Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate dessert with these irresistible Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes. Combining the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate cupcakes with the sweet, fruity taste of strawberry frosting and a surprise jam filling, these cupcakes are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply looking to enjoy a delightful dessert, these cupcakes will undoubtedly impress. The chocolate cupcakes are moist and flavorful, made with a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate, while the strawberry frosting offers a vibrant and creamy contrast. The strawberry jam filling adds an extra burst of fruitiness that ties everything together perfectly. Decorate these cupcakes with fresh strawberries, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Flavor Combination

The rich chocolate cupcake paired with the sweet strawberry frosting creates a mouthwatering combination that everyone will love.

2. Moist and Tender Cupcakes

The addition of sour cream or yogurt ensures the cupcakes come out moist and fluffy, while the chocolate chips add a little extra melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Surprise Filling

Each cupcake is filled with strawberry jam, giving it a delightful fruity surprise that makes every bite even better.

4. Beautiful Presentation

With fresh strawberries, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of ganache, these cupcakes look as beautiful as they taste, making them perfect for parties or celebrations.

5. Customizable Frosting

You can adjust the frosting thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk, and you can also swap fresh strawberries for freeze-dried ones to achieve the perfect consistency.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Semisweet chocolate chips
• Instant espresso powder
• Boiling water
• Sour cream or plain yogurt
• Vegetable or canola oil
• Large eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Strawberry jam (for filling)

For the Strawberry Frosting:

• Freeze-dried strawberries
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Pure vanilla extract
• Strawberry jam
• Milk or fresh strawberries (for adjusting frosting consistency)

For Garnishes:

• Sliced strawberries
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Chocolate ganache
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the sour cream or yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, and use non-dairy milk and margarine in the frosting.
• Flavor Twist: Experiment by adding a splash of orange zest to the frosting or cupcake batter for a citrusy twist that complements the strawberry and chocolate flavors.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and instant espresso powder. Set aside.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

In a small bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and boiling water. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or yogurt), oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a food processor, blend the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, strawberry powder, vanilla extract, and strawberry jam, and continue beating until smooth. Add milk (or mashed fresh strawberries) to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Fill the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake. Fill the hole with strawberry jam.

Step 9: Frost the Cupcakes

Using a piping bag or spatula, spread the strawberry frosting over each cupcake. Smooth it out or create a decorative swirl, as desired.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Top each cupcake with sliced strawberries, mini chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your eggs, sour cream (or yogurt), and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
• Chill the Frosting: If your frosting seems too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm up before piping or spreading onto the cupcakes.
• Check for Doneness: Cupcakes can overbake quickly, so be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

How to Serve

These Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes are perfect for:

• Celebrations: Serve them at birthdays, holidays, or any special event for a festive and flavorful treat.
• Brunch: Pair them with a light breakfast spread or a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious brunch option.
• Dessert: Enjoy them as a dessert after dinner or as an afternoon snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to refrigerate them, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Reheating

If you want to serve the cupcakes warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?

Fresh or freeze-dried strawberries are best for the frosting to achieve a smooth consistency. Frozen strawberries can add too much moisture.

2. Can I use a different fruit jam for the filling?

Yes, you can use raspberry, blueberry, or any fruit jam of your choice as a filling. However, strawberry jam works particularly well with the chocolate flavor.

3. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Frost and garnish them right before serving for the best results.

4. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Can I make these cupcakes without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a store-bought egg replacer to make these cupcakes egg-free.

6. Can I use dairy-free butter in the frosting?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter or margarine in place of regular butter to make the frosting dairy-free.

7. How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Ensure your butter is softened but not too warm when making the frosting. If the frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.

8. Can I use a box cake mix for the cupcakes?

Yes, you can use a box cake mix as a shortcut, but the homemade version will provide a richer flavor and texture.

9. How can I make these cupcakes more chocolatey?

You can add more cocoa powder to the cupcake batter or include a bit of chocolate ganache in the filling for an extra chocolate boost.

10. Can I make the frosting without freeze-dried strawberries?

Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but you’ll need to reduce the amount of liquid in the frosting (like milk) to account for the extra moisture.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines two of the best flavors: rich chocolate and sweet strawberries. With a moist chocolate cupcake base, a fruity jam filling, and a creamy strawberry frosting, these cupcakes are sure to please everyone. Perfect for any celebration or just as a special dessert, these cupcakes are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, they’re bound to become a favorite!

Print