicious chocolatey treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect combination of chocolate and strawberries
- Moist, rich cupcakes with a fruity surprise
- Great for parties, holidays, and celebrations
- Easy to make and decorate
- Can be customized with different toppings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Fresh strawberries
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
- Butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
- Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, place a whole strawberry in the center, and top with more batter until 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cupcake (not the strawberry) comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream and butter, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the cooled cupcakes into the melted chocolate or drizzle over them.
- Let the chocolate set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped almonds or hazelnuts over the chocolate coating.
- Extra Strawberry Flavor: Add strawberry jam into the batter for a fruitier cupcake.
- Dark Chocolate Ganache: Use dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.
- Reheating: Let frozen cupcakes thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
Yes, a chocolate cake mix works as a quick and easy alternative.
How do I prevent my strawberries from sinking?
Coating the strawberries lightly with flour before placing them in the batter can help keep them in place.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best, as frozen ones release excess moisture during baking.
Can I make mini cupcakes?
Yes! Adjust the baking time to around 10-12 minutes for mini cupcakes.
How do I get a glossy chocolate coating?
Make sure to use heavy cream when melting chocolate for a smooth and shiny finish.
Can I add frosting?
Absolutely! A strawberry or chocolate buttercream pairs well with these cupcakes.
How do I store leftover ganache?
Store any extra ganache in the fridge and reheat gently before using again.
Are these cupcakes gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use milk chocolate instead?
Yes, but milk chocolate will result in a sweeter cupcake compared to semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
What other toppings can I use?
Crushed cookies, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar all make great additions.
Conclusion
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are a delightful and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich chocolate base, fresh strawberry center, and luscious chocolate coating, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Easy to make and customizable, they’re a must-try for chocolate lovers!
PrintChocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes combine rich chocolate cake, fresh strawberries, and a luscious strawberry buttercream, all topped with a decadent chocolate-dipped strawberry. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anytime you crave a fancy yet easy dessert!
Ingredients
- Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
- Strawberry Buttercream:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (pureed and strained to remove seeds)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
- 12 fresh strawberries
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (melted)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for a smoother coating)
Instructions
- Make the Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Stir in hot coffee.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the Strawberry Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Add the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Make the Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dip each strawberry into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place on parchment paper and let set.
- Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Pipe or spread the strawberry buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes.
- Place a chocolate-covered strawberry on top of each cupcake.
- Drizzle with extra melted chocolate if desired.
Notes
- Store cupcakes in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Let cupcakes sit at room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Swap strawberry buttercream for chocolate or cream cheese frosting for a twist!
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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