Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are a decadent and delightful fusion of two beloved treats: rich chocolate cupcakes and juicy, sweet strawberries. This dessert is a celebration of classic flavors, skillfully combined to create a treat that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
At the heart of these cupcakes is a moist and tender chocolate cake base. Each bite reveals a soft, chocolatey crumb that’s enhanced by the subtle sweetness of fresh strawberries. The chocolate cupcakes are perfectly balanced, with a deep cocoa flavor that is both rich and satisfying. This base provides the ideal canvas for the indulgent elements that follow.
The real showstopper in these cupcakes is the strawberry filling. Nestled in the center of each cupcake, this vibrant, fruit-forward component offers a burst of fresh strawberry flavor that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate. The filling is made by cooking down strawberries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice, creating a luscious, jam-like consistency that adds both sweetness and a hint of tartness.
Topping off these cupcakes is a glossy layer of chocolate ganache, which adds a silky, luxurious finish. The ganache, made from semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream, creates a smooth and shiny coating that enhances the chocolate experience and adds a touch of elegance. This glossy layer not only looks stunning but also provides a rich, velvety texture that complements the tender cupcake base.
To complete the treat, each cupcake is adorned with a swirl of strawberry frosting. This light and fluffy frosting is infused with fresh strawberry puree, providing a burst of fruity flavor that beautifully complements the chocolate and strawberry combination. The frosting is piped onto each cupcake with a flourish, adding a decorative touch that makes these cupcakes perfect for any celebration.
For added visual appeal, the cupcakes can be garnished with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles. These finishing touches not only enhance the presentation but also provide a delightful crunch and extra bursts of flavor.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony. Whether enjoyed as a special treat for a loved one or served at a festive gathering, these cupcakes offer a delightful blend of chocolate and strawberry that’s sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients:
- For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- For the Strawberry Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree (from about 4-5 fresh strawberries)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh strawberries, for topping
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the cocoa powder to the butter mixture, followed by the flour mixture in alternating batches with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries.
- Bake the Cupcakes:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly before using.
- Prepare the Strawberry Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Mix in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake.
- Spoon or pipe the strawberry filling into the center of each cupcake.
- Dip the top of each cupcake into the chocolate ganache or spoon it over the cupcakes to cover the tops.
- Frost and Garnish:
- Pipe the strawberry frosting onto each cupcake using a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if desired.
- Serve:
- Allow the ganache and frosting to set before serving. Enjoy the delicious combination of rich chocolate, sweet strawberries, and moist cupcake!
Tips:
- Cooling: Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before filling and frosting to prevent melting.
- Strawberry Puree: For the frosting, you can make strawberry puree by blending fresh strawberries until smooth.
- Ganache: If the ganache is too thick to spread, gently reheat it or add a bit more cream.
- Decorations: Fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings add a nice touch of elegance to the finished cupcakes.
Enjoy your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, a delightful treat that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and strawberries in every delicious bite!
