Strawberry Chocolate Cupcake Bites

Name: Strawberry Chocolate Cupcake Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcake bites
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Chocolate shavings (optional)

Highlighted under: Dreamy Dessert Lab

I absolutely adore these Strawberry Chocolate Cupcake Bites! They bring together the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries and the rich, decadent taste of chocolate in the perfect bite-sized treat. Making them is not only fun, but it also allows for creativity; you can add a little extra chocolate drizzle or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top. These delightful bites are great for casual gatherings or special celebrations, leaving everyone wanting more. Trust me, you might just find yourself making them again and again!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:10:28.707Z

When developing this recipe, I experimented with different ratios of chocolate to fresh strawberries, trying to find the perfect balance. After several batches, I discovered that mixing strawberry puree directly into the batter achieved the most delightful flavor throughout each bite. A tip I can share is to let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking; it makes the cupcakes a bit fluffier and airier.

These bites have become a staple at my get-togethers, particularly during the summer months when strawberries are at their peak. Each time I serve them, I notice guests taking second and third helpings, thrilled by the unexpected combination of flavors. It’s truly rewarding to see how something simple can create such joy!

Why You Will Love These Cupcake Bites
Perfectly balanced flavors of fresh strawberries and rich chocolate
Ideal bite-sized dessert that satisfies cravings without guilt
Great for sharing at parties or enjoying as an indulgent treat at home

The Perfect Balance of Flavor

The combination of strawberries and chocolate in these cupcake bites creates a complex flavor experience that’s both sweet and indulgent. The acidity of the strawberries helps cut through the richness of the chocolate, making each bite incredibly satisfying. When you blend fresh strawberries into a puree, you enhance their natural sweetness, which not only contributes to the cupcake batter but also pairs beautifully with the smooth chocolate ganache. This balance is essential for a treat that appeals to both fruit lovers and chocolate aficionados alike.

In fact, using fresh pureed strawberries rather than artificial flavors or jams ensures that your cupcake bites maintain a natural fruitiness. For a deeper flavor profile, consider roasting the strawberries briefly in the oven to caramelize them slightly before pureeing. This adds a unique depth, making your bites even more memorable. If you're short on time, frozen strawberries can be substituted; just ensure you thaw and thoroughly drain them to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

Mastering Ganache Technique

Making chocolate ganache may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple once you grasp the basics. The key is to heat the cream gently; don’t let it reach a full boil. Look for small bubbles forming around the edges, indicating it's hot enough. Once you pour it over the chocolate chips, let it sit for about a minute to soften the chips before stirring. This method prevents you from seizing the chocolate and ensures a silky, glossy finish that coats your cupcake bites beautifully.

For a flavor twist, you can infuse the heavy cream with flavors like vanilla bean, espresso, or even a touch of orange zest while it heats. Just strain the cream before mixing it with chocolate. If your ganache becomes too thick, warm it gently over low heat while stirring. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, pour it back into a saucepan and heat it slightly to achieve the desired consistency. Getting this step right will dramatically enhance the look and taste of your cupcake bites.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve prepared these delightful cupcake bites, it's essential to store them properly to retain their freshness. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1-2 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you freeze them, use a single layer of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking, and they can last for up to a month. To serve, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes after refrigerating or freezing, as this enhances the flavor and texture.

Get creative with your presentation! Arranging the cupcake bites on a decorative platter and garnishing with extra strawberries and chocolate shavings not only makes them visually appealing but also invites your guests to indulge. For gatherings, you can even serve a few with a small bowl of warm chocolate ganache on the side for an interactive dessert experience. These little bites are wonderfully versatile—you can swap strawberries for raspberries or other berries based on seasonality, ensuring every batch can be a new experience.

Ingredients

For the Cupcake Bites

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

For Garnish

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, mix sugar, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined. Stir in the milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Bake the Cupcake Bites

Fill each muffin liner about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before using.

Assemble the Cupcake Bites

Dip each cooled cupcake bite into the chocolate ganache, allowing any excess to drip off. Garnish with sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, you can replace strawberry puree with raspberry or cherry for a different berry flavor. Additionally, freezing the finished bites for 10 minutes after assembly will help the ganache set perfectly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cupcake bites turn out dry, it's often a result of overmixing the batter or baking them for too long. Ensure that you only mix until the ingredients are just combined for a tender crumb. Keep an eye on baking times and conduct the toothpick test promptly to avoid overbaking.

On the other hand, if you find your cupcake bites too moist, check that you've accurately measured your strawberry puree and not added too much liquid. If scaling the recipe, be cautious to maintain the same ratios, as even slight variations can affect texture.

Variations and Fun Add-Ins

There's room for creativity in both the batter and the ganache. Consider stirring in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for an extra crunch. You can also experiment with flavored extracts in the batter—like almond or mint—for a fun twist on the classic chocolate-strawberry combo.

Changing up the toppings can also create a new experience! Instead of just strawberries, try adding crushed pistachios for a pop of color and flavor. Drizzling some white chocolate on top can also create an eye-catching contrast and add a touch of sweetness to balance the darker chocolate ganache.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending into puree.

→ How do I store leftover cupcake bites?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

→ Can I use dark chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a richer flavor to the ganache.

→ Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free milk and chocolate.