Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

The Dreamiest Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe Ever

Sweet moments often begin with an unexpected chocolate strawberry cupcakes recipe that sparks joy in every baker’s kitchen.

Magical combinations emerge when rich cocoa meets bright berry notes.

Decadent layers promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking delightful dessert experiences.

Professional bakers and kitchen novices alike can master these delectable treats with simple techniques.

Creamy frosting swirls atop moist cake layers will make your taste buds dance.

Smooth chocolate and tangy strawberry create a perfect harmony that feels both classic and innovative.

You won’t believe how easy it is to craft these stunning cupcakes that look like edible art.

Let’s transform your baking skills into something extraordinary!

What Makes Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes Extra Special

  • Craft with Ease: This chocolate strawberry cupcake recipe offers a straightforward process that even novice bakers can master without stress.
  • Celebrate Versatility: Perfect for numerous occasions like birthdays, summer gatherings, romantic desserts, or weekend family treats that everyone will adore.
  • Burst with Flavor Combination: The delightful marriage of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a sophisticated yet comforting taste profile that tantalizes taste buds.
  • Impress Without Complexity: Achieves gourmet-style presentation with simple techniques like piping frosting and chocolate drizzling, making home bakers feel like professional pastry chefs.

What Goes Into Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the batter.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cupcake batter.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, consistent batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cupcakes remain moist and soft.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes.
Fruit and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Provide bursts of fruity flavor and natural sweetness throughout the cupcakes.
  • Strawberry Jam: Creates a delicious filling that adds extra moisture and intense strawberry taste.
  • Strawberry Liqueur: Optional ingredient that intensifies the strawberry flavor.
Frosting and Topping Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a creamy base for the buttercream frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
  • Dark Chocolate: Used for drizzling and adding a sophisticated chocolate element.
  • Fresh Whole Strawberry: Serves as an elegant garnish on top of each cupcake.

How to Whip Up Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Set your oven to roast at 350°F and line a cupcake pan with cute paper liners. Clear your workspace for a delightful baking adventure.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and sift together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder

Ensure no pesky lumps remain for a silky-smooth batter.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until the mixture looks light and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Combine Batter Magic

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir with care to create a luscious chocolate batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.

Step 5: Add Fruity Surprise

Softly fold chopped strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly for bursts of fruity goodness in every bite.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Carefully fill each liner about two-thirds full. This gives your cupcakes perfect rising room without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

Create a creamy buttercream by:
  • Whipping butter until fluffy
  • Gradually adding powdered sugar
  • Incorporating heavy cream
  • Mixing in cocoa powder
  • Splashing vanilla extract

Step 9: Create Jammy Centers

Once cooled, use a small knife to create a cavity in each cupcake. Fill with strawberry jam and a hint of strawberry liqueur for extra wow.

Step 10: Frosting Finesse

Grab a star-tipped piping bag and generously swirl chocolate buttercream onto each cupcake with artistic flair.

Step 11: Chocolate Drizzle

Melt dark chocolate and drizzle delicately over the frosted cupcakes for a touch of gourmet elegance.

Step 12: Final Flourish

Crown each cupcake with a fresh, plump strawberry perched atop the frosting.

Step 13: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the frosting and let flavors mingle. Get ready for a taste explosion!

Tricks for Better Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

  • Prevent Lumpy Batter: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to eliminate clumps and create a smooth, silky chocolate base for your cupcakes.
  • Control Strawberry Distribution: Toss chopped strawberries in a light dusting of flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking and ensure even spread.
  • Master Moisture Balance: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep cupcakes tender and prevent developing tough, dense textures during baking.
  • Perfect Frosting Technique: Whip butter until extremely creamy and gradually add powdered sugar to achieve a light, fluffy chocolate buttercream that pipes beautifully.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of strawberry liqueur to the jam filling for an sophisticated adult twist that elevates the cupcake's complexity.

Flavor Combos for Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

  • Berry Burst: Replace fresh strawberries with mixed berry compote, adding intense fruity flavor and colorful texture to the chocolate cupcake base.
  • Chocolate Orange Dream: Incorporate orange zest into the batter and replace strawberry jam with marmalade, creating a citrusy chocolate sensation.
  • Nutty Chocolate Sensation: Fold chopped almonds or hazelnuts into the batter and sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and depth.
  • Espresso Chocolate Romance: Mix strong espresso into the batter and add coffee liqueur to the strawberry jam filling for a rich, sophisticated adult version of the cupcakes.

Sweet Pairings for Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

  • Pair with Decadent Red Wine: Select a sweet, fruity red wine like Lambrusco or Brachetto d'Acqui that complements the chocolate and strawberry flavors, enhancing the dessert's richness.
  • Serve with Champagne Twist: Choose a rosé champagne or sparkling wine with strawberry notes to elevate the cupcake's elegance and provide a celebratory effervescence.
  • Match with Creamy Cold Beverage: Prepare a chilled strawberry milkshake or a classic cold brew coffee with vanilla undertones to balance the cupcake's intense chocolate and fruity profile.
  • Create a Dessert Plate Companion: Add a small scoop of strawberry sorbet or vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cupcake to introduce a refreshing, temperature-contrasting element.

Keeping Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes Fresh and Soft

  • Store chocolate strawberry cupcakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing frosting from melting.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 weeks, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Remove refrigerated cupcakes 30 minutes before serving to allow them to reach optimal taste and texture, allowing frosting to soften slightly.

FAQs About Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries work best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and pat them completely dry to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

  • How do I prevent strawberries from sinking in the cupcake batter?

Toss chopped strawberries in a little flour before folding into the batter. This helps them stay suspended and prevents sinking during baking.

  • Is it necessary to add strawberry jam inside the cupcakes?

While optional, the jam adds an extra burst of fruity flavor and moisture to the cupcakes, creating a more complex taste profile.

  • Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to create a similar texture and taste.

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Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour and 20-22 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful chocolate strawberry cupcakes blend rich cocoa with sweet berry notes for an irresistible dessert. Perfectly balanced flavors and elegant presentation make these cupcakes a delightful treat you’ll savor with pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Strawberry Components:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup strawberry jam
  • 2 tbsp strawberry liqueur (optional)

Frosting and Decoration:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 68 whole fresh strawberries for garnish
  • 50 g dark chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners, preparing a clean workspace for mixing ingredients.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl to eliminate any lumps and ensure smooth batter consistency.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and slightly frothy.
  4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until a uniform chocolate batter forms without overmixing.
  5. Gently fold chopped strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Carefully fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the chocolate-strawberry batter to allow room for rising.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean, then remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. While cupcakes cool, prepare frosting by whipping butter until creamy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
  9. Once cupcakes are cool, use a small knife to create a center cavity in each cupcake and fill with strawberry jam and optional strawberry liqueur.
  10. Pipe the chocolate buttercream frosting generously onto each cupcake using a star-tipped piping bag.
  11. Melt dark chocolate and drizzle delicately over frosted cupcakes for an elegant finish.
  12. Garnish each cupcake with a fresh whole strawberry placed strategically on top of the frosting.
  13. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

  • Carefully control strawberry moisture to prevent soggy cupcake batter by patting chopped strawberries dry with paper towels before folding into the mixture.
  • Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make these cupcakes suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same rich chocolate texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises consistently during baking.
  • For a lighter version, substitute some butter with Greek yogurt in the frosting and use dark cocoa powder to maintain deep chocolate flavor while reducing calories.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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