Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes are a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the rich essence of chocolate with the fresh, sweet burst of strawberries. These cupcakes are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are visually stunning, adorned with fresh strawberries on top, inviting you to take that first bite. Each cupcake, with its soft and moist crumb, melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of sweetness that is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a casual gathering, or simply indulging yourself, these cupcakes are worth making. They bring not only joy but also a sense of accomplishment when you whip up this delightful recipe from scratch. With this Step-by-Step guide, you’ll navigate through the process easily, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Strawberry Cupcake recipe stands out for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, the preparation is incredibly easy, making it a hit with beginners and experienced bakers alike. The ingredients are simple and family-friendly, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.

Additionally, because these charming treats come together swiftly, they are ideal for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests. You won’t need to run to a bakery; with just a few key ingredients, you can create something extraordinary that will delight your family and friends.

Ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Adds structure and lightness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter to perfection.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives a rich, chocolatey flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup water: Keeps the cupcakes moist.
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps them tender.
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for extra fluffiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet flavors.
• 1/2 cup chopped strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and freshness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Forms the base for your frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: For that sweet, creamy frosting we all love.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: To make the frosting chocolatey.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added flavor in the frosting.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: To achieve the desired frosting consistency.
• Fresh strawberries for garnish: Brightens up your cupcakes visually and flavor-wise.

Step-by-Step Directions for Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will make it easier to pop out the cupcakes later.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture is the backbone of your cupcakes.

3. Next, add the water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined, creating a smooth batter.

4. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing them.

5. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter—this allows room for rising without overflowing.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting them. This can take around 30 minutes.

8. While waiting, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy.

9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth and well blended.

10. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until you reach the desired consistency for frosting.

11. Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or offset spatula to create beautiful designs.

12. For the finishing touch, top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry. This not only looks splendid but adds a lovely, fruity flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Chef’s Secret: For extra chocolate flavor in your frosting, consider adding a tablespoon of melted chocolate to the mix.
• Optional Extras: Add a splash of almond extract to the frosting for depth of taste or mix in chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.
• Baking Hack: If you don’t have cupcake liners, you can grease the muffin tin well with butter or oil.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Present your Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes on a beautiful cake stand for eye-catching appeal. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad to further enhance their flavor. For an elegant touch, accompany the cupcakes with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, making for a delightful afternoon tea or dessert option.

Nutritional Information

While these cupcakes are a special treat to enjoy occasionally, it’s good to know they are deliciously indulgent. Each cupcake contains approximately 250 calories, with a breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins offering a moderate treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Storing Tips & Variations for Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Store any remaining cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature and then frost.

For variations, consider substituting the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruit twist. You can also experiment with different flavored frostings such as cream cheese or whipped cream for a lighter touch.

Conclusion for Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

You won’t want to miss out on trying these Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes! With lovely chocolate flavors complemented by the freshness of strawberries, they are decadent yet satisfying. This delightful recipe is perfect for any occasion, promising to impress your guests and make your baking endeavors worthwhile. So grab your apron, and let’s make some sweet memories with these cupcakes today!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

2. How can I make vegan Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk. Replace the regular vinegar with apple cider vinegar and ensure that the sugar used is vegan.

3. What can I use instead of cocoa powder for a lighter flavor?
If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can use carob powder as a substitute for cocoa powder in both the batter and frosting.

4. How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cupcakes are done.

5. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best to bake the batter right after mixing for optimal rise and texture, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and mix in the wet ingredients when you’re ready to bake.

Print Recipe

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Delightful cupcakes that combine rich chocolate flavor with fresh strawberries, creating a visually stunning and tasty dessert.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baking Recipe, Chocolate Cupcakes, Dessert Ideas, Easy Cupcakes, Strawberry Cupcakes

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Adds structure and lightness.
• 1 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the batter to perfection.
• 0.25 cups unsweetened cocoa powder Gives a rich, chocolatey flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
• 1 cups water Keeps the cupcakes moist.
• 0.33 cups vegetable oil Adds richness and keeps them tender.
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar Reacts with the baking soda for extra fluffiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the sweet flavors.
• 0.5 cups chopped strawberries Adds natural sweetness and freshness.

For the Frosting

• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Forms the base for your frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar For that sweet, creamy frosting.
• 0.25 cups unsweetened cocoa powder To make the frosting chocolatey.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For added flavor in the frosting.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk To achieve the desired frosting consistency.
• Fresh strawberries for garnish Brightens up your cupcakes visually.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
• Add the water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
• Gently fold in the chopped strawberries with a spatula.
• Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.

Baking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack, around 30 minutes.

Frosting

• In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth.
• Stir in vanilla extract and milk until you reach the desired consistency.
• Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or offset spatula.
• Top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry.

Notes

For additional chocolate flavor in frosting, consider adding melted chocolate. Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze them sans frosting.