Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes
Delight in the perfect combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries with these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes. Ideal for any celebration or just a sweet treat!
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are a dream come true for chocolate and strawberry lovers alike. Each cupcake is topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and garnished with a fresh strawberry, creating a delightful treat that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
- Decadent chocolate ganache that adds a luxurious touch
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you're throwing a birthday party, celebrating an anniversary, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cupcakes fit the bill perfectly. Their eye-catching appearance and delightful flavor combination make them a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests.
Imagine biting into a moist chocolate cupcake, only to discover a rich layer of chocolate ganache topped with a fresh strawberry. This perfect blend of flavors ensures that each bite is a delightful experience. You can serve these cupcakes at gatherings or simply enjoy them as a treat for yourself—after all, who says you need a reason to enjoy a delicious cupcake?
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
To achieve the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking. Additionally, when mixing the batter, avoid overmixing. Stir until just combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.
Another important tip is to check your oven's temperature with an oven thermometer. Oven temperatures can vary, and baking at the correct temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Remember to rotate your cupcake pan halfway through baking for even cooking, ensuring that each cupcake rises beautifully.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once baked and topped, these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, although the ganache may lose some of its glossy sheen. To revive their freshness, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
For an added touch, consider serving these cupcakes with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that will elevate your cupcake game to the next level.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, for topping
Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Fill Cupcake Liners
Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make the Ganache
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Top Cupcakes
Dip the top of each cupcake in the ganache, allowing excess to drip off. Place a fresh strawberry on top of each for garnish.
Allow the ganache to set before serving for the best presentation.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or drizzle additional chocolate over the ganache.
Variations to Try
While the classic chocolate and strawberry combination is a favorite, you can easily customize these cupcakes to suit your taste. Consider adding a hint of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist or incorporating crushed nuts for added texture. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate—white chocolate ganache can create a delightful contrast against the rich chocolate cupcake.
For a more decadent experience, try adding a layer of strawberry jam or puree in the center of the cupcakes before baking. This surprise filling will enhance the fruity flavor and make every bite even more enjoyable. Don't hesitate to get creative and make these cupcakes your own!
Pairing Suggestions
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A rich coffee or espresso will complement the chocolate flavor beautifully, making for a delightful afternoon treat. For a refreshing option, serve them with a glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade, which balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.
If you're hosting a gathering, consider serving these cupcakes alongside a selection of wines. A light rosé or sparkling wine can enhance the strawberry flavors, while a deeper red wine can complement the chocolate. Offering a variety of pairings will create an enjoyable experience for your guests.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different fruits instead of strawberries?
Yes, raspberries or blueberries would also work well!
→ How should I store the cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and add the ganache just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Delight in the perfect combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries with these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes. Ideal for any celebration or just a sweet treat!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Classic Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes
What You'll Need
For the Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, for topping
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Dip the top of each cupcake in the ganache, allowing excess to drip off. Place a fresh strawberry on top of each for garnish.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or drizzle additional chocolate over the ganache.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g