Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes yet, you’re in for a sweet treat! Imagine biting into a soft, moist chocolate cupcake that’s bursting with the juicy goodness of fresh strawberries, all topped with a luscious layer of silky chocolate. It’s like having your favorite chocolate-covered strawberries but in cupcake form—what’s not to love? I remember the first time I baked these for a friend’s birthday, and the look on their face was priceless. Every bite was met with pure joy! Trust me, once you whip up a batch of these delightful cupcakes, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness and get baking!
Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cupcakes, giving them structure and a light texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cupcakes and helps them stay moist.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives your cupcakes that rich chocolate flavor we all crave!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A little lift to make sure your cupcakes rise perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for that fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened! This makes the batter creamy and rich.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: This makes your cupcakes extra tender and gives them a slight tang.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: Make sure they’re ripe and juicy for the best flavor!
- 1 cup chocolate chips: These are for the delicious chocolate topping that makes these cupcakes irresistible.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Used to create that silky chocolate ganache for dipping or drizzling.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create something truly special! Let’s get to the fun part—baking!
How to Prepare Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delightful chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes! Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of cupcakes that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly. While that’s warming up, go ahead and line your cupcake pan with liners. I love using colorful liners; they add a fun touch to the presentation!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This step is super important because it ensures that all those leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to perfectly risen cupcakes!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add the wet ingredients! In the same bowl, add your softened unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix it all together until the batter is smooth—don’t worry if it looks a bit thick; that’s exactly what you want! A hand mixer works great for this, but a wooden spoon will do the trick if that’s what you have.
Step 4: Incorporate Strawberries
Next up, it’s time to fold in those beautiful, chopped strawberries! Gently add them to the batter and use a spatula to combine them without overmixing. You want to keep those lovely strawberry pieces intact so they’ll burst with flavor in every bite!
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Pour the batter into your prepared cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise without overflow. Pop your cupcake pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once they’re finished, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Topping
While those cupcakes are cooling, let’s make the decadent chocolate topping! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it’s just simmering—don’t let it boil! Once it’s hot, pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until it’s completely melted and smooth. This will create a rich ganache that makes these cupcakes truly special!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to bring everything together! You can either dip the tops of each cooled cupcake into the chocolate ganache or drizzle it over the top for a more artistic look. Don’t forget to garnish with whole strawberries on top for that gorgeous finishing touch! If you want to be extra indulgent, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries is simply heavenly—every bite is a burst of sweetness!
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be whipping these up in no time, even if you’re a beginner!
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors of the strawberries against the dark chocolate create a visually stunning dessert that’s sure to impress.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a sweet craving, these cupcakes fit right in!
- Customizable: Feel free to play around with flavors! Add some nuts or a hint of mint for a fun twist.
- Great for Sharing: With 12 cupcakes in a batch, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family—or keeping all to yourself, no judgment here!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes turn out absolutely perfect? Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Use Fresh Strawberries: The flavor of fresh, ripe strawberries makes all the difference! Look for ones that are bright red and firm for the best taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re incorporating the strawberries into the batter, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the light, fluffy ones we love.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking your cupcakes a minute or two before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
- Cool Completely: Let the cupcakes cool completely before dipping them in the chocolate ganache. If they’re warm, the chocolate will melt and slide off instead of creating a beautiful coating.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate on top for some extra flair.
- Store Properly: Keep your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they last longer (which they probably won’t!), pop them in the fridge for added freshness!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making scrumptious chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes that everyone will adore!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in these delicious chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes? Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition for one cupcake:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing that these cupcakes have a bit of everything—sweetness, richness, and a touch of fruit—is what makes enjoying them even better!
FAQ About Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! Baking is all about experimenting, so feel free to make substitutions based on what you have on hand. For example, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice—let it sit for a few minutes and voilà! You can also swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just remember, each substitution might slightly change the texture or flavor, but that’s part of the fun!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve got some left after that, pop them in the fridge to prolong their life for another couple of days. Just make sure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but a little chill in the fridge can be quite refreshing too!
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these cupcakes ahead of time! They’re perfect for prepping in advance, especially if you have a busy schedule. Just bake the cupcakes and let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can even freeze them for up to 2 months! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight, and then add the chocolate ganache and strawberries right before serving for that fresh, delightful touch!
What’s the best way to serve chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes?
These cupcakes shine on their own, but there’s always room for a little extra flair! I recommend serving them with a dollop of whipped cream on the side—so indulgent! You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo. For a fun twist, drizzle some extra chocolate ganache on top or sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles for a pop of color. And don’t forget to serve them with whole strawberries alongside for that wow factor!
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Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes: 7 Sweet Blissful Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes are a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate with fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in chopped strawberries.
- Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling them 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let them cool.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate chips. Stir until melted.
- Dip each cooled cupcake into the chocolate mixture or drizzle it on top.
- Top with whole strawberries as a garnish.
Notes
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Optionally, add whipped cream for serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes