These cupcakes are the perfect harmony of rich chocolate, velvety frosting, and fresh fruit. Topped with glossy chocolate ganache, swirls of buttercream, colorful sprinkles, and fresh strawberries, they are as stunning to look at as they are indulgent to eat.

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Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk

• ½ cup (120 ml) hot coffee (or hot water)

For the Chocolate Ganache

• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

• 150 g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted

• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: food coloring (yellow, pink, or your choice)

For Decoration

• Fresh strawberries

• Sprinkles or chocolate pearls

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.

5. Stir in hot coffee carefully. Batter will be thin but rich.

6. Divide into liners (about ⅔ full) and bake 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.

2. Make the Ganache

1. Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate.

2. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until silky. Cool slightly before pouring.

3. Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat butter until creamy.

2. Add powdered sugar gradually.

3. Mix in cream and vanilla.

4. Divide frosting and tint with food coloring if desired.

4. Assemble

1. Drizzle cooled cupcakes with chocolate ganache.

2. Pipe swirls of buttercream on top.

3. Decorate with sprinkles.

4. Finish with a fresh strawberry on each cupcake.

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Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or elegant dessert tables. Serve chilled for a firm ganache finish, or at room temperature for a luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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✨ Pro Tip: Add a hidden strawberry or chocolate truffle inside each cupcake before frosting for a delightful surprise.