Valentines Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chocolate Cupcakes

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g), spooned & leveled
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder (42g)
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80ml)
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
08 - 1 large egg, at room temperature
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 cup buttermilk (120ml), at room temperature
11 - 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water (120ml)

→ Strawberry Buttercream Filling

12 - 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (12-13g)
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), softened
14 - 2 cups confectioners' sugar (240g), sifted
15 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream (30ml)
16 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
17 - pinch of salt

→ Chocolate Ganache

18 - 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (170g), finely chopped
19 - 2/3 cup heavy cream (160ml)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and a second pan with 3 liners.
02 - Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, combine oil, sugar, egg, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix wet into dry ingredients, add hot coffee/water, and whisk until smooth.
03 - Fill liners 2/3 full. Bake 20-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely and chill 20-30 minutes if needed.
04 - Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate, let sit 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Refrigerate 30 minutes to thicken.
05 - Process freeze-dried strawberries into powder. Beat butter, then mix in sugar, strawberry powder, cream, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
06 - Cut centers from cupcakes, fill with strawberry buttercream, and replace top portions. Spread thick layer of ganache on top.
07 - Optional: top with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles. Serve immediately or store covered.

# Notes:

01 - Hot coffee enhances chocolate flavor without making cupcakes taste like coffee
02 - Only use freeze-dried strawberries for the filling, not fresh or frozen
03 - Components can be made 1 day ahead and assembled day of serving

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