Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Here's one from my archives... I made these cupcakes a while ago, but they'd make a perfect Valentine's Day dessert. I just drizzled the strawberries with chocolate, but you could top them with a chocolate covered strawberry if you like. I'll share some tips soon for making chocolate covered strawberries.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

12 chocolate cupcakes, baked

1 stick butter at room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon heavy cream

1 cup strawberry puree (from frozen or fresh strawberries)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

12 ripe strawberries

1/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)

Prepare your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe.

Make the strawberry filling... combine strawberry puree, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a small pot and bring to a boil. The mixture should thicken up slightly. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool.

Make the frosting... in a large bowl, beat butter and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix. Add cream and whip until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). If the frosting is too stiff, add more cream a teaspoon at a time.

Fill the cupcakes... you can use a pastry bag fitted with a filling tip and filled with the strawberry filling, gently press the pointed tip into the cupcake and squeeze the filling in as you pull the tip out. Or you can cut a small amount of the cupcake from the center and use a spoon to fill with some of the strawberry filling.

Top the filled cupcakes with the frosting using a pastry bag or using a small spatula.

Gently place a strawberry on top of the frosted cupcake.

Melt the chocolate in a plastic ziploc bag in the microwave for 30 seconds. Remove the bag and knead gently. If the chocolate is not melted yet, return to the microwave for 30 more seconds. Knead again. Continue this process until the chocolate is melted. Carefully cut a small hole in one corner of the bag. Gently squeeze the chocolate down to the corner of the bag that has the hole. Drizzle some of the chocolate over each strawberry.

Enjoy!