Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Filling

BY

February 5, 2026

Chocolate cupcakes with strawberry buttercream filling bring together deep cocoa flavor and a soft, fruity center. I make these when I want something comforting yet fun to share. The cupcakes bake up tender, and the strawberry buttercream adds a bright contrast that feels just right for parties, birthdays, or a quiet weekend bake.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor without bitterness
  • Creamy strawberry buttercream filling
  • Simple ingredients you already know
  • Easy method for home kitchens
  • Perfect for make-ahead desserts

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep: 20 minutes
  • Cook: 18 minutes
  • Total: 38 minutes

Ingredients

Chocolate Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Strawberry Buttercream Filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup strawberry puree (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Swap: Use dairy-free butter and plant milk if needed.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan.
  2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Stir in milk, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Divide batter evenly and bake 16–18 minutes. Cool fully.
  5. Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla.
  6. Core each cupcake and fill with strawberry buttercream filling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fresh strawberries, a glass of cold milk, or hot coffee. Arrange on a white platter so the chocolate color stands out.

Quick Tips or Variations

  • Chill the filling slightly for cleaner piping.
  • Add mini chocolate chips to the batter.
  • Use raspberry puree for a twist.

FAQs

How do you fill chocolate cupcakes with strawberry buttercream?

Use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove the center, then pipe the filling inside.

Can I use fresh strawberries in strawberry buttercream filling?

Yes. Blend them into a smooth puree and strain for best texture.

How do you keep filled cupcakes from getting soggy?

Fill them after cooling and store them chilled in an airtight container.

Can chocolate cupcakes with strawberry buttercream be made ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cupcakes a day early and fill them before serving.

Conclusion

Chocolate cupcakes with strawberry buttercream filling feel special without being complicated. They suit gatherings or simple treats at home. Bake a batch, share them, and enjoy every bite.

Print
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Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Filling


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Description

Chocolate cupcakes with strawberry buttercream filling made from scratch. Soft chocolate crumb with a creamy strawberry center.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup milk

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1½ cups powdered sugar

¼ cup strawberry puree

½ tsp vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan

2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl

3. Add wet ingredients and stir until smooth

4. Bake cupcakes and cool completely

5. Beat butter, sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla

6. Core cupcakes and fill with buttercream

Notes

Let cupcakes cool fully before filling for best texture

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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