Ok, let’s change it up a little.  A perfect recipe for making with the kids for any time of the year, but especially Valentine’s Day.  Get creative with your toppings and enjoy the chocolate-y delight of this fun cupcake.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Valentine Strawberry Covered Chocolate Cupcakes

 

Directions for Cupcakes

 

2 cups granulated sugar

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

 

For Frosting

2 cups chopped fresh strawberries

3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

4 Tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR strawberry extract

 

For Crunchy Topping

 

Handful of dried strawberries

Sprinkles

 

Instructions

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 30 muffin cups with paper baking cups, set aside.

Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa powder , baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.

Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin) Fill cups 2/3 full with batter.

Bake 20 to 22 minutes, or until tooth-pick inserted comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting.

 

 

Instructions for Frosting:

 

Place the freshly chopped 2 cups of strawberries in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.

 

Place puree in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat. Stir constantly while mixture slowly comes to a boil. Continue to stir constantly while puree thickens and reduces to 2/3 cup. This will take about 10 minutes or less.

 

Pour reduced puree into a measuring cup. You should have 2/3 cup of puree. Let stand until it cools and comes to room temperature.

 

In a large bowl, add the room temperature butter. Using a hand-held mixer, beat until butter is smooth. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and the 2/3 cup of strawberry puree.

 

Mix until frosting becomes smooth. Gradually mix in the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar and the extract.

 

Add in milk, as needed, for desired thickness of frosting.

 

Top cupcakes with fresh strawberry frosting.

 

For Topping

 

Garnish your cupcakes with the whole dried strawberries and sprinkles.  For an extra delight, crush a handful of dried strawberries and sprinkle on top.

 

Serve and enjoy!