Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I love making desserts that feel a little special without needing bakery-level skills. These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are everything I love about Valentine’s Day in one bite, soft chocolate cake, fluffy strawberry frosting, and a glossy chocolate-dipped strawberry on top.
If you’re in the mood for more cozy, crowd-pleasing treats, try my The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in Small Batches or my 5 Tips for the Perfect Oreo Brownies. They’re perfect for when you want to bake something that feels extra but still fits your busy schedule.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chocolate and strawberries together: The most romantic flavor combo there is.
- Easy but impressive: They look bakery-fancy but come together with simple ingredients.
- Soft, rich crumb: Moist chocolate cupcakes that stay tender for days.
- Creamy strawberry frosting: Made with real fruit for flavor that pops.
- Perfect for parties: A hit at Valentine gatherings, baby showers, or birthdays.
- Make-ahead friendly: Cupcakes and frosting can be prepped ahead and assembled later.
- Kid-approved: Fun to decorate and even more fun to eat.
Ingredients Breakdown
Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over flavor. It adds richness and structure.
Sugar: A mix of brown and white sugar gives depth and helps the cupcakes stay moist.
Eggs: Add lift and give the batter structure.
Buttermilk: Keeps cupcakes tender and balances the cocoa flavor.
Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for deep chocolate taste. Dutch-process will make them darker and richer.
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour keeps the crumb light.
Baking soda + baking powder: The combo creates the perfect dome rise.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
Fresh strawberries: For the frosting and chocolate-covered topping.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the strawberry frosting.
Chocolate chips or melting wafers: For dipping strawberries and creating the glossy finish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Cream butter and sugars: Beat together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Whisk dry ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add buttermilk alternately: Mix in half the dry ingredients, then buttermilk, then the rest of the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Fill and bake: Scoop batter into liners (about ⅔ full) and bake for 18–20 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make strawberry frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then add pureed strawberries and powdered sugar until fluffy and spreadable. Chill slightly for thicker texture.
- Dip strawberries: Melt chocolate chips or wafers in a bowl. Dip each strawberry halfway, then place on parchment to set.
- Assemble: Frost cooled cupcakes with strawberry frosting and top each with a chocolate-dipped strawberry.
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries or chocolate shavings on top.
- Use whipped ganache: Frost cupcakes with whipped chocolate ganache for a richer base.
- Add filling: Core each cupcake and fill with strawberry jam before frosting.
- Make minis: Use a mini pan and bake for 10 minutes for bite-sized treats.
- Make ahead: Bake cupcakes and dip strawberries up to a day in advance; frost just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These cupcakes make any table look stunning, they’re perfect for romantic dinners or party platters. Pair them with some of my favorite comfort dishes:
- Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole for a cozy family dinner before dessert.
- Easy Fish Sandwich Recipe for a lighter meal that ends on a sweet note.
- Cottage Cheese Breakfast Basics if you want something lighter the next morning after a cupcake night.
They also make thoughtful Valentine gifts, just box them up in paper cups with ribbon for a bakery-style presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, bring to room temperature before serving.
If making ahead, refrigerate the unfrosted cupcakes and dip strawberries the day of serving. Avoid refrigerating the dipped strawberries too long, condensation can dull the chocolate shine.
Frosting can be stored separately in the fridge up to 5 days or frozen up to a month.
Helpful FAQs
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes! Start with a chocolate cake mix, then make homemade frosting and dipped strawberries for a quick upgrade.
Can I use frozen strawberries for frosting?
You can, but thaw and strain them first to remove excess liquid.
How do I keep dipped strawberries shiny?
Use high-quality melting chocolate or add ½ teaspoon coconut oil for a glossy finish.
Can I use cream cheese frosting instead?
Absolutely, it pairs beautifully with both chocolate and strawberries.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes: Sweet Valentine Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with strawberry frosting and a chocolate-dipped strawberry, a romantic Valentine’s dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup pureed strawberries
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter (for frosting)
12 fresh strawberries
6 oz melting chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, then mix in hot water until smooth.
6. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake 18–20 minutes.
7. Cool completely.
8. Make frosting by beating butter with strawberry puree and powdered sugar until fluffy.
9. Dip strawberries in melted chocolate and let set.
10. Frost cupcakes and top with dipped strawberries.
Notes
Use Dutch-process cocoa for deeper chocolate flavor.
Add 1 tsp espresso powder to intensify cocoa notes.
Dip strawberries the day of serving for best shine.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are pure romance in dessert form, soft, chocolatey, fruity, and gorgeous. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or anytime you want to make something special, they combine classic flavors in the prettiest way. Whether you’re baking them for a party or a quiet night at home, these cupcakes guarantee smiles, compliments, and maybe even a few extra hugs.