Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes : A Decadent Dessert Worth Celebrating

Posted on January 6, 2026 ·

By Lyndy

chocolate strawberry cupcakes with pink frosting and strawberries on the top

If you’re searching for the ultimate indulgent dessert, look no further than Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes. These rich, moist chocolate cupcakes topped with silky strawberry buttercream and crowned with a fresh chocolate-dipped strawberry offer everything you want in a sweet treat—flavor, elegance, and a bit of romance.

Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day surprise, celebrating a birthday, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes recipe is your perfect go-to.

Why These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Are So Loved

Combining two classic flavors—chocolate and strawberry—creates a show-stopping dessert that tastes as beautiful as it looks. The deep chocolate cake is balanced with the fruity brightness of strawberry frosting, and the chocolate-dipped strawberry on top is both a visual centerpiece and a flavor bonus.

These cupcakes with dipped strawberries aren’t just visually stunning, they’re also surprisingly easy to make. With basic pantry staples and fresh strawberries, you can craft bakery-quality cupcakes in your own kitchen.

If you’re a fan of chocolate-based treats, you might also enjoy our Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes, which pair beautifully with seasonal fruit.

Ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Here’s everything you’ll need for these chocolate strawberry Nutella cupcakes (optional Nutella swirl included!).

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup hot coffee or boiling water

For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Nutella Swirl:

  • 1/4 cup Nutella, gently warmed for easier swirling

For the Topping:

  • 12 fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dipping)

These ingredients create a dozen irresistible cupcakes that look like they belong in a gourmet bakery.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk until combined.
  4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  5. Stir in hot coffee to create a thin, smooth batter.
  6. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cupcakes cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Buttercream

  1. Blend strawberries into a puree.
  2. In a stand mixer, beat butter until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  3. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with the strawberry puree.
  4. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar if needed.

Step 3: Dip the Strawberries

  1. Wash and dry strawberries thoroughly.
  2. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or a double boiler.
  3. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate and place on wax paper to set.

Step 4: Frost and Assemble

  1. Pipe strawberry frosting onto each cooled cupcake using a star or round tip.
  2. Optionally swirl in a small dollop of Nutella into the frosting.
  3. Top each cupcake with a chocolate-dipped strawberry.

Want to try more fun treats? These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are another fruity favorite!

Tips for Perfect Cupcakes with Dipped Strawberries

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
  • Dry your strawberries thoroughly before dipping—chocolate won’t stick to wet fruit.
  • If you’re piping the frosting, chill it slightly first so it holds shape better.
  • Want extra flavor? Mix a spoonful of Fruit Dip into the frosting for a tangy kick.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need professional tools to create these cupcakes, but a few kitchen essentials will help:

  • Muffin tin and cupcake liners
  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Piping bags and tips
  • Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
  • Blender or food processor for strawberry puree
  • Cooling rack

How to Store Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

Short-term (up to 2 days): Store in an airtight container at room temperature, but keep the strawberries fresh by adding them just before serving.

Long-term (up to 5 days): Store in the fridge. Let cupcakes come to room temp before eating for best flavor.

You can also freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.

Serving Ideas for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

These cupcakes are perfect for:

  • Birthdays
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Anniversaries
  • Baby showers
  • Bridal events

For themed gatherings, pair them with fun bites like Pumpkin Truffles or Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers for a sweet and savory contrast.

Fun Variations of This Recipe

Nutella Twist:
Fold a swirl of Nutella into the center of each cupcake before baking or into the frosting for an extra indulgent bite.

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes for Birthday:
Add sprinkles to the frosting and serve with a candle-topped strawberry!

White Chocolate Version:
Dip the strawberries in white chocolate instead of dark for a fun contrast.

Mini Cupcakes:
Make bite-sized versions for party trays—top with half a chocolate-covered strawberry.

You might also love our Mini Pancake Cereal for a sweet morning-after treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overmixing the batter: Leads to dry, tough cupcakes. Mix just until combined.
  • Wet strawberries: Always dry them completely to ensure the chocolate coating sticks.
  • Hot cupcakes + frosting: Never frost warm cupcakes! The buttercream will melt.
  • Too much puree in frosting: It’ll split or be too runny. Add slowly and adjust with powdered sugar.

Perfect Pairings

These cupcakes go well with:

FAQs About Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes and make the frosting a day ahead. Store separately, and decorate just before serving.

Can I use boxed cake mix?
Sure! Start with a chocolate cake mix if you’re short on time. The real magic is in the frosting and dipped strawberry.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, for the frosting only. Thaw, drain well, and blend. Fresh strawberries are best for topping.

How do I make these gluten-free?
Swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. No other changes needed.

More Delicious Recipes From Lyndy’s Kitchen

If you loved this recipe, here are more treats you’ll want to try next:

Final Thoughts

These chocolate strawberry cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a statement. Whether you’re baking for someone special or just treating yourself, these cupcakes deliver indulgence in every bite.

So grab your mixing bowls, pick the ripest strawberries, and whip up a batch of these unforgettable cupcakes today. Don’t forget to share your creation on social and tag us!

Looking for more irresistible ideas? Check out our full Dessert Recipe Collection and keep exploring delicious, easy-to-make treats for every season.

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Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes : A Decadent Dessert Worth Celebrating


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Description

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes are rich, moist chocolate cupcakes topped with silky strawberry buttercream and finished with a chocolate-dipped strawberry. They’re elegant, indulgent, and perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anytime you want a bakery-style dessert at home.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot coffee or boiling water

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 34 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup strawberry puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Nutella Swirl:

  • 1/4 cup Nutella, slightly warmed

For the Topping:

  • 12 fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee until smooth.
  5. Fill liners 3/4 full and bake for 18–22 minutes. Cool completely.
  6. Beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt.
  7. Melt chocolate chips and dip strawberries. Let set on parchment paper.
  8. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally swirl in Nutella.
  9. Top each cupcake with a chocolate-dipped strawberry and serve.

Notes

  • Make sure strawberries are completely dry before dipping in chocolate.
  • Do not frost warm cupcakes or the buttercream will melt.
  • Add strawberry puree slowly to prevent runny frosting.
  • Top with dipped strawberries just before serving for best freshness.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 78mg

Keywords: Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes, Strawberry Buttercream Cupcakes

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