If you have a soft spot for luscious chocolate and sweet strawberries, you are going to adore this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are a decadent celebration of rich cocoa cake combined with the vibrant flavor of strawberry buttercream, all topped with a glossy chocolate ganache and finished with fresh strawberry accents. Every bite is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making them a perfect treat for any occasion where you want to impress or indulge yourself. Simple to make yet irresistibly elegant, these cupcakes bring a timeless pairing to your dessert table in cupcake form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these cupcakes right relies on a collection of straightforward but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the cocoa powder that delivers deep chocolate flavor, the freeze-dried strawberries that pack intense berry brightness into the buttercream, or the touch of coffee to enhance the chocolate notes. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring this recipe to life:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cupcake’s tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey depth.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Works with the baking soda for perfect lift.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavor, balancing sweetness.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and soft.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the crumb.
- 1/2 cup hot coffee or water: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps batter smooth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For a creamy, luscious buttercream base.
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (ground into powder): Packs a concentrated strawberry punch into the frosting.
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream: Adjusts buttercream texture to just the right fluffiness.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Complements the strawberry notes in the frosting.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped: For the rich, shiny ganache topping.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Used to make the silky ganache.
- Fresh strawberry slices or chocolate-dipped strawberries: For the beautiful finishing touch and extra burst of fruitiness.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin pan with cupcake liners. This essential first step sets the stage for perfectly baked cupcakes with no sticking or mess.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes your leavening agents and cocoa for a consistent cake texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth and well mixed to create a silky batter base.
Step 4: Bring Dry and Wet Ingredients Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, folding gently. It’s important to mix just until combined to keep the cupcakes tender.
Step 5: Add Hot Coffee or Water
Stir in the hot coffee or water last, which deepens the chocolate flavor and results in a smooth, luscious batter—trust me, this little trick really elevates your cupcakes.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Fill your cupcake liners about halfway with batter, then bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Use the toothpick test to ensure doneness. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.
Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Buttercream
Beat softened butter until creamy. Then, add the confectioners’ sugar and freeze-dried strawberry powder, combining thoroughly.
Step 8: Adjust Buttercream Consistency
Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. A pinch of salt can be added to balance the sweetness if you like.
Step 9: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream just until it simmers, then pour over the chocolate. Let this sit for a few minutes before stirring until perfectly smooth.
Step 10: Assemble the Cupcakes
Carefully cut a small cone-shaped piece out of the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill the hole with your strawberry buttercream, then replace the top piece back onto each cupcake.
Step 11: Add the Ganache and Garnish
Spread a generous layer of glossy ganache over the top of each cupcake. Finish by decorating with fresh strawberry slices or chocolate-dipped strawberries for a show-stopping presentation.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh or chocolate-dipped strawberries make for stunning garnishes that highlight the strawberry-chocolate theme of these cupcakes. They add a fresh, juicy contrast and are pretty enough to make anyone smile.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside a cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance their sweetness and deepen the chocolate experience. For more special occasions, a light berry salad complements the fruity notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try displaying your cupcakes on a tiered cake stand with decorative strawberry leaves or edible gold dust sprinkled on top. You could also place each cupcake in a pretty cupcake wrapper or place a little edible flower on the ganache as a delicate, sophisticated touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once decorated, keep your cupcakes covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will preserve their freshness and keep the ganache and buttercream from melting or drying out for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze undecorated cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw completely at room temperature before frosting and ganache application.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to enjoy your cupcakes chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, let them come to room temp and then warm gently for about 10 seconds in the microwave – be careful not to melt the buttercream or ganache.
FAQs
Can I use regular strawberries instead of freeze-dried for the buttercream?
Fresh strawberries have a lot of moisture which can alter the texture of the buttercream. Freeze-dried strawberry powder is best because it adds flavor without extra liquid, keeping your frosting light and fluffy.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
Absolutely! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to achieve the tangy effect that tenderizes the cupcakes.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
The classic toothpick test works perfectly here. Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Don’t overbake to keep them moist.
Can I make the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe vegan?
With some effort, yes! Replace dairy butter with vegan butter, use a flaxseed egg substitute, and opt for plant-based milk. Keep in mind this will alter texture and flavor slightly but can still be delicious.
Is there a way to make the ganache thicker or thinner?
Yes! To thicken ganache, use more chocolate or chill it in the fridge briefly. To thin it, add a little more warm cream slowly until you reach the desired consistency for spreading or drizzling.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe highly enough. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both fancy and inviting, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon. Once you try these cupcakes, you’ll see why they become an instant favorite, embodying all the magic of chocolate and strawberries in every bite. So go ahead, bake a batch and watch smiles happen!
