Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day
Celebrate love with these indulgent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes! Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion, these cupcakes feature a rich chocolate base topped with luscious chocolate frosting and fresh strawberries. They’re as visually stunning as they are delicious, combining the classic flavors of chocolate and berries in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating your loved ones, or simply indulging yourself, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup (180ml) milk
1/2 cup (120ml) hot water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (375g) powdered sugar
1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
Fresh strawberries (1 per cupcake)
Optional: Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Create Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
Adjust Consistency: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is fluffy.
Assembly:
Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
Top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry.
Optionally, drizzle melted chocolate over the strawberries for added flair.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter and frosting.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
Piping Frosting: Use a star tip to create elegant frosting swirls.
Strawberry Prep: Pat the strawberries dry before placing them on the frosting to prevent them from sliding off.
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are the epitome of love and indulgence. With their rich chocolate base, creamy frosting, and fresh strawberry topping, they’re perfect for any romantic occasion or a festive dessert table. Try this recipe and delight your loved ones with a treat that’s both beautiful and delicious. Happy baking!