Description
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are ultra-moist chocolate cupcakes filled with real strawberry buttercream and topped with a thick, rich chocolate ganache. A perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, combining the elegance of chocolate-dipped strawberries with the comfort of homemade cupcakes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour: provides structure to the cupcakes
- 1/2 cup (42g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder: delivers deep chocolate flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: helps the cupcakes rise
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: adds lift
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: enhances flavor
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil: adds moisture
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: sweetens the batter
- 1 large egg, at room temperature: binds ingredients
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: adds flavor depth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk: keeps the crumb tender
- 1/2 cup (120ml) hot coffee or hot water: blooms the cocoa for richer chocolate flavor
- 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped: used for the ganache
- 2/3 cup (160ml) heavy cream: combines with chocolate for ganache
- 1/2 cup (12–13g) freeze-dried strawberries: delivers strong strawberry flavor for filling
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: base of the buttercream
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted: sweetens the buttercream
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream: softens buttercream consistency
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: enhances flavor of filling
- Salt, to taste: balances the sweetness
- Optional garnish: fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line 15 cupcake wells with liners.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk oil, sugar, egg, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then add hot coffee or hot water. Batter will be thin.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20–22 minutes. Let cool completely.
- For ganache, pour hot cream over chopped chocolate and let sit 2–3 minutes. Stir until smooth, then chill for 30 minutes.
- Make buttercream by grinding freeze-dried strawberries into powder. Beat butter until creamy, then add sugar, strawberry powder, cream, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Add salt to taste.
- Cut a hole in the center of each cupcake, spoon or pipe buttercream into each, and replace top.
- Spread thickened ganache over each cupcake. Garnish with strawberry slices or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- If cupcakes are sticky on top, chill for 20–30 minutes before cutting and filling.
- Use quality chocolate bars for smoother ganache.
- Only freeze-dried strawberries work for this buttercream; do not use fresh or dried ones.
- Store filled and frosted cupcakes in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg