Brownie cupcakes are a delightful twist on two beloved desserts: brownies and cupcakes. When you combine these two, you create a fudgy, rich treat topped with light and creamy strawberry frosting. Trust us, this recipe is going to become a favorite for everyone who tries it!
Why Make This Recipe
Why not indulge in a chocolate-y treat that not only pleases your taste buds but also satisfies your sweet cravings? Brownie cupcakes with strawberry frosting offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. They’re soft, decadent, and the vibrant strawberry frosting just takes them to a whole new level. Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual get-together, or simply just because you can, these brownie cupcakes are ideal for any occasion. You’ll be the star of the show when you serve these treats!
Recipe Overview
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 22 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
How to Make Brownie Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting
Let’s dive into making these gorgeous brownie cupcakes topped with luscious strawberry frosting!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly.
- Prepare the cupcake pan: Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. This step makes for easy cleanup and adds a fun touch to your cupcakes.
- Melt butter and sugar: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter along with the granulated sugar over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk in the eggs: Take your slightly cooled butter-sugar mixture and whisk in the eggs, one at a time. This step adds richness to your batter. Make sure to incorporate each egg completely before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This is your dry mixture.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make your brownies tough.
- Fill cupcake liners: Using a scoop or spoon, fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with the brownie batter. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise.
- Bake: Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes: Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the strawberry frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Begin by pureeing the fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth.
- Cream the butter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.
- Add strawberry puree: Finally, add the strawberry puree to the frosting and mix until well combined and creamy.
- Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the strawberry frosting using a spatula or piping bag.
How to Serve that Recipe
These beautiful brownie cupcakes are perfect as a sweet treat after meals or as a stand-alone dessert. Serve them on a decorative plate, and be sure to garnish with extra strawberry slices for that extra touch. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
How to Store
To keep your brownie cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving, as brownies are best enjoyed slightly warmed.
Tips to Make Brownie Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps in blending smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Don’t Overmix: Be cautious not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for the frosting. Frozen strawberries can be too watery and may not provide the texture you want.
- Experiment with Ganache: For an extra chocolatey touch, consider drizzling some chocolate ganache over the top before adding the frosting.
Variation
Feel free to switch up the frosting! You can use vanilla buttercream instead of strawberry if you prefer a simpler flavor. You could also fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the brownie batter for added texture.
Tips for Success
- Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Let the melted butter and sugar mixture cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs during mixing.
- Use a toothpick to test the cupcakes for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
How Many Servings
This recipe yields approximately 12 delicious brownie cupcakes, perfect for sharing with family or friends!
Calories and Nutrition Facts Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Fats: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
Health Benefits of Brownie Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting
While brownie cupcakes are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation, they do offer some benefits. The strawberries in the frosting provide vitamin C, which is good for your immune system. The cupcakes are a delightful way to enjoy a sweet indulgence while still incorporating some fruit into your diet.
Is It Good for People Over 60 Years Old?
Yes! Brownie cupcakes with strawberry frosting can be enjoyed by people over 60. They provide a delicious sweet treat but should still be eaten in moderation, especially for those with dietary restrictions regarding sugar and fat.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fruit for the frosting?
Absolutely! You can use raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches to make a different fruity frosting.
2. What can I do if I don’t have cupcake liners?
If you don’t have cupcake liners, you can simply grease the cupcake pan well and pour the batter directly into the pan.
3. Can I freeze these brownie cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Make sure they are fully cooled, then wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Brownie cupcakes with strawberry frosting are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. With soft, chocolate-y cupcakes and a tangy, sweet frosting, these delights are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these amazing cupcakes! You won’t regret it!
