Description
Rich chocolate cupcakes with strawberry frosting elevate dessert expectations. Delicate cocoa layers paired with luscious strawberry cream promise indulgent moments that delight your senses and satisfy sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup fresh strawberries
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Garnish and Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment at 350°F, positioning the rack in the center and arranging cupcake liners in the pan for optimal baking performance.
- Create the chocolate batter by blending dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in one vessel, while separately whisking wet components (eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract) in another container.
- Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring until just combined, then gently fold in boiling water to achieve a smooth, slightly thin consistency.
- Distribute batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling approximately two-thirds of each compartment to allow proper rising during baking.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into cupcake center—if it emerges clean, remove from oven.
- Allow cupcakes to rest in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare strawberry buttercream by whipping softened butter until creamy, then gradually integrating powdered sugar, pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Beat frosting on high speed for 2-3 minutes until achieving light, fluffy texture.
- Once cupcakes are thoroughly cooled, pipe strawberry buttercream using a star-tipped piping bag, creating elegant swirls atop each cupcake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry halves, presenting a visually stunning and delectable dessert ready for immediate enjoyment.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture in the batter.
- Avoid overmixing the cupcake batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes by stirring just until ingredients are combined.
- Enhance strawberry flavor by adding a teaspoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the buttercream for an intense, natural taste.
- Modify for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and adding a small amount of xanthan gum for better structure.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg