These chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes combine two classic flavors into one stunning dessert. If you’re looking for a chocolate + strawberry cupcake recipe that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, this is it. Moist chocolate cupcakes, naturally flavored strawberry buttercream, and a fresh chocolate-covered strawberry on top make these both beautiful and delicious.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

I absolutely love Chocolate Covered Strawberries so to have those flavors on top of a moist, chocolate cupcake is just about the best idea ever.

And the strawberry frosting – it’s to-die for. No artificial flavors. No strawberry puree making it runny. This is easily the best strawberry buttercream frosting I’ve ever made.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes on a cutting board

Why These Are Perfect Valentine’s Day Cupcakes

Chocolate and strawberries are a perfect flavor combination, and these cupcakes showcase that flavor combination perfectly.

Each cupcake starts with a rich, moist chocolate base and is topped with strawberry buttercream made from freeze-dried strawberries for real strawberry flavor. And a chocolate-covered strawberry on top gives them that bakery-style finish everyone loves.

Unlike many strawberry cupcake recipes that rely on artificial flavoring, these fancy chocolate strawberry cupcakes use real strawberries and freeze-dried fruit for natural flavor and color.

What Makes This Recipe Special

These chocolate strawberry cupcakes are easy but impressive. Using a chocolate cake mix keeps the cupcakes fluffy and consistent without a mile-long list of ingredients.

And the strawberry frosting is where the magic really happens. Freeze-dried strawberries are blended into a fine powder, giving intense strawberry flavor without adding moisture, so the frosting stays stable and pipeable. The chocolate covered strawberry on the top of each cupcake is what really makes them stand out as beautiful cupcakes for Valentines Day.

Tools You’ll Need

Microwave-safe bowl
Spoon or silicone spatula (for stirring chocolate)
Parchment paper
Large plate or sturdy cutting board
Medium mixing bowls (2)
Whisk
Cupcake pan (12-cup)
Cupcake liners
Measuring cups and spoons
Food processor
Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for strawberry powder)
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Piping bag
1M star piping tip

Ingredients

Everything you need for this recipe can be found at your local grocery store.

Chocolate cake mix and package ingredients (eggs, oil, water, etc.)
Fresh strawberries
Chocolate almond bark or melting chocolate
Unsalted butter (room temperature)
Powdered sugar
Freeze-dried strawberries
Vanilla extract, salt, and milk
Mini chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries:

Add the almond bark to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring well between each round, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
While the chocolate is melting, line a large plate or sturdy cutting board with parchment paper.
Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl.
Place the dipped strawberries onto the parchment paper and let them set while you continue with the recipe.

Note: see my full post here for more tips on making Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

Fluffy Chocolate Cupcakes:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until the batter is smooth and well combined. For extra chocolate, stir in the mini chocolate chips.
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, then fill each liner about two-thirds full with cupcake batter.
Bake according to the box directions, about 19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting.

chocolate cake mix batter in clear mixing bowl

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

While the cupcakes are cooling, add the butter and powdered sugar to a medium mixing bowl and mix until combined. The mixture may look crumbly at first, depending on the temperature of your butter.
Add the freeze-dried strawberries to a food processor and pulse until they form a fine powder. If needed, sift out any larger pieces that don’t break down.
Add the strawberry powder to the butter mixture, along with the salt and vanilla, and mix until fully incorporated.
Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pipe.

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a 1-m tip and frost the cooled cupcakes. Check this video for a quick peek at how to pipe the cupcakes.
Finish by topping each frosted cupcake with a chocolate-covered strawberry.

baked chocolate cupcakes on a cooling rack

chocolate cupcakes with strawberry frosting

chocolate cupcakes with strawberry frosting and a Chocolate Covered Strawberry

More Chocolate Cake Recipes

If you don’t want to use a straight box mix recipe for the chocolate cupcake base, you can use one of these alternate recipes. Both work great for cupcakes:

Chocolate Covered Strawberry cupcakes on a wire rack

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store finished Chocolate-covered Strawberry Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the fresh strawberries. They’re best enjoyed within 1–2 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.

You can bake the cupcakes and dip the strawberries a day ahead, then frost and assemble the day of serving by adding the fresh strawberry.

Customization Ideas

Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter.
Try white chocolate or pink candy melts for dipping the strawberries, or drizzle them with contrasting chocolate. Dark chocolate would be delicious as well.
For extra indulgence, fill the cupcakes with chocolate ganache or extra strawberry frosting before decorating.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While these cupcakes are ideal for Valentine’s Day, they’re also perfect for Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or anytime you want an elegant dessert.

The combination of moist chocolate cupcakes, creamy strawberry frosting, and fresh chocolate-covered strawberries makes them a favorite every time. Grab a glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee and you’ve got a delicious dessert.

More Strawberry Recipes