Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes are the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves the classic combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries. These cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy strawberry buttercream that’s both smooth and tangy. The layers of chocolate cake paired with fresh strawberry flavor create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event, a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself to something delicious. They’re easy to make, yet so impressive and fun to eat!

Ingredients

For the chocolate cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup boiling water

For the strawberry buttercream frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or store-bought)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (to adjust frosting consistency)

For garnish:

• Fresh strawberries (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.

4. Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing as you go. The batter will become thinner, but that’s perfect for achieving a light and fluffy cupcake.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

1. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry buttercream. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Add the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the strawberry frosting on top of each cupcake.

5. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Baking time: 18-20 minutes

• Cooling time: 30 minutes (for cupcakes and frosting)

• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the cupcake batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

• Strawberry Jam: For a stronger strawberry flavor, swirl a teaspoon of strawberry jam into the frosting for a tangy twist.

• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and milk, and substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacement.

• Different Frosting: You can substitute the strawberry frosting with chocolate frosting or whipped cream for a different take on the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’re storing them for longer, refrigerate the cupcakes for up to a week.

• Freezing: The cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Freeze them un-frosted, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frost them after thawing for best results.

• Reheating: If you’d like to serve them warm, microwave individual cupcakes for about 10-15 seconds or heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make the puree. Just thaw them before blending to make the puree, and strain the mixture if there is too much liquid.

2. Can I make the cupcakes without cocoa powder?

If you prefer a non-chocolate version, you can use vanilla extract instead of cocoa powder and make vanilla cupcakes. Just omit the cocoa powder and follow the same instructions.

3. Can I use a stand mixer for the frosting?

Yes, a stand mixer is perfect for making the frosting. It will help achieve a smoother and fluffier texture more quickly.

4. Can I use store-bought strawberry jam for the frosting?

Yes, you can use strawberry jam if you prefer, but fresh strawberry puree adds a more natural and fresh flavor to the frosting.

5. How do I make strawberry puree?

To make strawberry puree, blend fresh or thawed frozen strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. If you want a thicker consistency, strain the puree to remove excess liquid.

6. Can I make the frosting in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the frosting in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its texture.

7. How do I get the frosting to stay on the cupcakes without sliding off?

Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting them. Also, using a thicker frosting consistency will help it stay in place better.

8. Can I make mini cupcakes instead of regular-sized ones?

Yes, you can make mini cupcakes by reducing the baking time to 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick to ensure they’re done.

9. How can I prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners?

Ensure that the cupcake liners are well greased or use non-stick liners. Also, don’t overfill the cupcake liners to prevent overflow.

10. Can I use a different fruit for the frosting?

Absolutely! You can swap strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even mango puree to make a different fruit-flavored frosting.

Conclusion

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the richness of chocolate cake with the sweet freshness of strawberries. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a fun afternoon snack, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their moist texture and flavorful frosting. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cupcakes are bound to be a hit!

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