Chocolate Strawberry Valentine Cupcakes
Chocolate and strawberry together always feel like a Valentine classic. This recipe gives you rich chocolate cupcakes topped with sweet strawberry buttercream.
Equipment
- Cupcake pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 155 g
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 50 g
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150 g
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil 120 ml
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3/4 cup milk 180 ml
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 170 g
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry purée fresh strawberries blended and strained
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Pink or red food coloring optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl.
- Mix sugar and vegetable oil in a separate bowl until combined.
- Add egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture; whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ⅓ full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- Beat softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Add strawberry purée and vanilla extract.
- Beat until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add food coloring if you want a pink or red color.
- Pipe or spread strawberry buttercream onto cooled cupcakes.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate shavings, or heart sprinkles if you like.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes for a cleaner presentation.
Notes
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days. Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving.
By Clara Bennett, Lead Plate Designer at Recipes by Betty.