Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chocolate Cupcakes
01 -
1 cup (125g) plain flour, measured carefully
02 -
1/2 cup (42g) natural cocoa powder, unsweetened
03 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
04 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
05 -
1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
06 -
1 large egg, room temperature
07 -
1/2 cup (120ml) hot water or coffee
08 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 -
1 cup (200g) sugar, granulated
10 -
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
11 -
1/2 cup (120ml) room-temp buttermilk
→ Strawberry Buttercream Filling
12 -
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 -
1/2 cup (113g) softened unsalted butter
14 -
12-13g (about 1/2 cup) freeze-dried strawberries
15 -
Pinch of salt
16 -
2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream
17 -
2 cups (240g) sifted powdered sugar
→ Chocolate Ganache
18 -
160ml (2/3 cup) heavy cream
19 -
6 oz (170g) chopped semi-sweet chocolate
# Instructions:
01 -
Set oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 3 spaces in one muffin pan and all 12 in another with paper liners.
02 -
Mix dry stuff first. Next, combine sugar, buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla in another bowl. Add wet mix to the dry, then stir in hot water or coffee until smooth.
03 -
Fill paper liners about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean. Cool fully; chill for 20-30 minutes if needed.
04 -
Heat cream, pour it over chopped chocolate, and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Mix until smooth, then chill for about 30 minutes to thicken.
05 -
Grind freeze-dried strawberries into a powder. Beat butter on its own, then add sugar, powdered strawberry, cream, vanilla, and a bit of salt. Whip until fluffy.
06 -
Cut out the centers of cooled cupcakes and fill them with the strawberry buttercream. Place the cut-out piece back on top, then coat with ganache.
07 -
Optional: add sprinkles or fresh strawberry slices on top. Eat right away or store covered.
# Notes:
01 -
Hot coffee boosts the chocolate flavor, but it won't leave a coffee taste.
02 -
Use only freeze-dried strawberries for the filling—they work best.
03 -
You can prep everything the night before and put it all together the day you need it.