Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day! These delightful cupcakes feature rich chocolate cake topped with luscious strawberry frosting and adorned with chocolate-covered strawberries. They not only taste amazing but also look impressive, making them a great choice for parties, celebrations, or a sweet surprise for a loved one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and strawberries creates a rich and satisfying dessert that everyone will adore.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cupcakes are ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special celebration.
• Visually Stunning: Topped with chocolate-covered strawberries, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up in no time!
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add your favorite decorations to make them uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cupcake pan
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Food processor
• Electric mixer
• Piping bag (with tip)

Importance of Each Tool

• Cupcake pan: This is essential for shaping your cupcakes perfectly during baking.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending the butter and sugar to create a smooth frosting.
• Food processor: Helps you puree strawberries quickly for a fresh tasting frosting.

Ingredients

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes made with moist chocolate cupcake, strawberry frosting & chocolate covered strawberries! A Valentines Day recipe win!

For the Chocolate Covered Strawberries

• 8 oz dark chocolate melting wafers
• 16 strawberries, washed and dried
• 4 oz white chocolate melting wafers
• Pink/red gel icing color, optional

For the Chocolate Cupcakes

• 1 cup (130g) all purpose flour
• 1 cup (207g) sugar
• 6 tbsp (43g) Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 3/4 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water
• 3/4 cup (149g) chopped strawberries

For the Strawberry Frosting

• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (95g) shortening
• 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
• Pink/red gel icing color, optional

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Covered Strawberries

1. Place the dark chocolate melting wafers in a small bowl and melt according to package instructions.
2. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, shaking off excess chocolate before placing them on parchment paper to dry.
3. Melt the white chocolate melting wafers in another bowl as per package directions.
4. Stir in pink or red gel icing color gradually until you reach your desired shade.
5. Drizzle this colored white chocolate over the dark chocolate-covered strawberries. Let them set in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C) and prepare a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until well combined.
5. Gradually add hot water to achieve a thin batter consistency.
6. Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter and bake for 18-23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 3: Make Strawberry Frosting

1. Puree chopped strawberries in a food processor until smooth; strain through a fine mesh sieve to separate seeds.
2. Beat together softened butter and shortening until creamy in an electric mixer bowl.
3. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar; mix until smooth.
4. Blend in two tablespoons of strained strawberry puree; mix again.
5. Add remaining powdered sugar; adjust consistency by adding more strawberry puree if needed.
6. If desired, tint frosting with pink or red gel icing color.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cupcakes

1. Pipe strawberry frosting onto cooled cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip – Ateco tip 844 works well!
2. Top each frosted cupcake with a chocolate-covered strawberry.

Now you’re ready to serve these delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes! Enjoy their irresistible flavor and beautiful presentation at your next gathering or special occasion!

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Serving Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes is all about presentation and pairing. These delightful treats are perfect for festive occasions or a sweet indulgence at home. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Serve each cupcake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that complements the flavors perfectly.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Add a few mint leaves on top of the frosting for a pop of color and refreshing taste. The mint will provide a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pair your cupcakes with a cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warmth of the drink balances out the sweetness, creating a delightful combination.

On a Sweet Dessert Platter

• Arrange your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes on a decorative platter along with other desserts like macarons or mini cheesecakes for an impressive dessert spread.

For Special Occasions

• Use themed decorations, such as edible glitter or sprinkles, that match the occasion—like red and pink sprinkles for Valentine’s Day—to make your cupcakes stand out even more.

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How to Perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

To achieve the ideal Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, consider these helpful tips. Perfecting this recipe will leave everyone wanting more!

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate melting wafers and fresh strawberries. This will significantly enhance the flavor of your cupcakes.

• Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature before baking. An oven thermometer can help maintain accuracy for perfectly baked cupcakes.

• Don’t Skip Cooling Time: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melted frosting and ensures a neat presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

When serving Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, consider these delightful side dishes that complement their rich flavors beautifully.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing; the creaminess balances out the sweetness of the cupcakes.

2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing touch and lightens up the dessert table.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Provide warm chocolate fondue alongside for dipping extra strawberries or fruit slices.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet cupcakes.

5. Mini Cheesecakes: Serve mini cheesecakes alongside for variety; their creamy texture pairs well with chocolate flavors.

6. Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake provides a different texture and flavor profile, perfect with your cupcakes.

7. Panna Cotta: This smooth Italian dessert can be flavored with vanilla or strawberry, enhancing your theme while being elegant.

8. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: For an exciting crunch, offer chocolate-covered pretzels as a salty counterpart to your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cupcakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial. If you frost them too early, the frosting may melt and slide off.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing the batter too much can make your cupcakes dense. Mix until just combined for light and fluffy results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision. Incorrect measurements can affect texture and flavor.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle.
• Neglecting to preheat the oven: Preheating ensures even baking. Always preheat before placing your cupcakes in the oven.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

• Place unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Frost when ready to serve.

Reheating Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes that may help you as you prepare this delightful dessert.

How do I make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes?

To make these cupcakes, start by preparing the chocolate covered strawberries, then bake moist chocolate cupcakes and top with strawberry frosting.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate according to your preference while making the chocolate covered strawberries.

What’s the best way to store leftover cupcakes?

Store leftover Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I customize the frosting?

Yes! You can add more fruit puree or adjust the color of your frosting using gel icing colors to match any occasion or theme.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with different flavors or toppings. Give it a try and delight your loved ones with this charming treat!