Rich Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

Valentine’s Day + chocolate + strawberries = basically my life plan. I mean, what’s more romantic than a chocolate cupcake hiding a strawberry surprise inside, then covered in silky ganache? Honestly, this recipe screams “I love you” without actually having to say it.

I made these once thinking, “Let’s see if I can make something fancy without burning down the kitchen.” A little messy, a little chaotic, and a lot delicious later… these cupcakes were born. Perfect for your partner, best friend, your kids, or anyone who deserves chocolate love in cupcake form. Bonus: you get to eat the scraps. Always the best part.

Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)

1. Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Rich, moist, and decadent.
2. Strawberry Surprise: Sweet, tart, and cute inside.
3. Impresses Without Being Too Fancy: Looks complicated, mostly isn’t.
4. Perfect for Valentine’s Day: Heart-adjacent dessert.
5. Totally Shareable: Or selfishly hoardable. I’ve done both.
6. Fun to Assemble: Cutting, filling, topping—it’s artsy but edible.
7. Smells Like Love: Chocolate, strawberries, sugar… kitchen therapy.

Tips I Learned the Hard Way

• Room Temp Egg Matters: Cold eggs = lumpy batter. Learned the hard way.
• Hot Coffee Is Key: Deepens chocolate flavor. Don’t skip.
• Cool Cupcakes Before Frosting: Hot cake + ganache = melty disaster.
• Chill the Ganache: Soft, spreadable, not liquid chaos.
• Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Fresh ones make frosting too wet.
• Cutting the Center: Angle the knife inward for a neat cone-shaped cavity.
• Reserve Cake Pieces: They top the filled center like a crown.
• Taste-Test the Filling: Strawberry frosting is sweet, but a pinch of salt balances it.

Variations You Can Mess Around With

1. White Chocolate Ganache: Sweet and creamy twist.
2. Mixed Berry Filling: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
3. Add a Liqueur: Strawberry or raspberry liqueur in frosting for adults.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Bite-sized, perfect for sharing.
5. Chocolate Sprinkles: Decorative and fun.
6. Valentine Shapes: Heart toppers or themed cupcake liners.
7. Nutty Crunch: Add crushed pistachios on top for extra texture.

How To Make Rich Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes?

Ingredients

Cupcake Base

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot coffee
• 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder

Chocolate Topping (Ganache)

• 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Strawberry Filling

• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, pulverized
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Garnish

• Fresh or freeze-dried strawberry slices

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners.

Step 2:
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3:
In another bowl, whisk oil, sugar, egg, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.

Step 4:
Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee and espresso powder.

Step 5:
Divide batter into muffin cups, filling about 2/3 full. Bake 20–22 minutes, cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack.

Step 6:
For ganache, heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, wait 3 minutes, stir until smooth, chill 30 minutes.

Step 7:
For filling, pulverize freeze-dried strawberries. Beat butter until fluffy, then mix in powdered sugar, strawberry powder, cream, vanilla, and pinch of salt.

Step 8:
Core each cupcake to create a 1-inch cone-shaped cavity. Reserve the removed piece. Fill with strawberry frosting, then replace the top.

Step 9:
Spread ganache over each cupcake. Top with strawberry slices. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition	Value
Calories	520 kcal
Carbohydrates	61 gm
Fat	30 gm
Protein	4.8 gm

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive

How I Like to Serve This

1. On Valentine’s Day morning, with coffee.
2. As dessert after a romantic dinner.
3. Straight from the pan while warm and gooey.
4. With a side of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
5. Plated on pretty dishes for a little “wow” factor.

Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Thoughts

• Best Same Day: Fluffy, gooey, perfect.
• Airtight Container: Keeps well overnight.
• Reheat Gently: Microwave 10–15 seconds if needed.
• Ganache Holds Up: Still glossy.
• Frosting Stays Pink: Freeze-dried strawberries = win.
• Not Great for Freezing: Texture suffers a bit.

FAQs (Real Questions People Actually Ask)

Can I prep ahead?
Yes, bake and assemble, then store in airtight container until serving.

Do I need espresso powder?
Optional, but it deepens the chocolate flavor.

Can I use fresh strawberries in the frosting?
Fresh adds moisture; freeze-dried is better for structure.

Are these very sweet?
Yes. Valentine’s indulgence is allowed.

Can I halve the recipe?
You could, but it’s meant for sharing (or multiple cheat days).

Do I need a mixer for frosting?
Hand whisking works, but a mixer makes it fluffier.

Can I make them mini?
Absolutely. Bake time will be shorter, check with a toothpick.