There’s an undeniable magic in the pairing of chocolate and strawberries – a classic duo that never fails to impress. These chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes are my absolute favorite when I want to create a dessert that feels truly luxurious and special, yet remains surprisingly simple to execute. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, tender chocolate cupcake, crowned with a light and airy strawberry cream cheese frosting, and finished with a perfectly glossy, chocolate-dipped fresh strawberry. They are not only stunningly beautiful and wonderfully decadent, but also much easier to make than their sophisticated appearance suggests.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
These fancy chocolate strawberry cupcakes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a birthday, an anniversary, or simply brightening a regular Tuesday. Their elegant presentation and delightful flavor profile make them a show-stopping dessert, yet the process is surprisingly straightforward. We keep things simple by starting with a reliable chocolate cake mix, then elevate the experience with a homemade strawberry cream cheese frosting, crafted with real strawberry jam for natural flavor and a beautiful pink hue. The crowning glory? Juicy fresh strawberries meticulously dipped in melted chocolate. They’re not just fun to assemble, but an absolute joy to eat, promising smiles and satisfied sweet cravings with every bite.
Mastering Your Ingredients: Key Tips for Success
Achieving bakery-quality cupcakes at home is all about paying attention to a few simple details, especially when it comes to your ingredients. For these luscious chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes, selecting the right components and preparing them correctly will make all the difference in the final taste and texture.
The Magic of Room-Temperature Ingredients
This is arguably one of the most crucial tips for achieving the smoothest, most delectable frosting and perfectly baked cupcakes. When making your strawberry cream cheese frosting, ensure both your cream cheese and butter are completely softened to room temperature. Cold ingredients are stubborn; they resist blending smoothly, leading to frustrating lumps and a curdled appearance that makes piping a challenge. To achieve that dreamy, creamy texture, simply let them sit out on your counter for 30-60 minutes before you begin. Similarly, using room temperature eggs for your cake batter helps them blend more evenly into the mixture, resulting in a more uniform, tender crumb in your baked cupcakes. This small step truly yields superior results.
Choosing the Right Chocolate for Dipping
For the chocolate-covered strawberries, the quality of your chocolate matters. Opt for a good quality baking chocolate, whether it’s semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. Chocolate chips can work, but baking bars (chopped) or melting wafers often yield a smoother, more fluid melt and a finer finish. The coconut oil addition is key here; it helps to thin the chocolate slightly, making it easier to dip the strawberries and giving it that beautiful, glossy sheen once hardened. It also aids in preventing the chocolate from seizing and creates a snap when you bite into it.
Selecting Fresh, Ripe Strawberries
The star of the show, besides the chocolate, is the strawberry! Choose fresh, firm, ripe strawberries that are vibrant in color. Avoid any that are bruised, soft, or have white patches. They should be thoroughly washed and, most importantly, completely dry before dipping. Any moisture on the strawberries will cause the melted chocolate to seize and become grainy, preventing it from adhering smoothly. Gently pat them dry with paper towels for the best results.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
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Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 13.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (1 box)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
- 3 large eggs
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature (1 brick)
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature (1 stick)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup seedless strawberry jam
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Covered Strawberry
- 12 fresh strawberries
- 4 ounces chocolate chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Cupcake Tin
- Cookie Portion Scoop (optional)
- Stand Mixer
- Piping Tip Set (optional)
- Baking Sheet
Instructions
For the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-count cupcake tin by lining each well with paper liners, ensuring they are ready for the batter.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, melted unsalted butter, and large eggs. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and often preferred for a tender crumb.13.25 ounces chocolate cake mix, 1 cup water, ½ cup unsalted butter, 3 large eggs
- Carefully fill each well of the prepared cupcake tin with the batter, ensuring it is no more than ⅔ full. For consistent cupcake sizes and even baking, I highly recommend using a ¼-cup cookie scoop.
- Bake the cupcakes in your preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean when ready.
- Once baked, carefully transfer the cupcakes from the tin to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding with the icing.
For the Icing
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients on medium-high speed until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.8 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Next, add the seedless strawberry jam to the mixture. Continue to mix just until the jam is fully incorporated, making sure to periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.¼ cup seedless strawberry jam
- With the mixer on a low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time. This prevents a “sugar cloud” from forming and makes for a much cleaner process.2½ cups powdered sugar
- Once all the powdered sugar has been incorporated, increase the mixer speed to high. Allow the icing to whip for about 2 minutes until it transforms into a wonderfully light and fluffy consistency. Transfer this delightful strawberry cream cheese icing into a piping bag, then artfully pipe it onto your completely cooled chocolate cupcakes.
For the Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will provide a non-stick surface for your chocolate-dipped strawberries as they set.
- Wash the fresh strawberries thoroughly under cool water. It’s crucial that they are completely dry before you proceed; gently pat them with paper towels to remove all moisture.12 fresh strawberries
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir the mixture well, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds, or until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Stir until completely uniform and glossy.4 ounces chocolate, 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Holding each strawberry by its stem, dip it carefully into the melted chocolate, coating it as much or as little as you desire. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the dipped strawberry onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet with the chocolate-dipped strawberries to the refrigerator. Chill for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened and set.
- Once the chocolate has set, carefully place one perfectly coated strawberry on top of each frosted cupcake. Your elegant chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- **Avoid Overmixing the Batter:** To ensure your cupcakes remain light, moist, and tender, refrain from overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a dense, dry, or even rubbery texture. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- **Room Temperature is Key:** For the silkiest, most lump-free frosting and a consistent cake batter, always use room-temperature ingredients, especially for the cream cheese and butter. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth mixture.
- **Don’t Overfill Cupcake Tins:** Filling the cupcake wells more than ⅔ full can cause the batter to overflow during baking. This results in oddly shaped cupcakes and a messy oven, so stick to the recommended fill level for perfectly domed tops.
- **Dealing with Curdled Frosting:** If your frosting appears slightly curdled during the mixing process, don’t worry! This often happens if ingredients are not perfectly at room temperature. Simply continue beating on medium-high speed; it will almost always come back together into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- **Freshness of Strawberries:** Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance. For optimal results, wait to dip your strawberries in chocolate until the day you plan to serve these cupcakes. Strawberries tend to “sweat” in the refrigerator, which can affect the chocolate coating’s appearance and texture over time.
- **Storage:** To maintain their freshness and delicate topping, store chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Storage: Store chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Calories from Fat 270
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How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide
Follow these detailed steps, complete with visuals, to create your own batch of stunning chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes. Even if you’re new to baking, this guide will ensure your success!
1. Prepare Your Cupcakes
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-count cupcake tin with paper liners, making sure each well is ready to be filled. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 13.25 ounces (1 box) of chocolate cake mix with 1 cup of water, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 3 large eggs. Mix these ingredients gently until they are just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and will result in a more tender cupcake.
2. Portion and Bake
Using a ¼-cup cookie scoop helps tremendously in ensuring all your cupcakes are uniformly sized, which leads to even baking. Fill each well of the cupcake tin with the prepared chocolate batter, making sure each is about ⅔ full. This prevents overflowing and ensures a beautiful dome. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cupcakes immediately to a wire rack to cool completely before you begin frosting them.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together 8 ounces (1 brick) of room-temperature cream cheese, ½ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, smooth, and creamy – approximately 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for eliminating any lumps and achieving a velvety texture.
4. Combine with Jam and Sugar
Add ¼ cup of seedless strawberry jam to the cream cheese mixture and mix just until it is fully combined. Make sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all the jam is evenly incorporated and no streaks remain. With the mixer on low speed, slowly begin adding the 2½ cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time. This gradual addition prevents a powdery cloud and ensures smooth incorporation. Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to high and whip the icing for about 2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and perfectly pipeable. Transfer the prepared icing to a piping bag (with your desired piping tip) and pipe generous swirls onto the cooled chocolate cupcakes.
5. Dip the Strawberries
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for the dipped strawberries. Thoroughly wash your 12 fresh strawberries and, most importantly, ensure they are completely dry by gently patting them with paper towels. Any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 4 ounces of chopped chocolate with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue to microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smoothly melted and glossy. Dip each dry strawberry into the melted chocolate, coating it to your preference, then place it on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully hardened.
6. Assemble and Enjoy!
Once the chocolate on your strawberries has set and is firm to the touch, gently place one beautiful chocolate-covered strawberry on top of each frosted cupcake. Arrange them artfully on a cake stand or serving platter. These gorgeous and delicious chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes are now ready to be served and enjoyed, making any occasion feel extra special!
Flavor Variations & Customization
While the classic chocolate and strawberry combination is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative with your cupcakes! Here are a few ideas to customize your chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes:
- Different Chocolate Types: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate for dipping, try milk chocolate for a sweeter profile or dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa flavor. White chocolate can also be used for a beautiful contrast.
- Add a Drizzle: After dipping the strawberries in one type of chocolate, drizzle them with a contrasting chocolate (e.g., dark chocolate strawberries with a white chocolate drizzle) for an extra touch of elegance.
- Spiced Chocolate: Infuse your melted chocolate with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick, or a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
- Nutty Topping: Before the chocolate on the strawberries sets, sprinkle them with finely chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Different Frosting Flavors: While strawberry cream cheese frosting is divine, consider a classic vanilla cream cheese frosting, a rich chocolate ganache, or even a raspberry buttercream for a different berry twist. You can also add a touch of almond extract to your strawberry frosting for an even more complex flavor.
- Chocolate Shavings: Garnish the frosted cupcakes with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or curls for an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions for Your Decadent Cupcakes
These beautiful chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes are a showstopper on their own, but a thoughtful presentation can elevate them even further. Arrange them on a pretty cake stand for an elegant display at any gathering. They are perfect for dessert tables at parties, baby showers, or holiday celebrations. For a cozy evening in, serve them individually on small plates with a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of fresh berries. A cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine makes for an ideal accompaniment to these rich, fruity treats.
Storage & Freshness Tips
To keep your chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes tasting their best and looking pristine, proper storage is essential. Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will maintain their freshness and prevent the frosting from melting, keeping them delicious for up to 1 week. For the most enjoyable texture and flavor, I recommend letting the cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to soften slightly and the flavors to fully develop, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use homemade chocolate cupcakes instead of a mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses a cake mix for convenience, you can certainly use your favorite homemade chocolate cupcake recipe. Just ensure they are fully cooled before frosting and adding the chocolate-covered strawberries. The richer flavor of homemade cupcakes will only enhance this decadent dessert.
What kind of chocolate is best for dipping strawberries?
For dipping strawberries, good quality baking chocolate is recommended. Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped baking bars work wonderfully. Dark chocolate offers a more intense flavor, while milk chocolate provides a sweeter coating. The addition of coconut oil helps achieve a smooth, glossy finish that hardens nicely.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?
To prevent chocolate from seizing (becoming thick and grainy), ensure your bowl and utensils are completely dry, as even a drop of water can cause it. Melt chocolate gently, either in a microwave in short intervals (stirring frequently) or over a double boiler. Do not overheat.
Can I make the chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes ahead of time?
You can bake the chocolate cupcakes and make the strawberry cream cheese frosting a day in advance. Store the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and the frosting in the refrigerator. However, I strongly recommend dipping the strawberries and assembling the cupcakes on the day of serving to ensure the strawberries are at their freshest and the chocolate coating is perfect.
Why are my chocolate-covered strawberries “sweating” in the fridge?
This phenomenon, often called “sweating,” occurs when strawberries are transferred from a warm environment to a cold one (like the refrigerator). The condensation forms on the surface of the chocolate, making it look dull or wet. To minimize this, ensure strawberries are perfectly dry before dipping, and only refrigerate them long enough for the chocolate to set. For the best appearance, add them to the cupcakes just before serving.
These irresistible chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes are a testament to the power of a classic combination, made approachable for any home baker. With their rich chocolate base, delicate strawberry frosting, and elegant chocolate-dipped fruit, they offer a truly gourmet experience that’s perfect for celebrating life’s sweet moments. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!
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