If you love chocolate and strawberries, you’re in for a treat! These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are a fun twist on a classic favorite. Imagine rich chocolate cupcakes topped with smooth chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries. In this guide, I’ll show you how to create these delightful bites step by step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
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Ingredients
Detailed Ingredient List
- 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 milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for ganache and whipped topping)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
I love using these ingredients for my chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes. Each ingredient plays a key role in making the cupcakes moist and rich.
First, the all-purpose flour gives the cupcakes structure. The granulated sugar adds sweetness, while the cocoa powder brings a deep chocolate flavor. Baking powder and baking soda help the cupcakes rise.
Next, the liquid ingredients are crucial. The egg binds everything, and the milk adds moisture. Vegetable oil keeps the cupcakes soft, and vanilla extract adds a lovely warmth.
Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor inside the cupcakes. The chocolate chips melt and create pockets of rich chocolate.
For the ganache, heavy whipping cream makes it creamy. Powdered sugar adds sweetness to the whipped topping. Finally, extra strawberries serve as a beautiful garnish on top.
These ingredients combine to create a delightful treat that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a cupcake pan and line it with cupcake liners. This keeps the cupcakes from sticking. Use colorful liners for a fun touch!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix 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. Make sure to mix them well. This helps the flavors blend nicely.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the wet ingredients! Add 1 large egg, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 tsp of vanilla extract to the dry mix. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until everything is creamy and well combined. This is where the magic begins!
Adding Boiling Water and Strawberries
Next, carefully pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Mix slowly. Your batter will be thin, and that's okay! It makes the cupcakes moist. Now fold in 1 cup of diced fresh strawberries. Use a spatula to gently mix them in.
Baking the Cupcakes
Pour the batter into your lined pan. Fill each liner about ¾ full. This allows the cupcakes to rise nicely. Bake them in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready!
Making Chocolate Ganache
While the cupcakes cool, let’s make ganache. Heat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan. Heat it until it shimmers but does not boil. Pour the hot cream over 1 cup of chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool to room temperature.
Topping and Decorating Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are cool, dip the tops into the ganache. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. In another bowl, whip the remaining heavy cream with 2 tbsp of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe or dollop the whipped cream on top of each cupcake. For a lovely touch, add a fresh strawberry on top of each one. Enjoy your treat!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Moist Cupcakes
To keep your cupcakes moist, use boiling water in the batter. This step makes the cake light and fluffy. Also, don't overmix your batter. Mix just until combined to avoid tough cupcakes. Let them cool completely before adding toppings; warm cupcakes can make toppings slide off.
Perfecting Ganache Consistency
For a smooth ganache, heat the cream until it shimmers but does not boil. Pour it over chocolate chips and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir gently until smooth. If it's too thin, let it cool longer to thicken. For a thicker ganache, add more chocolate chips.
Decorating Tips for Presentation
Presentation matters! Use a piping bag for neat whipped cream on top. You can create swirls or rosettes for a fancy look. Garnish each cupcake with a fresh strawberry for color and flair. Place the cupcakes on a decorative cake stand for an elegant display.
Substitutions for Ingredients
If you need alternatives, you can use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil can replace vegetable oil for a different flavor. For gluten-free cupcakes, use a gluten-free flour blend. These swaps can help you customize your cupcakes while keeping them delicious.
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Variations
Different Frosting Options
You can switch up the frosting on your cupcakes. Here are some ideas:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar for a tangy taste.
- Chocolate Buttercream: Blend butter, cocoa powder, and sugar for a rich and sweet layer.
- Strawberry Whipped Cream: Use fresh strawberries in whipped cream for a fruity twist.
Each frosting gives a new flavor to your cupcakes. This way, you can change the taste to fit your mood or event.
Alternative Fruit Additions
While strawberries shine in this recipe, other fruits work well, too. Consider these options:
- Raspberries: Their tartness adds a nice contrast to the sweet chocolate.
- Blueberries: These tiny berries bring a burst of flavor and color.
- Cherries: Fresh or even maraschino cherries can add a fun twist.
Feel free to mix fruits into the batter or use them as a topping. This keeps your cupcakes fresh and exciting.
Vegan or Gluten-Free Modifications
You can make these cupcakes vegan or gluten-free with simple changes. Here’s how:
- Vegan: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce. Use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips for the ganache.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
These modifications allow more people to enjoy this treat without missing out on flavor or fun.
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Cupcakes
To keep your chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes fresh, use an airtight container. Place the cupcakes in a single layer. Avoid stacking them, as this can cause the toppings to stick together. If you have leftover ganache, store it separately to keep it smooth.
Recommended Storage Duration
You can store the cupcakes at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge. They will last about a week in the fridge. However, for the best taste, eat them within three days.
Reheating or Refreshing Tips
If you want to warm the cupcakes, use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on them to avoid overheating. For a fresh taste, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or extra strawberries before serving. Enjoy the moistness and flavor!
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. Wait to dip them in ganache until the day you serve them. This keeps the cupcakes from getting soggy.
How do I prevent cupcakes from sticking to the liners?
To prevent sticking, use good quality cupcake liners. Make sure to fill them only ¾ full. You can also spray the liners lightly with non-stick spray before adding the batter. This helps the cupcakes slide out easily.
What type of chocolate is best for ganache?
Semi-sweet chocolate works great for ganache. It gives a rich flavor without being too sweet. Dark chocolate is another good option if you like a deeper taste. Choose a chocolate you enjoy eating for the best results.
Can I freeze chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes?
You can freeze these cupcakes. Place them in a single layer in a container. Make sure they are covered well. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge, then dip in ganache if desired.
How do I cleanly dip the cupcakes in ganache?
To dip cleanly, let the ganache cool slightly. Hold each cupcake by the bottom. Dip the top into the ganache, then twist gently. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. This gives a nice, even coating.
This blog shared a clear path to making delicious chocolate-covered strawberry cupcakes. We explored the right ingredients, from flour to fresh strawberries. You learned step-by-step how to bake these treats and make a rich ganache. I also shared tips for ensuring moist cupcakes and how to store them. Remember, feel free to get creative with variations and toppings. These cupcakes can impress anyone. Bake a batch, share with friends, and enjoy the joy they bring!
