Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are a delightful treat that perfectly combine the rich flavors of chocolate and the freshness of strawberries. These cupcakes are ideal for various occasions, from romantic dinners to birthday celebrations. With moist chocolate cupcakes topped with luscious strawberry frosting and adorned with chocolate-covered strawberries, this recipe is sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate cupcakes and fresh strawberry frosting creates an irresistible taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or a birthday party, these cupcakes are suitable for all celebrations.
• Fun to Make: Involve family or friends in the process of making these delicious treats for a fun baking day.
• Stunning Presentation: Topped with beautiful chocolate-covered strawberries, they look as good as they taste.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the frosting colors or even add sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cupcake pan
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Food processor
• Piping bag with tip

Importance of Each Tool

• Cupcake pan: Ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your cupcakes.
• Food processor: Makes pureeing strawberries quick and easy, providing a smooth texture for your frosting.

Ingredients

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

• 8 oz dark chocolate melting wafers
• 16 strawberries, washed and dried
• 4 oz white chocolate melting wafers
• Pink/red gel icing color, optional
• 1 cup (130g) all purpose flour
• 1 cups (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
• 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 Chocolate Covered Strawberries

1. Place the dark chocolate melting wafers into a small bowl.
2. Melt according to package instructions.
3. Dip each washed strawberry into the melted dark chocolate, shaking off any excess.
4. Place dipped strawberries on parchment paper to dry.
5. In another bowl, melt white chocolate melting wafers and mix in pink/red gel icing color if desired.
6. Drizzle pink chocolate over the dark chocolate-covered strawberries and allow them to dry completely. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C).
2. Prepare a cupcake pan with liners.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another medium bowl, combine egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla.
5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; mix until well combined.
6. Gradually stir in hot water until batter is smooth; it will be thin.
7. Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter and bake for 18–23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for about two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Frosting

1. Puree chopped strawberries in a food processor until smooth; strain through a fine mesh sieve and set aside.
2. In a large mixer bowl, beat together salted butter and shortening until creamy.
3. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar; mix until smooth.
4. Incorporate two tablespoons of strawberry puree; blend well.
5. Add remaining powdered sugar; mix until smooth, adjusting consistency with more strawberry puree if needed.
6. Add pink/red gel icing color until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cupcakes

1. Once cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe strawberry frosting onto each one using your preferred piping tip (Ateco tip 844 is recommended).
2. Top each frosted cupcake with a chocolate-covered strawberry.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes at any special occasion!

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Serving Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes can elevate any occasion, especially for romantic celebrations or festive gatherings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Classic Presentation

• Arrange the cupcakes on a beautiful cake stand for an elegant look.
• Use decorative liners that match your theme for added flair.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Consider including other berries like raspberries or blueberries to create a colorful fruit platter.

Add Ice Cream

• Offer a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream as a delicious accompaniment.
• Drizzle chocolate sauce over the ice cream for extra indulgence.

Make it a Gift

• Package several cupcakes in a decorative box tied with a ribbon.
• Include a handwritten note for a personal touch.

Create Dessert Platters

• Combine the cupcakes with other desserts like brownies or cookies.
• Add whipped cream and sprinkles to create a fun dessert bar.

Themed Decorations

• Use heart-shaped decorations for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
• Incorporate themed plates and napkins to complete the look.

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How to Perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

To ensure your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use quality chocolate: High-quality melting wafers will enhance the flavor and appearance of your strawberries.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture in your cupcakes.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.
• Check doneness carefully: A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter; this ensures perfect baking.
• Cool completely before frosting: Frosting warm cupcakes can lead to melting; allow them to cool fully on a wire rack.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or coconut for unique twists on the classic taste.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some tasty options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic companion that balances the richness of chocolate with creamy sweetness.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a delightful touch when dolloped on top of each cupcake or served on the side.
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cupcakes.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Perfect for dipping extra strawberries, offering guests an interactive dessert experience.
5. Cheesecake Bites: Rich cheesecake complements the cupcake’s sweetness while providing variety on the dessert table.
6. Chocolate Mousse: This silky dessert pairs beautifully with the cupcakes, enhancing their decadent qualities.
7. Cookies & Cream Brownies: These fudgy treats add depth and are sure to please chocolate lovers at any gathering.
8. Nutella Dip: A sweet dip that can be served with pretzels or fruit; it’s an indulgent addition that pairs well with chocolate flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your baking experience. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can prevent the batter from mixing properly. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cupcakes. Blend until just combined for a light and moist cupcake.
• Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause it to melt. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding frosting.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Make sure your oven is calibrated and preheated.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cupcakes on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cupcake on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a pot with a lid and steam the cupcakes for about 5 minutes over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate as alternatives for coating strawberries or in the cupcake batter.

How do I achieve a vibrant strawberry frosting color?

Use gel icing colors, adding small amounts until your desired shade is reached. This will enhance the visual appeal of your frosting.

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can use almond milk instead of regular milk or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for different flavors.

How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes stay fresh for about three days in the fridge but can last up to two months if frozen properly.

What’s the best way to decorate these cupcakes?

Top with chocolate covered strawberries and drizzle additional melted chocolate on top for an elegant presentation.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for any celebration. Feel free to customize your recipe by trying different frostings or toppings based on your preferences. Enjoy these delightful treats any time of year!