Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are a delightful treat that will make your taste buds dance! These cupcakes combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or simply indulging in a sweet dessert, these cupcakes are sure to impress. With moist chocolate cake topped with luscious strawberry frosting and adorned with chocolate-covered strawberries, this recipe is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a flavor explosion.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure even novice bakers can create these show-stopping cupcakes.
• Customizable Decor: Add your own flair with different colored icing or toppings to suit any celebration.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cupcakes are sure to be a hit at parties and gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cupcake pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Food processor
• Fine mesh sieve
• Piping bag and tip (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Cupcake pan: Provides the shape for your cupcakes, ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients effectively.
• Food processor: Perfect for pureeing strawberries quickly, giving you smooth frosting.
• Piping bag and tip: Allows for beautifully decorated frosting on each cupcake.

Ingredients

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes made with moist chocolate cupcake, strawberry frosting & chocolate covered strawberries! A Valentines Day recipe win!

For the Chocolate Cupcakes

• 8 oz dark chocolate melting wafers
• 16 strawberries, washed and dried
• 4 oz white chocolate melting wafers
• Pink/red gel icing color, optional
• 1 cup (130g) all purpose flour
• 1 cup (207g) sugar
• 6 tbsp (43g) Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 3/4 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water

For the Frosting

• 3/4 cup (149g) chopped strawberries
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (95g) shortening
• 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
• Pink/red gel icing color, optional

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

1. Place the dark chocolate melting wafers into a small bowl and melt according to package instructions.
2. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, shaking off excess before placing them on parchment paper to dry.
3. Melt the white chocolate melting wafers in another bowl. Add pink or red gel icing color until you reach your desired shade.
4. Drizzle the colored chocolate over the dried dark chocolate-covered strawberries. Allow them to dry completely in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C). Prepare a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another medium-sized bowl, combine egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined.
5. Gradually add hot water to thin out the batter; it will be runny.
6. Fill each cupcake liner halfway and bake for 18–23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Frosting

1. Puree chopped strawberries in a food processor until smooth; strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
2. Beat together softened butter and shortening in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
3. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar; mix until combined smoothly.
4. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of strawberry puree into the mixture; blend well.
5. Add remaining powdered sugar gradually while mixing until smooth; adjust consistency with more puree if needed.
6. Optionally tint frosting pink/red using gel icing color.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cupcakes

1. Once cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe strawberry frosting onto each cupcake using your preferred piping tip.
2. Top each frosted cupcake with a chocolate-covered strawberry as decoration.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes!

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

These delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, especially celebrations like Valentine’s Day. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Rich Espresso – The deep flavors of espresso complement the chocolate nicely.
• Herbal Tea – A light mint or chamomile tea can balance the sweetness.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Strawberries – Serve additional fresh strawberries on the side for a refreshing touch.
• Mixed Berries – A mix of raspberries and blueberries adds color and tartness.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Treats – Combine the cupcakes with brownies, cookies, and other desserts for variety.
• Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites can provide a creamy contrast to the cupcakes.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Chocolate Sauce – A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce enhances the chocolaty goodness.
• Strawberry Coulis – Use homemade strawberry coulis for added fruitiness.

Garnish Creatively

• Mint Leaves – Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness.
• Chocolate Shavings – Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for an elegant finish.

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How to Perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

To achieve the best results with your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Choose high-quality chocolate and fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
• Measure Accurately – Accurate measurements ensure the right texture in your cupcakes.
• Don’t Overmix Batter – Mix just until combined to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting – Allow cupcakes to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting.
• Experiment with Flavors – Feel free to add extracts like almond or mint for unique variations.
• Store Properly – Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a classic pairing that balances richness.
2. Chocolate Mousse – A light chocolate mousse adds an elegant touch to your dessert table.
3. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad can offer a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes.
4. Panna Cotta – This creamy Italian dessert pairs beautifully with chocolate flavors.
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, especially soft ones, can create interesting taste combinations.
6. Caramel Sauce Dipping Bowl – Provide caramel sauce for dipping alongside your cupcakes for added indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes can be fun, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the cooling time: If you frost the cupcakes while they are still warm, the frosting may melt. Always let the cupcakes cool completely before adding frosting.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until combined for light and fluffy results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can ruin your recipe. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can affect how well your batter comes together. Bring all ingredients to room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Neglecting to test doneness: Relying solely on baking time can lead to undercooked or overcooked cupcakes. Use a toothpick to check doneness in the center of a cupcake.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes that might help you along the way.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, feel free to substitute milk chocolate melting wafers if you prefer a sweeter flavor!

How do I make my strawberry frosting more flavorful?

Add more strawberry puree gradually until you reach your desired taste. Just be careful not to make it too runny.

What should I do if my cupcakes sink in the middle?

This usually happens due to underbaking or overmixing. Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and mix just until combined.

Can I customize my Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors of frosting or even mix in chunks of other fruits into the batter for variety.

How long will these cupcakes last?

When stored properly, they can last up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are not only delightful but also versatile! You can easily customize them with various flavors and toppings. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, these cupcakes are sure to impress your loved ones. Give this recipe a try and enjoy creating delicious treats!