Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Name: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Fresh strawberries

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes because they effortlessly marry two indulgent flavors into one delightful dessert. The combination of rich chocolate cake with fresh strawberries creates a symphony of tastes. Each bite is a celebration of textures and flavors that remind me of special occasions. It’s easy to whip these up for a gathering or to enjoy as a guilty pleasure during a quiet evening at home. Trust me, these cupcakes are bound to impress anyone who takes a bite!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:46:33.290Z

When I first made Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes for a friend’s birthday, I knew I had landed on something special. The laughter and smiles as we dug into the cupcakes created a perfect memory. The rich chocolate cake is surprisingly moist, and I’ve found using fresh strawberries brings a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.

Each cupcake is topped with homemade chocolate ganache which adds a silky finish. A tip I swear by is to let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cupcakes; this way, it doesn't melt the frosting underneath. These little details elevate the experience!

        Why You Will Love These Cupcakes
        Decadent chocolate complemented by fresh strawberry flavors
Light and fluffy cupcake texture with a rich ganache topping
Perfect for special occasions or simply elevating your dessert game

      

Key Techniques for Perfect Cupcakes

Achieving the perfect chocolate cupcake involves precise mixing of the dry and wet ingredients. When combining them, mix just until the batter is smooth; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. To ensure an even rise, it's crucial to distribute the batter evenly across the liners—using an ice cream scoop can help with portion control and consistency.

Another tip is to preheat your oven thoroughly to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This guarantees that the cupcakes bake evenly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as they can go from perfectly done to overbaked quickly; look for a domed top and a toothpick that comes out clean.

Understanding the Ganache

The ganache is a decadent finishing touch for your cupcakes. It's crucial to let the heavy cream simmer slowly to prevent it from boiling over. When you remove it from heat and add the chocolate chips, letting it sit for a few minutes allows the chocolate to soften, ensuring a silky, glossy finish. Stir gently until it's completely smooth—if it seems too thick, a splash more cream can help achieve the desired consistency.

If you're looking to add a twist, consider infusing your ganache with flavors like espresso or orange zest. Just add these flavors to the cream while heating, then strain before mixing with the chocolate. This enhances the chocolate flavor and adds an exciting layer of taste to your cupcakes.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These chocolate-covered strawberry cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to two days in an airtight container. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, which can extend their shelf life for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving, as this helps enhance the flavors and textures.

For a special touch when serving, consider pairing these cupcakes with a chocolate or fruit sauce drizzled on the plate, and perhaps a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside. This complements the cupcakes beautifully and adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ganache

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

For Decoration

Fresh strawberries

Instructions

Directions

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.

Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each liner about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Prepare the Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it simmers. Remove from heat, add the chocolate chips, and let sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth.

Assemble the Cupcakes

Frost the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream frosting. Then, drizzle the ganache on top. Garnish each cupcake with a fresh strawberry for an elegant finish.

Enjoy Your Cupcakes!

Pro Tips

For the best chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Don't rush the cooling time
it ensures the ganache sets properly.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of buttermilk and cocoa in the chocolate cupcake batter not only adds moisture but also helps to create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes before using—it mimics buttermilk's acidity, aiding in the cupcake's rise.

When selecting chocolate for the ganache, opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt more uniformly and provide a rich, satisfying flavor. If you're looking for a less sweet option, dark chocolate can be used as an alternative, but be mindful that it will create a more intense chocolate flavor.

Customizations and Variations

These cupcakes are highly customizable! You can incorporate strawberry puree into the frosting to intensify the fruit flavor, or fold in diced strawberries into the cupcake batter for added texture. Another fun option is to add a layer of strawberry jam between the cupcake and frosting for a delightful surprise.

If you want to elevate these cupcakes for an adults-only party, consider sprinkling a touch of sea salt over the ganache before garnishing with strawberries. The salt enhances the chocolate flavor and provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness—it's a small touch that makes a big difference!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

→ Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

→ What type of chocolate is best for the ganache?

Semi-sweet chocolate works great for ganache, but you can also use dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference.