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These Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes with Mascarpone Frosting are rich, moist, and bursting with flavor. A decadent chocolate cupcake is sweetened with strawberry preserves for a fruity twist, then topped with a light, creamy mascarpone frosting that makes each bite irresistible.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe blends two classic flavors—chocolate and strawberry—into a delightful handheld dessert. The addition of mascarpone frosting gives the cupcakes a luxurious, bakery-quality finish without being overly sweet. They’re perfect for celebrations, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anytime you want to impress with a simple yet elegant treat.

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes with Mascarpone Frosting

Cupcakes have a special way of turning any occasion into a celebration. These Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes elevate the classic chocolate cupcake by adding strawberry preserves directly into the batter, creating a moist crumb with a fruity undertone that balances beautifully with the rich chocolate. The result is a dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshing.

What makes these cupcakes stand out is their combination of textures and flavors. The cupcake itself is tender and airy, thanks to the melted chocolate and butter base. The addition of strawberry preserves not only enhances the moisture but also creates a subtle tartness that cuts through the richness. This keeps the cupcakes from being overwhelming and gives them a light, flavorful balance.

The mascarpone frosting is another star of this recipe. Unlike traditional buttercream, mascarpone frosting is creamy, smooth, and lightly tangy. It complements the chocolate and strawberry without overpowering them, adding sophistication to the overall flavor profile. The result is a cupcake that tastes both rich and refined.

These cupcakes are versatile enough to suit many occasions. Their elegant look makes them perfect for weddings, showers, or holiday dessert tables, while their playful chocolate-strawberry flavor appeals to kids and adults alike. They also work beautifully as gifts, especially when topped with fresh strawberries or a dusting of grated chocolate.

Baking these cupcakes doesn’t require advanced skills, making them accessible even for beginners. The batter comes together quickly, and the frosting whips up in just minutes. Despite the simple preparation, the finished product looks like something straight from a high-end bakery.

What’s particularly appealing about this recipe is the balance between indulgence and freshness. While the chocolate base satisfies deep dessert cravings, the strawberry preserves and mascarpone frosting lighten things up, making these cupcakes feel less heavy than typical chocolate desserts. This harmony makes them enjoyable for a wide range of palates.

These cupcakes also invite customization. You can experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry, or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted tops for an extra decadent finish. For a festive touch, top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry or even a chocolate-dipped berry.

One of the best things about these cupcakes is how well they hold up. The mascarpone frosting stays creamy without hardening too quickly, and the cupcakes remain moist for several days when stored properly. This makes them ideal for preparing ahead of time for gatherings.

Serving them chilled highlights the creaminess of the frosting, while room temperature serving enhances the cupcake’s moist, tender crumb. Either way, they’re delicious and impressive.

Ultimately, these Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes with Mascarpone Frosting are the kind of dessert that makes people smile. They’re elegant yet approachable, combining classic flavors in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for special occasions and everyday indulgence.

Servings

Makes 18 cupcakes

Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

• 4 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced
• 2/3 cup strawberry preserves
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

Mascarpone Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line 18 cupcake cups with paper liners.
2. In a microwavable bowl, melt chocolate and butter in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. Stir in strawberry preserves and granulated sugar until well combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
5. Gently fold in flour until just combined.
6. Scoop batter into liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 16–18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
8. For frosting: beat butter and mascarpone until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
9. Beat in vanilla extract until frosting is fluffy.
10. Transfer frosting to piping bag and decorate cupcakes. Top with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings if desired.

Tips

• Chill the chocolate-butter mixture slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling.
• Use high-quality preserves for the best strawberry flavor.
• Frost only when cupcakes are completely cooled to prevent melting.
• Refrigerate frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For extra elegance, drizzle with melted dark chocolate before serving.