Chocolate & Strawberry Cupcakes

Are you getting tired of my Valentine food posts yet? LOL

I just couldn't help my self, I've been inspired to make so many things this year, that's why I had to spread them all out and start early.

I have found so much inspiration on Flickr, it's amazing! So many bakers share their amazing edible creations. Seriously, search cupcakes on Flickr......and tell me you're not inspired to make some cupcakes!

I knew weeks ago just the cupcakes I wanted to make for Valentines Day.......

If you want to make your Sweetheart a cupcake
that is going to knock them off their feet

........this is it!

Chocolate Fudge Cupcake

1 Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix

3 Large Eggs

1/2 cup melted butter (butter not margarine)

1 cup water

Preheat oven to 350

Mix on low until blended, then mix on high for 2 mins.

Pour into paper lined cupcake pans. Bake for 20 min.

Strawberry Whipped Cream (filling)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

5-6 T. chopped/processed strawberries

Chop strawberries in blender (I used my Magic Bullet) just until they look thick and "liquidy". I used really large strawberries and it took 4 to make 5-6 Tablespoons.

Beat whipping cream, and vanilla until it starts to thicken.

Mix in sugar.

Fold in strawberries.

***WARNING - this stuff is DELICIOUS - so I advise you NOT to taste any until AFTER you've finished with your cupcakes.....otherwise you may not have any left for the cupcakes!

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting (from Glorious Treats)

½ cup butter, at room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup unsweetened cocoa
4 cups powdered confectioners sugar
1-4 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions:
*Place butter in a large mixing bowl and blend slightly. Add cream cheese and blend until combined, about 30 seconds.
*Add the cocoa powder( before adding the sugar, so it gets fully incorporated into the butter and cream cheese.)
*Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar and blend on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat until it begins to get fluffy.
*Slowly add the heavy cream, a little bit at a time until desired consistency is met. (Don't add too much if you want the frosting to stay in place when piped on cupcakes.)
*Beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.
*Use at once or keep refrigerated. (This frosting will keep well in the refrigerator for several days, but you may need to re-beat it for the best texture.)

Directions for Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes with Strawberries & Cream filling topped with Chocolate Frosting

1. Bake cupcakes and cool completely
2. Cut out a small section in the center of the cupcake (save in bowl)
3. add strawberry whipped cream to the hole
4. replace the tops (just do the best you can - or you could just leave them off)
5. pipe chocolate frosting on top of cupcake with 1M tip.

I also did some cupcakes the reverse.......I filled the cupcakes with the Chocolate Frosting and topped with the Strawberry Whipped Cream
(Printable version of recipe)

Doesn't this just say ...................

Bite me?

So what are your Valentines Day plans?

Do you go out? Do make a special treat or dinner?

I'm sharing this recipe at Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam Mouth Watering Mondays and Tuesdays at the Table, Cupcake Tuesday, and Foodie Friday Make Ahead Meals (Cake Theme) recipe exchanges, and Kimba's DIY Day.