Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are a decadent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries. These cupcakes feature moist chocolate cake topped with a creamy strawberry frosting and are finished with a chocolate-dipped strawberry for an elegant touch. The combination of textures and flavors creates a dessert that’s perfect for special occasions, romantic celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence.
I first made these cupcakes for a Valentine’s Day treat, and they were an instant hit. The fluffy chocolate cake paired perfectly with the light, fruity frosting, while the chocolate-covered strawberry added both visual appeal and a delicious pop of flavor. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can fill the cupcakes with a strawberry jam center, use white chocolate for dipping, or add a drizzle of chocolate ganache for extra decadence. Whether for a party or a sweet gift, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are a show-stopping treat!
Perfect for:
- Celebratory events
- Valentine’s Day
- Birthdays
- Chocolate and strawberry lovers
- Afternoon tea
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes will quickly become a favorite:
- Perfect Flavor Pairing: The combination of chocolate and strawberries is always a winner—rich, sweet, and fresh.
- Tender and Moist Cupcakes: The chocolate cupcake base is soft, moist, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Strawberry Frosting: The creamy strawberry frosting adds a light, fruity touch that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: The smooth chocolate ganache topping is the perfect finishing touch, adding richness and elegance.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the frosting’s sweetness or make it more strawberry-forward by adding extra puree.
- Ideal for Special Occasions: Whether it’s for a party, holiday, or just because, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: These cupcakes can be baked and frosted ahead of time, making them stress-free for entertaining.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the flour for a gluten-free alternative without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Visually Stunning: The combination of dark chocolate and bright strawberry frosting creates a beautiful contrast on each cupcake.
- Kid-Friendly: With their playful appearance and delicious flavor, these cupcakes are perfect for kids’ parties or as an after-school treat.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup hot water or coffee
The Strawberry Frosting:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for consistency)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Chocolate shavings
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Strawberries: Provide a sweet, natural flavor for the frosting.
- Semisweet Chocolate: Creates a rich, balanced ganache with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Hot Water or Coffee in Cupcake Batter: Enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor in the cupcakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Frosting:
- Puree the Strawberries: Blend fresh strawberries into a smooth puree.
- Mix Frosting Ingredients: Beat the butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Once combined, mix in the strawberry puree. Add heavy cream if the frosting needs to be thinned.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost each one with a generous amount of strawberry frosting using a piping bag or spatula.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it just begins to simmer.
- Combine with Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Drizzle Ganache: Drizzle the ganache over the frosted cupcakes using a spoon or piping bag.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate each cupcake with a halved strawberry and optional chocolate shavings. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes:
- As a Party Favor: Serve these cupcakes at birthdays, bridal showers, or baby showers for a sweet treat.
- With Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a fun dessert duo.
- For Valentine’s Day: Perfect for a romantic celebration or as a gift for loved ones.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a berry-filled treat.
- On a Dessert Platter: Arrange these cupcakes on a platter with other mini desserts for an elegant spread.
- As a Gift: Package these cupcakes in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- For Afternoon Tea: Pair with a cup of tea for a sophisticated snack.
- With Hot Chocolate: Pair with a cup of hot cocoa for an extra indulgent treat.
- As a Picnic Dessert: Bring these cupcakes along for a sweet touch at your next picnic.
- For Any Celebration: These cupcakes are versatile enough to shine at any occasion.
Additional Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
- Smooth Frosting: For an ultra-smooth frosting, strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds before mixing.
- Even Frosting: Use an offset spatula to apply the frosting evenly for a polished look.
- Cooling Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Ganache Drizzle: For a more dramatic effect, pour the ganache in the center and allow it to drip down the sides.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly cupcake.
- Strawberry Jam Swirl: Add a swirl of strawberry jam to the frosting for an extra burst of berry flavor.
- Gluten-Free Cupcakes: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cupcake base without compromising flavor.
- White Chocolate Ganache: Swap the semisweet chocolate ganache for white chocolate for a creamier, sweeter topping.
- Coconut Flake Topping: Top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Mint Chocolate Version: Add a touch of mint extract to the chocolate ganache for a refreshing variation.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For an extra indulgent topping, dip fresh strawberries in chocolate before placing them on the cupcakes.
Special Equipment
- Muffin Tin: To bake your cupcakes evenly.
- Electric Mixer: For easy mixing of the cupcake batter and frosting.
- Piping Bag: For neat and precise frosting application.
- Offset Spatula: To smooth the frosting onto cupcakes.
- Small Saucepan: To heat the cream for the ganache.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Thaw and puree them before incorporating into the frosting. - How long do these cupcakes last?
These cupcakes will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Yes, freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting. - Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, the strawberry frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. - Can I make the cupcakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend to substitute the all-purpose flour. - How can I prevent the ganache from hardening too quickly?
Let the ganache cool slightly before drizzling it over the cupcakes, so it’s still pourable but not too runny. - What if my frosting is too thick?
Add a small amount of heavy cream to loosen it up to the desired consistency. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches if needed. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. - Can I skip the ganache?
Yes, the cupcakes will still be delicious without the ganache, but the ganache adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Conclusion
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are an indulgent dessert that combines the rich, moist flavor of chocolate cupcakes with the sweet, fruity charm of strawberries. Each cupcake is topped with a luscious strawberry buttercream frosting and crowned with a decadent chocolate-covered strawberry, making it a perfect treat for special occasions, romantic evenings, or simply when you’re craving something extraordinary.
This recipe is easy to customize—use your favorite chocolate cupcake base, add a hint of strawberry extract to the frosting for extra flavor, or drizzle additional chocolate over the frosting for a stunning effect. These cupcakes are as visually impressive as they are delicious, bringing a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
I can’t wait to see how your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations