Get ready to indulge in a treat that blends rich chocolate and fresh strawberries—Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes! These delightful goodies not only look amazing, but they taste even better. I’ll guide you through simple steps to create moist, mouth-watering cupcakes topped with smooth ganache. Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting out, you’ll find tips and tricks to make these cupcakes perfect every time. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor Combination: The rich chocolate cupcake paired with fresh strawberries creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Visual Appeal: The chocolate ganache coating and bright strawberries make these cupcakes a feast for the eyes, perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cupcakes are accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress guests and loved ones alike.
Ingredients
List of ingredients needed for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
To make delicious chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes, you need these ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Substitutions for common ingredients
If you need to make swaps, here are some options:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier choice.
- Swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for added moisture.
- Replace buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice.
- Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Suggested tools and equipment for preparation
Gather these tools to make your baking easier:
- Muffin pan
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Ladle or measuring cup
- Toothpick for testing doneness
- Small saucepan for making ganache
- Spoon for stirring chocolate mixture
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the oven and cupcake pan
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the cupcakes bake evenly. Next, grab a muffin pan and line it with cupcake liners. This step keeps the cupcakes from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing dry ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1 tsp of baking soda, and ½ tsp of salt. Whisk them well to ensure they are evenly blended.
Combining wet ingredients and making the batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Use 1 large egg, 1 cup of buttermilk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 tsp of vanilla extract. Combine them until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed. The batter should look slightly lumpy but no dry flour should remain. Then, carefully add 1 cup of boiling water. Mix until the batter is smooth and thin. Finally, fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh strawberries.
Baking and cooling cupcakes
Now, pour the batter into the cupcake liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full. This allows room for rising. Place the muffin pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready. Let them cool in the pan completely before removing.
Making chocolate ganache and decorating cupcakes
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the chocolate ganache. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove it from heat just before it boils. Stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix until you have a smooth, glossy ganache. Once the cupcakes are cool, dip the tops into the ganache. Let any excess drip off. For a lovely finish, top each cupcake with extra chopped strawberries. Allow the ganache to set for about 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
How to achieve a moist cupcake
To get moist cupcakes, use buttermilk. It adds richness and keeps them soft. Always measure your flour correctly. Use the spoon and level method to avoid packing. Mixing in boiling water also helps. It creates a thin batter, which keeps the cupcakes moist.
Perfecting the chocolate ganache texture
For smooth ganache, heat the heavy cream until it simmers. Remove it from heat before adding chocolate chips. Stir well until the chocolate melts completely. If it cools too much, it may thicken. You can gently reheat it using low heat until it softens again.
Common baking mistakes to avoid
One mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined. Overmixing makes cupcakes tough. Another common error is skipping the cooling step. Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding ganache. This helps the ganache stick better. Lastly, don’t open the oven door too soon. It can cause cupcakes to sink.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature for a more cohesive batter. This helps with even baking and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Cooling is Key: Let the cupcakes cool completely before dipping in ganache. This prevents the chocolate from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
- Garnish Wisely: Choose ripe strawberries for topping. Their sweetness will enhance the flavor, and they add an appealing pop of color.
Variations
Alternative frosting ideas for cupcakes
If you want to mix things up, try a different frosting. Here are some fun options:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: This adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with chocolate. Blend 8 oz of cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it’s a simple choice. Just whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp of sugar until soft peaks form.
- Chocolate Buttercream: For a richer taste, beat together 1 cup of softened butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup of milk.
Different flavor combinations (e.g., adding extract)
You can create unique flavors by adding different extracts. Here are some ideas:
- Almond Extract: Use 1/2 tsp for a nutty twist.
- Mint Extract: Add 1/4 tsp for a fresh flavor that works great with chocolate.
- Coffee Extract: Mix in 1/2 tsp to enhance the chocolate taste.
These extracts will give your cupcakes a special flair.
Making cupcakes without strawberries
If you want to skip strawberries, you can still enjoy delicious cupcakes. Here’s how:
- Replace strawberries with chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Use bananas instead. Just mash 1 ripe banana and fold it into the batter.
- Try coconut flakes for a tropical touch. Add 1 cup of unsweetened flakes to the batter.
These swaps keep your cupcakes moist and add unique flavors. Enjoy exploring these tasty variations!
Storage Info
How to store cupcakes properly
To keep your chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor. If you use a cake dome, that works too! Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Shelf life and freezing tips
These cupcakes last up to three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Place cooled cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating instructions for leftover cupcakes
To enjoy your cupcakes warm, remove them from the fridge or freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to heat them, use the microwave. Place a cupcake on a plate and heat it for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the soft texture and rich flavors!
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cupcakes ahead of time. Bake the cupcakes and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
You can check if the cupcakes are done by doing a toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cupcakes are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Using frozen strawberries is possible, but fresh strawberries work best. If you choose frozen, let them thaw first and drain any excess liquid. This helps keep your batter from getting too watery. Chopped frozen strawberries may also change the texture, but they will still taste great in the cupcakes.
What can I do if my ganache is too thick or too thin?
If your ganache is too thick, you can warm it up slightly. Place it over low heat and stir until it reaches a smoother consistency. If it is too thin, let it cool for a few minutes to thicken. You can also add more chocolate chips to make it thicker. Adjust it until you get that perfect, glossy ganache!
You now know how to make delicious chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes. We covered ingredients, steps, and common issues. Remember to watch the baking time and use fresh strawberries. With practice, you’ll bake perfect cupcakes. Don’t forget about storage tips for tasty leftovers. Try different flavors and frostings to make them your own. Enjoy baking and sharing your treats!
