This chocolate cupcake recipe is a classic with a fun spin. The heart toppers make them perfect for a Valentine’s Day treat. I think you’ll love these heart topped chocolate strawberry cupcakes as much as we do!
Over the years I discovered the way to my son’s heart. Cake, among a few other things, brings him instant joy and Josh would probably echo the same sentiment. I personally am not a big cake fan, however I do love a good chocolate cake recipe. Two years ago I shared my family’s favorite chocolate cupcake/cake recipe and I received several e-mails from readers who loved the recipe too. Today, I’m sharing those same cupcakes but with a strawberry frosting and fun Valentine’s Day decorating idea!
Years ago I used this same technique for topping cupcakes, but over the years I had forgotten about it. While going through family photos on my computer, I stumbled across a photo of previous cupcakes I had decorated like these. I knew I had to share them in time for Valentine’s Day. The tops and punched out hearts are so simple that even your little ones can help.
Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, use a sharp knife to carefully slice the top (just above the paper liner) off of half of your cupcakes. For the heart punch out, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 1 in. to 1 1/2″ in size) to cut out the center of the top. Save the hearts to top the other half of your cupcakes. Use a piping bag with desired tip, add your frosting and place your cupcake tops or hearts onto the frosting and dust the tops with powdered sugar. It’s that simple!
They wont be perfect and it’s important to note not to get your cupcakes overly done. That will result in a top that crumbles when you try to cut it. Even though they have their imperfections, I think they’re pretty cute and oh, do they taste delicious! The strawberry frosting paired with the rich chocolate late is heavenly. There isn’t many pairings that come to mind that beat chocolate and strawberries.
The strawberry frosting is a very light but sweet frosting. The original recipe called for very little strawberries and lacked that flavor that I wanted. I adjusted the original recipe to include vanilla and a little more pureed strawberries. If you prefer a very stiff buttercream, stick with 1/4 cup strawberry puree.
Classic Chocolate Cupcake Recipe HERE
Strawberry Frosting
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups confectioners sugar
- 1 cup butter (unsalted)
- 1/3 cup pureed strawberries
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
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Beat the butter and powdered sugar in a mixer until combined and fluffy.
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Add the vanilla, sugar and strawberry puree and mix until combined.
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Put frosting into a piping bag and pipe onto your cupcakes.
Recipe Notes
*Frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.*
These cupcakes are such a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any other day for that matter. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Happy Valentine’s Day, friends and happy baking!
You can find more delicious desserts HERE!
What a cute way to decorate cupcakes!!