Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Name: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped; Fresh strawberries, tops removed and washed; White chocolate for drizzling (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

I love making Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes for special occasions or just when I'm in the mood for a decadent dessert. The combination of fluffy chocolate cake and fresh strawberries, all draped in rich chocolate ganache, transforms every bite into a delicious experience. Baking these cupcakes is quite simple, and the impressive presentation makes them perfect for impressing guests or celebrating a loved one. I often find that it’s all about the details, like using the highest quality chocolate and ripe strawberries, to make this treat truly unforgettable.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-07T22:21:28.285Z

While experimenting with different cupcake flavors, I decided to combine my favorites: chocolate and strawberries. This led me to create these Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, which turned out to be a delightful treat. I learned that frosting these cupcakes while the chocolate ganache is still warm ensures a velvety smooth finish that pairs perfectly with the fresh fruit.

One essential tip I discovered is to properly chill the ganache before dipping the strawberries, which helps the chocolate adhere better. Not only do these cupcakes satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also look stunning on any dessert table!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Moist cake texture topped with creamy chocolate ganache
Impressive and elegant dessert for any occasion

      

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality chocolate in this recipe is crucial for achieving a rich, decadent flavor in the ganache. Bittersweet chocolate offers the perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa intensity, enhancing the overall experience of the cupcakes. If you can't find bittersweet chocolate, a good dark chocolate will also work, but be cautious with the sweetness—adjust the sugar in the cupcakes accordingly if you prefer a less sweet end result.

Fresh strawberries not only add a burst of flavor but also a beautiful pop of color and texture. When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red, firm, and without blemishes. Ripe strawberries are naturally sweet, whereas overripe fruit can negatively affect the tasting experience. If strawberries are out of season, frozen berries can be used; just be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cupcakes.

Perfecting Your Technique

When mixing the flour and wet ingredients, be mindful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the light, fluffy texture we aim for. Stop mixing when the batter is just combined, even if there are a few small lumps remaining. This is a vital step that ensures a soft crumb, which contrasts beautifully with the rich ganache and fresh strawberries on top.

For the ganache, patience is key when melting the chocolate. After pouring the hot cream over the chocolate, let it sit for five minutes before whisking. This gives the chocolate time to soften and ensures a silky texture. If your ganache isn't as glossy as you'd like, avoid heat-induced fixes that can cause seizing; instead, add a teaspoon of warm cream while whisking until smooth.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started on these delicious cupcakes:

For the cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the chocolate ganache

1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

For topping

Fresh strawberries, tops removed and washed
White chocolate for drizzling (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start baking these delightful cupcakes!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.

Combine mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fill cupcake liners

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full.

Bake

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

Prepare ganache

While cupcakes are cooling, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.

Top with ganache

Once cupcakes are cool, dip each cupcake into the ganache or pour over the top, allowing the excess to drip off.

Add strawberries

Press a fresh strawberry into the center of each cupcake and drizzle with melted white chocolate, if desired.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes!

Pro Tips

For the best results, use high-quality chocolate for the ganache. Also, ensure that your strawberries are ripe and fresh for a perfect balance of flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes can be made in advance, making them a great choice for parties. After decorating, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, but keep in mind that the strawberries may lose their crunch as they sit. For best results, add the strawberries just before serving if you're making them a day ahead.

If you're planning to freeze these cupcakes, it's best to freeze them without the ganache. Simply bake the cupcakes, let them cool completely, and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature, prepare the ganache, and top with fresh strawberries just before serving to maintain their vibrant appearance.

Variations to Try

For a fun twist on the classic, consider adding a layer of cream cheese frosting beneath the ganache. The tanginess of the cream cheese will complement the chocolate and strawberries beautifully, adding an extra depth of flavor. Additionally, you could experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or orange, to subtly enhance the chocolate flavor in the cupcakes.

If you're looking to make these cupcakes more personalized, consider adding a filling inside the cupcakes. Before topping with ganache, core the center of each cupcake and fill it with whipped cream or jam. This surprise element will delight everyone and elevate the overall cupcake experience. Just be sure not to overfill, or you might end up with a mess when adding the ganache!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ How should I store the cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries or banana slices also work beautifully with chocolate.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.