Description
These indulgent chocolate strawberry cupcakes are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and sweet strawberry goodness. With a decadent chocolate cupcake base, a sweet strawberry jam filling, and a creamy strawberry frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for any celebration or special occasion. Add a touch of elegance with your choice of garnishes like chocolate ganache or fresh strawberry slices.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- ½ cup boiling water
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (not non-fat)
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry jam (for filling)
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- ¾ cup freeze-dried strawberries
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy), plus more if needed
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 heaping tablespoon strawberry jam
- 2 tablespoons milk OR 5-8 fresh strawberries (plus more, if needed)
For Garnishes (Optional):
- Sliced strawberries
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Chocolate ganache
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and instant espresso powder.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Gradually add the sour cream (or yogurt) and mix until well combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add the boiling water to the batter and mix until smooth (the batter will be thin).
- Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Strawberry Jam Filling:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake.
- Fill the hollowed-out center with 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
- Make the Strawberry Frosting:
- In a blender or food processor, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
- Add the freeze-dried strawberry powder, vanilla extract, strawberry jam, and milk (or fresh strawberries if using) and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the strawberry frosting onto each cupcake.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Top each cupcake with sliced strawberries, mini chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, or drizzle with chocolate ganache. You can also add a chocolate-dipped strawberry for a special touch.
- Serve: Enjoy these indulgent chocolate strawberry cupcakes as a delightful treat!
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger strawberry flavor in the frosting, add more freeze-dried strawberry powder or fresh strawberries.
- Be sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- For a smoother frosting, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes, Strawberry Jam Cupcakes, Strawberry Frosting, Chocolate Cupcakes, Cupcake Recipe, Chocolate Strawberry Dessert