Sweetheart Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate love, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just because. With rich chocolate flavors combined with the freshness of strawberries, these delightful cupcakes are not only visually stunning but also a treat for your taste buds. Let’s dive into the details of making these delicious confections.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
Why Make This Sweetheart Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes
These Sweetheart Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes are an effortless way to impress your loved ones with a beautiful and delectable dessert. The rich chocolate cake paired with sweet strawberry frosting and topped with chocolate-covered strawberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors. They are not only visually appealing but also make for an indulgent treat that anyone can whip up. Plus, the method is straightforward, making these cupcakes accessible even for beginner bakers.
How to Make Sweetheart Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers
- 16 fresh strawberries (washed and dried)
- 4 ounces white chocolate melting wafers
- Pink or red gel icing color (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 0.75 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup hot water
- 0.75 cup fresh chopped strawberries
- 0.5 cup salted butter (softened)
- 0.5 cup shortening
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Pink or red gel icing color (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Craft the Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Gently melt the dark chocolate wafers in a small bowl, following package directions. Dip each clean, dry strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on parchment paper to dry. Next, melt the white chocolate wafers and, if desired, mix in a tiny bit of pink or red gel coloring for a delightful hue. Drizzle the colored chocolate over the dark chocolate strawberries and let them set. For the best results, chill them until you’re ready to decorate.
Step 2: Bake Your Delightful Chocolate Cupcakes
Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, lightly combine the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Pour these wet ingredients into your dry mix and stir until everything is just blended. Carefully add the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth; it may seem thin, but that’s perfectly fine! Fill your cupcake liners about halfway and bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Whip Up the Fresh Strawberry Frosting
Place your chopped strawberries in a food processor and blend until silky smooth. For a smoother frosting, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and shortening together until light and fluffy. Gradually add about half of the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the fresh strawberry puree. Next, add the remaining powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is wonderfully smooth and creamy. If you desire a more intense strawberry flavor or a thinner consistency, add more puree, one tablespoon at a time. Finish by adding a bit of pink or red gel icing color until you reach your desired shade of lovely pink frosting.
Step 4: Assemble Your Valentine’s Masterpiece
Using your favorite piping tip (like an Ateco tip 844) or a simple knife, generously frost each cooled chocolate cupcake with the fresh strawberry frosting. To complete your adorable treats, gently place one chilled chocolate-covered strawberry on top of each frosted cupcake. Now they’re ready to share with your sweetheart!
How to Serve Sweetheart Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes
These cupcakes shine as a centerpiece for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Serve them on a beautiful platter or a decorative stand. For added presentation, dust the cupcakes with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh mint leaves beside the cake.
How to Store Sweetheart Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes
To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sweetheart Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes
- Use high-quality chocolate melting wafers for better flavor and smooth texture.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- When making the frosting, don’t skip straining the strawberry puree if you want a super smooth texture.
- Experiment with different cupcake liners to match your occasion theme.
- Remember to adjust baking times based on your specific oven as they can vary.
Delicious Variations
- Replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Add a splash of almond or peppermint extract to the frosting for a flavor twist.
- For a more robust chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter.
- Substitute the butter and shortening with dairy-free options to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them before frosting.
2. What can I use instead of cocoa powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a slightly different taste. Just keep in mind it may alter the richness.
3. How can I make the frosting richer?
For richer frosting, use less powdered sugar and more strawberry puree, combining them until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving.
5. What if I can’t find gel icing color?
If gel icing colors aren’t available, regular food coloring can be used, but it’s best to start with a small amount as liquid coloring can alter the consistency of your frosting.
Conclusion
Sweetheart Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes are a delightful combination of flavors that are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are a wonderful way to spread joy and sweetness. With their easy preparation and stunning presentation, there’s no reason not to give this recipe a try. Get ready to bake your way into someone’s heart!
