Description

Rich, moist chocolate cupcakes with a surprise strawberry sauce filling and topped with light strawberry whipped cream frosting—a delicious balance of indulgent chocolate and fresh berry flavor.

Ingredients

For the strawberry filling:

4 oz (115 g) fresh or frozen strawberries

1 Tbsp granulated sugar

2 Tbsp water (or 1 Tbsp if strawberries are frozen)

½ Tbsp cornstarch

½ Tbsp lemon juice

For the chocolate cupcakes:

1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

½ cup (60 g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp coarse kosher salt

2 large eggs, at room temperature

½ cup (120 ml) milk

½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

¼ cup (60 ml) hot coffee or hot water

For the strawberry whipped cream frosting:

1 cup (15 g) freeze-dried strawberries, powdered

1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

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Instructions

Mix strawberry filling: In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring often. Whisk cornstarch with lemon juice until smooth, stir into fruit, and cook until thickened. Cool.

Bake cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another. Stir together, then add hot coffee. Divide batter into liners (~2/3 full) and bake 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make strawberry whipped cream: Whip heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in powdered freeze-dried strawberries until uniform pink and fluffy. Chill until ready to use.

Fill cupcakes: Use a small knife to cut a cone-shaped hole from each cooled cupcake. Spoon or pipe strawberry sauce into the center, replacing the cake top if desired.

Frost cupcakes: Transfer whipped strawberry cream to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe on top of each filled cupcake.

Optional garnish: Top with chocolate‑covered strawberries, fresh strawberry slices, or sprinkles as desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert