Brownie Cupcakes Recipe with Strawberry Frosting + Video

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Brownie Cupcakes are the perfect combination of two classic desserts, bringing together the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the cute and convenient form of cupcakes. They’re not only easy to make with simple ingredients, but also a decadent treat perfect for a party or even just an indulgent night at home. 

chocolate covered strawberry on top of brownie cupcakes


 

If you’ve ever wished for a way to combine your love for homemade brownies and cupcakes, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for!

You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to whip up a batch of these scrumptious treats, using just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Plus, there’s a variety of ways to customize them to suit your taste buds – whether you prefer them plain and chocolatey, or loaded with decadent add-ins like caramel, nuts, or candies.

brownie cupcake ingredients in a mixing bowl

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes

If you are a chocolate lover, you’ve just found your perfect treat! Let’s dive into reasons why you’ll be excited to make and enjoy these scrumptious brownie cupcakes:

  • Amazing flavors: Imagine the combination of a rich, fudgy brownie melding with the light, fluffy texture of a cupcake – that’s precisely what you get with brownie cupcakes!

    The end result of this brownie recipe is an extraordinary dessert experience that balances both flavors and textures in one delightful bite.

    Make sure to try different recipes to discover various flavor combinations that suit you.
  • Versatile and customizable: Brownie cupcakes are so versatile, opening up a world of creative options for you to explore.

    You can add your favorite fillings, frosting, or toppings to make them uniquely your own.

So go ahead, indulge your sweet tooth and give these amazing brownie cupcakes a try!

Remember to have fun in the kitchen and share your delicious creations with friends and family.

mixing brownie cupcakes batter

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Ingredients should be at room temperature, including the eggs. It makes it easier to combine the ingredients, and it helps create more height in the brownie cupcakes.
  • Don’t skip the salt, it enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Vanilla extract adds great depth and flavor to these cupcakes. I use a high quality pure vanilla extract.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – use your favorite, but the end result will be better with the better quality ingredients.
  • Strawberries– For the strawberry buttercream frosting, I am a HUGE fan of using freeze-dried strawberries.

    Since they are dried, you can grind them into a powder and they won’t add extra moisture to the frosting.

    Also, they add the most beautiful, natural pink color. The frosting will taste like it’s made with fresh strawberries.

    If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can use strawberry puree or strawberry jam.

    I prefer jam, as it’s easier to work with.  However, you’ll need to use extra powdered sugar to create a thicker, creamy consistency in the frosting.
scoop full of brownie muffin batter

Equipment Needed

It’s time to make some delicious brownie cupcakes! Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the equipment you need to make this baking process a breeze.

Here’s a list of the essentials:

  • Muffin pan/cupcake form: Choose a regular-sized muffin pan to create perfectly-sized brownie cupcakes.
  • Paper liners: Line your muffin tin with paper cupcake liners for easy removal and minimal mess.
  • Mixing bowls: You’ll need a large bowl and a medium heatproof bowl for your mix your brownie batter and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Incorporate your ingredients smoothly for that perfect brownie texture.
  • Ice cream scoop or tablespoon: Fill your muffin cups with the perfect amount of brownie batter with a scoop or spoon batter into cups.
  • Wire rack: Let your brownie cupcakes cool down evenly and quickly before enjoying.
  • Piping bag and piping tip for beautifully decorated cupcakes. You can also use a ziploc bag with the corner cut off.

With these tools ready, you can tackle this recipe confidently and create irresistible brownie cupcakes for you and your loved ones to enjoy! Happy baking!

brownie batter in muffin pan

Brownie Cupcake Recipe Notes

  • These are not fluffy cupcakes. The consistency of the cupcakes is not cakey like you might expect with traditional chocolate cupcakes.

    They are more like a dense brownie, which makes them rich and indulgent. In the world of chocolate desserts, our strawberry brownie cupcakes are a decadent Valentine’s Day dessert! 

    For a moist, cakey texture, add 1/3 cup of oil OR 1 extra egg to the wet ingredients.
  • Be careful not to overbake the cupcakes. Each oven is different but checking at the 15-minute mark is key to see how much more they need to be kept in the oven.

    Keep in mind that the last few minutes of baking time is crucial, so if the cupcakes aren’t quite finished baking, check back every two minutes.

    To check the doneness of the brownie cupcakes, insert a toothpick into the center.

    Perfectly cooked the toothpick will come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect fudgy brownie center.
piping icing on brownie cupcakes

Innovative Flavor Twists

  1. Java Jolt: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee beans into the brownie mix to create a delightful coffee-infused chocolate treat worthy of any coffee lover!

    You can also sprinkle some coffee granules on top before baking to add an extra burst of flavor. 
  2. Sweet ‘n’ Spicy: Turn up the heat in your brownie cupcakes with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon.

    This spicy fun spin on brownie cupcakes can create a delicious contrast to the richness of the chocolate, leaving your taste buds begging for more.
  3. Nuts for Nutty: Love a good crunch? Add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the chocolate mixture.

    Not only will this add a delightful texture to your brownie cupcakes, but it also brings an earthy, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.

    You could also use peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips. Or take it up a notch with mixed in peanut butter cups.
  4. Chocolate lover: Use a chocolate frosting or rich chocolate ganache frosting and drizzle with melted chocolate kick up the cocoa power in these these chocolate brownie cupcakes.

    Try topping the hot cupcakes with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for  s’mores brownie cupcakes.

Storage Instructions

Place your cooled cupcakes in an airtight container and keep the container at room temperature. This way, your cupcakes will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.

You can freeze for 3 months by wrapping each cupcake in plastic wrap and storing in a gallon ziptop bag. 

placing a chocolate dipped strawberry in the middle of a cupcake

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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strawberry brownie cupcake close up

Other Strawberry Desserts

chocolate dipped strawberry on brownie cupcake

Strawberry Brownie Cupcakes + Video

Donna Elick
Our Brownie Cupcakes are a true Valentine’s treat, with strawberry buttercream and dipped strawberries. It’s an easy brownie cupcake recipe!
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Method Oven
Servings 12

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 stick
  • 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or grated
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Strawberry Frosting

  • 1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup shortening, room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

  • 7 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Set the oven rack in the middle of the oven.
    Line a regular 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
  • Add butter and chocolate to a microwave safe bowl and melt in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, either using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat eggs and sugar to combine. Add vanilla extract and sour cream, and whisk on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Add melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  • With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the flour mixture, about ¼ cup at a time. Only mix until the flour is just combined, then turn off the mixer to avoid overmixing.
    The batter should be thick and shiny.
  • Fill 12 cupcake liners ⅔ of the way full with batter.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes; (some ovens may take 20 minutes). At the 15-minute mark, check the cupcakes for doneness. The center of the cupcake should spring back up when gently pressed.

Make the Frosting

  • Add freeze dried strawberries to a food processor and pulse into a powder.
  • To the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter and shortening . Starting on low speed, then gradually increasing the speed to medium-high, cream butter and shortening until fluffy and pale yellow in color.
  • Turn the mixer off and add in strawberry powder; beat on medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds.
  • Turn mixer on to the lowest speed. 1 cup at a time, add in confectioners sugar to incorporate. Once incorporated, mix on high speed for 1-2 minutes.
    If the mixture is too thick add 1 tablespoon of whole milk at a time. If the mixture is too runny, add more confectioners sugar, ½ cup at a time. The frosting should be soft and creamy and hold its shape.
  • Using either an offset spatula or a piping bag fitted with a tip of your choice, frost the cupcakes.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

  • Place 7 ounces chocolate in a microwaveable bowl. Melt chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment, until fully melted.
    Stir in light corn syrup.
  • Dip each strawberry into the cooled chocolate and place on top of each frosted cupcake.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 745cal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 212mg | Sugar: 82g | Fiber: 7g | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 9mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
strawberry brownie cupcakes -pin

Originally published February 2018, updated and republished January 2023

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