Chocolate Strawberry Jam Cupcakes

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: Chocolate Strawberry Jam Cupcakes! These little gems are like a hug in dessert form. Soft, rich chocolate cupcakes filled with a sweet burst of strawberry jam and topped with fluffy strawberry buttercream — I mean, what’s not to love? They’ve become my go-to for birthdays, potlucks, and even cozy weekends at home. The first time I made them, I was blown away by how simple yet impressive they are. Every bite is a delightful blend of chocolate and strawberry that just screams spring and summer, but honestly, they’re perfect all year round!

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to your face. Trust me, the combination of flavors is simply magical, and once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! So let’s dive in and get baking!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Strawberry Jam Cupcakes

Oh wow, where do I even start? First off, the flavor combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberry jam is simply heavenly! It’s like a party in your mouth — seriously, it’s so good that you might just find yourself sneaking a second (or third) cupcake when no one’s looking. Plus, the strawberry buttercream on top? It’s like the cherry on top of an already perfect sundae!

What I love most is how easy these cupcakes are to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes you feel like a rock star. And let’s not forget about the stunning visual appeal; those bright pink swirls of buttercream against the dark chocolate are just gorgeous! They’re perfect for any occasion — from fancy gatherings to casual family dinners, everyone will be oohing and aahing over these beauties. Trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll want to make sure everything is fresh and ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need for these scrumptious Chocolate Strawberry Jam Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (the better the cocoa, the richer the flavor!)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (don’t skip this — it enhances all the flavors!)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil (feel free to use your favorite oil here)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (this helps with even mixing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because vanilla makes everything better!)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature (this adds moisture and richness)
• 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water (trust me, it intensifies the chocolate flavor!)
• 3/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves (I prefer seedless for a smoother filling)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice (this really brightens up the strawberry flavor)

For the buttercream frosting, you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy)
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (this gives it that fluffy texture)
• 1/4 cup thick strawberry puree or strawberry jam (for that gorgeous pink color and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine salt
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream as needed (to reach the desired consistency)
• Fresh whole strawberries, hulled and dried (for that beautiful garnish!)
• Optional: chocolate drizzle or shaved chocolate (because who doesn’t love a little extra chocolate?)

Now that you have everything ready, you’re one step closer to cupcake heaven!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Batter

Let’s get things rolling! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake pan with your favorite liners. This is where the magic begins! In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and fine salt. I like to whisk them together to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

In another bowl, grab a whisk and combine your wet ingredients: the vegetable oil, room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and hot coffee or water. This is where the cupcakes start to come alive! Make sure everything is mixed well, and then slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the batter until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are totally fine! You want a nice, smooth batter that’s ready to be transformed into cupcakes!

Baking the Cupcakes

Now, let’s fill those cupcake liners! Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to fill each liner halfway with the batter. This helps ensure they rise perfectly without overflowing. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be simply divine! Once they’re baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Filling with Strawberry Jam

Once your cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part! Using a sharp knife or a cupcake corer (if you have one), carefully remove a small section from the center of each cupcake. You’re aiming for a little well to hold that delicious strawberry jam! Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; we’ll cover it up later! Now, fill each well with the strawberry jam, using about a tablespoon per cupcake. You can adjust the amount according to your taste — the more, the merrier!

Making Strawberry Buttercream

Alright, let’s whip up that fluffy strawberry buttercream! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once it’s all incorporated, add the thick strawberry puree or jam, vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine salt. Beat it until it’s light and fluffy! If your buttercream is too thick, you can add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be spreadable but still hold its shape beautifully!

Frosting and Garnishing

Now for the grand finale! Grab a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip (or just use a knife if you prefer a rustic look) and frost each cupcake generously with that luscious strawberry buttercream. You can swirl it, pipe it high, or spread it on — whatever makes your heart sing! To finish, garnish each cupcake with a fresh whole strawberry on top and, if you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle some melted chocolate or sprinkle shaved chocolate over them. They’re now ready to dazzle your friends and family!

Variations

One of the best things about these Chocolate Strawberry Jam Cupcakes is how versatile they are! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch up the jam? Raspberry or cherry jam can give a delightful twist to the flavor profile — both are equally delicious! You could also try using a rich chocolate ganache instead of strawberry jam for an intense chocolate experience. Yum!

When it comes to frosting, the options are endless! Consider a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast, or even a peanut butter frosting for a fun twist. You could also add a bit of orange zest to the buttercream for a bright citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Whatever you choose, these cupcakes can be easily adapted to suit your taste or the occasion!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Chocolate Strawberry Jam Cupcakes, the presentation is key! These cupcakes are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a birthday party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in. Serve them on a beautiful platter, and don’t forget to garnish with extra strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra wow factor!

As for storage, you’ll want to keep these little delights fresh for as long as possible. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last up to a week. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving — that way, the frosting will soften and be perfectly creamy again. You can also freeze the un-frosted cupcakes for up to 3 months; just thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge!

Helpful Notes

Here are a few handy tips to help you master these Chocolate Strawberry Jam Cupcakes! First, using room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, really helps achieve a smooth batter and a light texture. If you’re out of buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice — it works like a charm!

For a lighter cupcake, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you want to make these cupcakes dairy-free, simply swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or coconut milk in place of buttermilk. And don’t forget, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the buttercream to your liking by adding more or less powdered sugar. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of jam instead of strawberry?

Absolutely! While strawberry is a classic pairing with chocolate, feel free to experiment with raspberry, cherry, or even blueberry jam. Each will lend a unique flavor to your cupcakes!

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a perfect stand-in!

3. How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving again!

4. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes! You can freeze the un-frosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!

5. How can I make the buttercream less sweet?

If you find the buttercream too sweet for your liking, try adding a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors. You can also reduce the amount of powdered sugar for a less sweet frosting!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: Chocolate Strawberry Jam Cupcakes that are as delightful to make as they are to eat! With their rich chocolate flavor, luscious strawberry filling, and fluffy buttercream, these cupcakes are bound to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, you’ll feel like a baking superstar in no time. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cupcakes are sure to bring joy to your day.

I can’t wait for you to try making them! So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delicious cupcake adventure. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be dreaming of these cupcakes long after they’re gone!

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