Decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are homemade, chocolatey, moist cupcakes finished with a rich strawberry cream cheese frosting and crowned with juicy chocolate-covered strawberries.

Close up photo of chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes on a white plate.

Two Desserts In One

These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are essentially two treats in one: a tender, chocolate cupcake base and a fresh chocolate-dipped strawberry garnish. Bite through the glossy chocolate on top to reach the sweet strawberry, then enjoy the cupcake beneath. They’re a fun showstopper for holidays, parties, or any time you want a dessert that feels special without being overly complicated.

This recipe yields a small batch of 12 cupcakes, making it ideal for gatherings or when you want a manageable amount of homemade treats. The cupcake batter produces moist, cocoa-rich cupcakes while the strawberry cream cheese frosting adds a bright, tangy-sweet contrast. Topping each cupcake with a homemade chocolate-covered strawberry elevates presentation and flavor.

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Rebecca’s Recipe Review

Taste: The juicy sweetness of the strawberry pairs beautifully with tangy cream cheese frosting and rich chocolate cupcakes.

Texture: Moist cupcakes topped with creamy, slightly tangy frosting and a fresh berry for contrast.

Ease: Moderate effort — expect to spend extra time on dipping strawberries and assembling the final presentation.

Pros: An elegant dessert for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or bridal showers.

Cons: Making the cupcakes from scratch and dipping strawberries adds steps compared to simpler cupcakes, but the results are worth it.

Would I Make This Again? Yes!

A woman's hand holding a chocolate covered strawberry cupcake.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcake Ingredients

Cupcakes: Basic pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract create a tender, chocolatey cake.

Ingredients to make chocolate cupcakes in prep bowls.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese and unsalted butter provide the base, while vanilla, seedless strawberry jam, and powdered sugar add flavor and structure.

Overhead photo of ingredients to make strawberry frosting.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are dipped in melted chocolate mixed with a little coconut oil for a glossy finish.

Overhead photo of ingredients to make chocolate covered strawberries.

How To Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. Whisk the granulated sugar and eggs in a medium bowl until lighter in color. Add vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla; mix until combined.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until combined; small lumps are okay. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Fill each liner about two-thirds full (a 1/4-cup scoop works well) and bake 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool the cupcakes on a wire rack to room temperature before frosting.
step-by-step photos showing how to make chocolate cupcakes.

Strawberry Frosting

  1. Beat softened cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add seedless strawberry jam and mix until just combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
  3. Gradually add powdered sugar with the mixer on low. When incorporated, increase speed and whip the frosting until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
  4. Fit a piping bag with a tip, transfer the frosting, and pipe a swirl onto each cooled cupcake.
Overhead photo of strawberry frosting in a stainless steel mixing bowl.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash strawberries and dry thoroughly — any moisture will prevent the chocolate from setting properly.
  2. Gently melt chopped chocolate with coconut oil in short intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
  3. Dip each strawberry into the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, and place on the prepared sheet. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.
  4. Place one chocolate-covered strawberry atop each frosted cupcake as a finishing touch.
Chocolate covered strawberries on a baking sheet and a woman's hand dipping more in chocolate.

How To Store Chocolate Cupcakes

Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the chocolate-topped strawberries are added, keep the cupcakes chilled to preserve both the berry and the frosting texture. Bring cupcakes to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Why is the frosting becoming thin?

If the cream cheese and butter warm up too much while mixing, the frosting can become thin. Chill the frosting for 15–20 minutes to firm it up, then re-whip briefly if needed.

Can I add sprinkles to the chocolate covered strawberries?

Yes. Sprinkle the chocolate before it sets so the decorations adhere. Keep in mind that lighter or finer sprinkles tend to stick better than larger ones.

Close up photo of a Strawberry chocolate cupcakes cut in half on a white table.

Treat yourself to another strawberry-filled recipe!

  • Fresh Strawberry Pie — a quick no-fuss dessert with bright berry flavor.
  • Easy Strawberry Shortcake — fresh strawberries, homemade whipped cream, and tender biscuits.
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp — a classic, comforting dessert with a crunchy topping.
  • Strawberry Cake — filled with fresh strawberries and topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
Close up photo of chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes on a white plate.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Author Rebecca Hubbell
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12 cupcakes
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes are chocolatey, moist cupcakes topped with strawberry cream cheese frosting and finished with chocolate-dipped strawberries for an elegant presentation.

Ingredients

Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup seedless strawberry jam
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

  • 12 fresh strawberries
  • 4 ounces chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

Cupcakes

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-count cupcake pan with liners.
  2. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light. Add oil, buttermilk, and vanilla and combine.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix.
  5. Fill liners two-thirds full and bake 15–20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Mix in strawberry jam, then slowly add powdered sugar on low speed.
  3. Increase speed and whip until light and fluffy. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

Strawberries

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Wash and dry strawberries thoroughly.
  2. Melt chocolate with coconut oil in short microwave intervals, stirring until smooth.
  3. Dip strawberries and place on parchment. Chill until chocolate sets, about 15 minutes.
  4. Top each frosted cupcake with a chocolate-covered strawberry and serve.

Notes

  • If the frosting thins, chill it for 15–20 minutes and re-whip briefly to thicken.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 499 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 65 g |
Protein: 5 g |
Fat: 27 g |
Saturated Fat: 18 g |
Sugar: 51 g