Description
These cupcakes feature moist chocolate bases filled with a sweet strawberry buttercream surprise, topped with a rich chocolate ganache, and crowned with a chocolate-covered strawberry. Theyโre perfect for celebrations or as a special treat for loved ones.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (43g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water or freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Strawberry Buttercream Filling:
- 1/2 cup (1 ounce or 28g) freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2โ3 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
For the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries:
- 12โ15 fresh strawberries
- 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Add the hot water or coffee to the batter and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 18-21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Buttercream Filling:
- Using a food processor or blender, pulverize the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and light, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and strawberry powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Increase the mixer speed and beat for 3-5 minutes until light and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of heavy cream.
- Fill the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife to cut a small cone-shaped piece out of the center of each cupcake.
- Fill each hole with the strawberry buttercream. You can use a piping bag or a small spoon for this step.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Slowly stir the mixture until smooth and glossy.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Spoon the ganache over the top of each filled cupcake, allowing it to spread to the edges.
- Prepare the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries.
- Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set until the chocolate is firm.
- Garnish the Cupcakes:
- Once the ganache has set, place a chocolate-covered strawberry on top of each cupcake.
Notes
- Using hot coffee instead of water in the cupcake batter can enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor without adding extra moisture to the buttercream.
- Ensure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping in chocolate to prevent the chocolate from seizing.