There’s something utterly magical about the combination of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy strawberries that never fails to delight the senses. This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe captures that classic pairing perfectly, inviting you to enjoy the luscious flavor of strawberries nestled inside moist chocolate cupcakes, all crowned with a light, creamy topping that feels like a dream. It’s an easy, fun way to bring a touch of elegance and joy to any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential role: from the chocolate cake base giving you that deep, satisfying richness, to the fresh strawberries adding natural sweetness and a lovely burst of color, and the whipped cream topping that balances everything with its airy texture.
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides a foolproof, decadent chocolate base with great texture.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist and tender for that perfect cupcake crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps create a soft, moist finish.
- Eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the cupcakes.
- Strawberries, chopped (1 cup): Fresh, juicy pieces that infuse the cake with flavor and add delightful texture.
- Whipped cream (1 cup): Light and fluffy, ideal for topping and balancing the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens and adds a pretty dusting on top.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warmth.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cupcake Liners
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake your cupcakes to perfection. Line your cupcake tin with paper liners—this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cupcakes neatly shaped.
Step 2: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until the batter looks smooth and uniform. This step is where the magic begins, as these ingredients come together to create the rich and moist base for your cupcakes.
Step 3: Fold in the Fresh Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to overmix. This technique keeps the strawberries intact and prevents the batter from turning pink or watery. Those strawberry pieces will add bursts of fresh flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. This timing ensures tender cupcakes that are fully cooked but still moist.
Step 5: Add the Delicious Toppings
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before topping them. Spread or pipe whipped cream over each cupcake, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and finish with a few extra strawberry slices for that gorgeous, irresistible look.
How to Serve Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, add a fresh strawberry slice on top of each cupcake or drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate. Sprinkling some finely chopped nuts or edible rose petals can also elevate the presentation and add interesting textures.
Side Dishes
Pair your cupcakes with a light cup of herbal tea or a simple glass of milk to complement the richness without overpowering the delicate strawberry flavor. A fresh berry salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also be delightful alongside these cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider placing the cupcakes on a pretty tiered stand for a party centerpiece or serving them in decorative cupcake wrappers to add a festive vibe. You can even serve mini cupcakes in colorful liners for bite-sized enjoyment that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect to prepare ahead of time for a special event.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cupcakes without the whipped cream topping. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to be thawed and decorated when you’re ready.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cupcakes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer them a little warm, microwave for about 10-15 seconds but only after adding fresh whipped cream or your favorite toppings to maintain the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries are preferred because they hold their texture better and bring natural sweetness without excess moisture that frozen berries can sometimes add to the batter.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients comply with gluten-free standards to keep the cupcakes safe for sensitive eaters.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
You can, but keep in mind that melted butter will create a slightly denser texture and richer flavor, which may change the lightness of the cupcakes. Use the same amount melted for the best results.
How do I keep the whipped cream topping stable?
Using stabilized whipped cream or adding a bit of cream cheese can help hold its shape longer, especially if the cupcakes are served outdoors or stored for a few hours before eating.
Can I add a chocolate drizzle on top?
Definitely! Drizzling melted chocolate over the whipped cream adds a beautiful finish and extra indulgence that complements the chocolate-strawberry flavor combination beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe soon because it truly brings joy with every bite. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. Once you taste the moist chocolate cake paired with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, you might just find yourself making these cupcakes again and again!
Print
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, combining rich chocolate cake with fresh strawberries and a fluffy whipped cream topping for an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are incorporated.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the batter to distribute them evenly without breaking them down.
- Bake Cupcakes: Evenly divide the batter among the paper-lined cupcake cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Topping: While the cupcakes cool, mix the whipped cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a lightly sweetened topping.
- Assemble and Serve: Once cupcakes have cooled completely, top each with the whipped cream mixture and garnish with additional fresh strawberries. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before adding the whipped cream topping to prevent it from melting.
- You can substitute fresh whipped cream with stabilized whipped cream if you want the topping to hold longer.
- For an extra chocolatey touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
