Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of chocolate and strawberries. Perhaps it’s nostalgic. I remember my very first experience tasting chocolate-covered strawberries at a summer fair—sweet and juicy strawberries dipped in rich, glossy chocolate. It was love at first bite! Fast forward to today, where I take that delightful pairing and elevate it into something even more extraordinary: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes! These cupcakes are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors, perfect for every occasion, from cozy family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey cupcake and discovering bursts of fresh strawberries, all topped off with a smooth chocolate dip and a dollop of whipped cream. Are you ready to embark on this sweet baking adventure?

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total Duration: 35 minutes
• Portion Size: 12 cupcakes
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approximately 250
• Protein: 3g per serving
• Carbs: 35g per serving
• Fats: 12g per serving
• Fiber: 1g per serving
• Sugars: 20g per serving
• Sodium: 250mg per serving

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a sweet tribute to the classic chocolate-covered strawberry. Each bite captures the essence of summer, with a moist chocolate base infused with fresh strawberry pieces. The textured contrast between the rich chocolate coating and the light cream on top adds to the cupcake’s charm, not to mention the eye-catching allure of a whole strawberry perched on top. Whether you’re surprising a loved one or indulging yourself, these cupcakes are bound to brighten your day and bring smiles to everyone around.

The Complete Cooking Journey

1. Start by gathering all your ingredient superheroes—these tasty morsels will team up to create stunning cupcakes.
2. Prepping the batter is a breeze, combining convenience with heartfelt ingredients like strawberries to keep it fresh.
3. As you pour the batter into the liners, a captivating aroma fills your kitchen, hinting at the delights to come.
4. Once baked to perfection, dipping them in chocolate creates a dreamy drizzle that brings your cupcake vision to life.
5. Finally, the simple act of garnishing with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry puts the cherry on top—quite literally!

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.

Step 2: Combine the Cake Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Fold in the Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, making sure to incorporate them evenly into the batter.

Step 4: Prepare the Cupcake Liners

Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

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

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate

Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Dip the Cupcakes

Once cooled, dip the top of each cupcake into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drizzle off back into the bowl.

Step 8: Garnish with Whipped Cream

Top each chocolate-dipped cupcake with a dollop of whipped cream and place a whole strawberry on top.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

It’s time to serve these delightful creations and enjoy the praises of your family and friends!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair these delectable cupcakes with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. They’re fantastic for birthdays, picnics, or even a cozy movie night in. For an extra special touch, present them on a decorative platter with edible flowers scattered around.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing them for up to a month. Just remember to add the whipped cream and strawberries right before serving!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Make sure your eggs and water are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness in the cupcakes.
• For an even richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips.
• Keep an eye on your cupcakes toward the end of the baking time. Every oven is different, and you want them just right—not dry!

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feeling adventurous? You can swap out the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a berry medley delight! Vegan option? Use flax eggs and a plant-based chocolate cake mix!

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Can I use fresh instead of frozen strawberries?
   Absolutely! Fresh strawberries taste amazing in this recipe. Just make sure they are hulled and chopped evenly.

2. What if I don’t have vegetable shortening?
   You can use coconut oil or just skip the shortening, as it’s primarily for achieving that shiny finish on the chocolate.

3. How do I tell when the cupcakes are done baking?
   A toothpick inserted should come out clean. If it has wet batter on it, give them a couple of extra minutes.

4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
   Yes, you can mix the batter, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for a few hours, but it’s best to bake it fresh for optimal texture.

5. Will the chocolate coating harden?
   Yes! After dipping, let them sit at room temperature for a bit to let the chocolate set. You can also pop them in the fridge for a quicker hardening!

Wrapping Up

There you have it! A delightful and easy recipe for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes that will surely impress your friends and family. With just a bit of time and love, you can create a dessert that’s not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes. So roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a whirl—you’re going to love it! Happy baking! 🍓🍫

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