Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. These delightful cupcakes feature moist chocolate cake topped with luscious strawberry frosting and adorned with chocolate-covered strawberries. The combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a deliciously romantic dessert that is sure to impress your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of chocolate and strawberry offers a rich taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Stunning Presentation: Each cupcake is beautifully topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry, making them visually appealing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a casual get-together, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up this delightful treat.
- Customizable Frosting: Adjust the pink/red gel icing color to match any theme or celebration.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything on hand will make the process enjoyable and efficient.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Cupcake Pan: Essential for shaping your cupcakes perfectly while they bake.
- Food Processor: Makes it easy to puree strawberries for frosting, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Electric Mixer: Saves time and effort in mixing ingredients thoroughly for fluffy cupcakes.
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
- 3/4 cup (149g) chopped strawberries
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 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: Make the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- Place the dark chocolate melting wafers into a small bowl and melt according to package instructions.
- Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, shaking off any excess.
- Place dipped strawberries on parchment paper to dry.
- Melt the white chocolate melting wafers in another bowl as per package instructions.
- Add pink or red gel icing color to the white chocolate until you reach your desired shade.
- Drizzle this pink chocolate over the dark chocolate-covered strawberries and let them dry completely in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C). Line your cupcake pan with liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another medium bowl, combine the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gradually add hot water to the batter; it will be thin but that’s okay!
- Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter and bake for 18–23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with few moist crumbs.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Frosting
- Puree chopped strawberries in a food processor until smooth; strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds if desired.
- Beat together butter and shortening in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Gradually add half of the powdered sugar; mix until combined.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of strawberry puree until well blended.
- Add remaining powdered sugar; mix until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust consistency by adding more puree or sugar as needed; color with pink/red gel icing if desired.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cupcakes
- Once cupcakes are cooled completely, pipe strawberry frosting onto each one using a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip.
- Top each frosted cupcake with a beautifully decorated chocolate-covered strawberry.
Enjoy your delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes! They’re perfect for sharing or indulging on special occasions!
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Serving Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes is all about enhancing their delightful flavors and making them visually appealing. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious cupcakes.
For a Romantic Dinner
- Candlelit Setting: Serve your cupcakes on elegant plates, surrounded by candles for a romantic vibe.
- Pair with Sparkling Wine: Complement the sweetness of the cupcakes with a glass of bubbly for an extra touch of elegance.
At a Birthday Party
- Decorative Stands: Use tiered cupcake stands to display your cupcakes beautifully at celebrations.
- Fun Toppers: Add colorful birthday-themed toppers or sprinkles to make them festive and exciting.
As a Dessert Table Feature
- Dessert Buffet: Include these cupcakes as part of a larger dessert table featuring various sweets.
- Mini Cupcakes Option: Consider making mini versions for guests who want to try multiple desserts.
For a Picnic or Outdoor Gathering
- Individual Servings: Place each cupcake in its own clear plastic cup for easy transport.
- Accompanied by Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Perfecting your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes can elevate your baking skills and impress everyone. Here are some tips to get it just right.
- Chocolate Melting: Ensure you melt the dark chocolate properly, avoiding any overheating that could cause it to seize up.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for dipping. This will enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Proper Cooling Time: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the strawberry puree in your frosting for desired thickness. It should be spreadable but not runny.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolates; they significantly impact the flavor of your cupcakes.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add flavors like vanilla or almond extract into your cupcake batter for a unique twist.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Pairing side dishes with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some complementary options that work wonderfully together.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness alongside rich cupcakes.
- Chocolate Fondue: Serve melted chocolate with assorted dippable treats like marshmallows and pretzels for variety.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs well, balancing out the sweetness of the cupcakes.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide another layer of indulgence without overwhelming guests.
- Whipped Cream Parfait: Layer whipped cream with fresh berries in small cups for an elegant touch.
- Chocolate Bark: Homemade chocolate bark can be an easy-to-make side that complements the chocolate theme perfectly.
- Coffee or Espresso: Offering coffee or espresso enhances the flavor profile and provides guests with a warm drink option.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A simple nut and dried fruit mix can provide crunch and healthiness alongside sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs and milk can affect the batter’s texture. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated for lighter cupcakes.
- Skipping the cooling time: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause it to melt. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely on a rack before frosting.
- Not straining strawberry puree: Leaving seeds in can make the frosting grainy. Strain your strawberry puree for a smooth texture.
- Neglecting cupcake liners: Not using liners may result in sticking. Always line your cupcake pan to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep chocolate covered strawberries separate until ready to serve.
Freezing Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
- Wrap cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- For best results, freeze without frosting, adding it after thawing.
Reheating Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cupcakes on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes in 10-second intervals until warm. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a double boiler method by placing a cupcake in a metal bowl over simmering water for gentle warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes.
What makes Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes special?
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes combine rich chocolate flavor with fresh strawberry frosting, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
How do I make chocolate covered strawberries?
Melt dark chocolate melting wafers, dip washed strawberries, and let them set on parchment paper. For added flair, drizzle with white chocolate!
Can I customize my Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes?
Absolutely! You can add different flavors of frosting or use other fruits instead of strawberries for variety.
How long do these cupcakes last?
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for about 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for celebrations or quiet evenings at home. Feel free to customize these treats with different fruits or toppings. Give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with these delightful desserts!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries with these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes. Perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day, these moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with luscious strawberry frosting and decorated with chocolate-covered strawberries. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and sophistication, making them a romantic treat that is sure to impress your loved ones. Easy to make and visually stunning, they are the ideal dessert for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply when you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dark chocolate melting wafers
- 16 strawberries (washed and dried)
- 4 oz white chocolate melting wafers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (95g) shortening
- 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (148°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Gradually add hot water; fill liners halfway with batter. Bake for 18–23 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For frosting: puree chopped strawberries; mix butter and shortening until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry puree until creamy.
- Once cooled, frost cupcakes and top with chocolate-covered strawberries.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (75g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
