If you’re looking for a treat that’s equal parts decadent and fresh, you have to try Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes. They combine moist, chocolatey cupcakes with a fluffy strawberry mousse center and a silky ganache cap—then a crown of heart-shaped strawberries for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or treating yourself on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, these cupcakes are impossible to resist and entirely unforgettable!

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the secret weapon with Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the deep cocoa flavor in the cupcake base to the billowy mousse and luscious ganache. Here’s everything you’ll need, along with why it matters:

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cupcake, giving them just the right structure and softness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the intensity of the cocoa and brightens the strawberry flavor.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich, chocolatey depth that pairs perfectly with the strawberry mousse.
Baking powder: Ensures your cupcakes rise into beautifully domed tops.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for a tender, airy crumb.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors, making the chocolate pop.
Large egg: Binds everything together for moist, fluffy cupcakes.
Buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar): Adds tang and moisture; the acidity helps create a tender cake.
Vegetable oil: Gives these cupcakes a luxuriously soft texture and keeps them moist for days.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a gentle warmth that complements both the chocolate and strawberry.
Hot water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and thinning the batter for lightness.
Heavy cream (chilled): Whips into a luscious mousse filling that’s airy but decadent.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the mousse so it’s cloud-like, not runny.
Fresh strawberries, puréed: Delivers that burst of real fruit flavor in every bite of mousse.
Unflavored gelatin (optional): For mousse stability, especially if making ahead or transporting.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into a silky, slightly bittersweet ganache that caps everything beautifully.
Fresh heavy cream: Gives the ganache its shine and creamy finish.
Fresh strawberries, sliced into hearts: The final, adorable garnish—totally irresistible and perfect for any celebration.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cupcakes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake pan with papers. Whisk together your flour, sugar, cocoa, leavening, and salt in one bowl. Next, add the egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, mixing until everything is smooth—don’t worry if the batter is a bit thin! Stir in the hot water; this will make your cupcakes ultra-moist. Fill your liners about two-thirds full, then bake for 18 to 20 minutes until they’re springy and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely because a hot cupcake and mousse are not friends!

Step 2: Whip Up the Strawberry Mousse Filling

While those chocolate cupcakes cool, make the strawberry mousse. Whip the chilled heavy cream and powdered sugar together until you get soft peaks. Fold in your puréed strawberries for that gorgeous blush-pink hue and punchy fruit flavor. If you want some extra insurance against runny mousse—especially if these will sit out—dissolve gelatin in a bit of hot water and fold that in too. Chill the mousse until it firms up a bit; this makes filling your cupcakes easier and tidier.

Step 3: Fill the Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes are at room temperature, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each one (just don’t go all the way to the bottom). Spoon or pipe the chilled strawberry mousse into each well—you can’t overfill here, trust me. Pop the cupcake tops back on if you like, or leave them open for even more mousse-to-cupcake ratio.

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache Topping

For that glossy, chocolatey finish, heat heavy cream until it’s just steaming (not boiling!) and pour it over your chocolate chips. Let it sit to gently melt, then stir until you have a shiny, smooth ganache. Let it cool briefly so it thickens just a bit, which helps it stay put atop the cupcakes.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Spoon or drizzle ganache generously over each mousse-filled cupcake. While the ganache is still soft, nestle a heart-shaped strawberry slice right in the center. Not only does this look enchanting, it gives away the berry surprise hiding inside! Chill until set, or enjoy slightly warm for an extra gooey treat.

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes

Garnishes

The crowning touch for these Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes is a fresh, strawberry heart perched on top. If you want to add even more flair, consider a dusting of cocoa, a sprig of mint, or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate. Edible gold leaf or chocolate curls can make them festively fancy, especially for holidays or birthdays!

Side Dishes

Since these cupcakes are rich and fruity, pair them with something light and refreshing. A bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a citrusy salad will balance the chocolate’s intensity. For a fun party vibe, serve alongside sparkling lemonade or berry-infused iced tea—something that highlights the strawberry magic inside.

Creative Ways to Present

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes can be dressed up for any occasion! Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a shower or brunch, or package them individually in clear cupcake boxes as sweet party favors or edible gifts. For a romantic touch, serve on elegant plates with extra berry sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re as suited for a fancy event as they are for a casual backyard picnic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve assembled your Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, moist, and delicious for up to three days. If you’ve used gelatin in the mousse, you can rest easy that everything will hold together beautifully even after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to get a jump on baking, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to two months—just wrap them tightly. The mousse and ganache are best made fresh, but leftovers of fully assembled cupcakes can be frozen too. Just thaw in the fridge (not at room temperature), and enjoy within a day for best texture.

Reheating

These cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you need to take the chill off after storing in the fridge, let them sit out for about 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the mousse and ganache, altering the texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the mousse?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen strawberries completely and drain any excess liquid before puréeing. This keeps your mousse from getting watery while still delivering that fresh strawberry punch.

What if I don’t have gelatin?

No worries. The mousse will be a bit softer but still delicious. Just keep the filled cupcakes chilled until ready to eat for the best texture.

How do I make the cupcakes gluten-free?

You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the structure of regular cupcakes.

Can I make mini Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes?

Yes! Just divide the batter among mini cupcake liners (fill them half full) and reduce baking time to about 10–12 minutes. You’ll have adorable little bites bursting with flavor.

Is it possible to prepare the mousse ahead of time?

Definitely. You can whip up the mousse and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before filling the cupcakes. If using gelatin, it will hold its structure even longer, perfect for planning ahead.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many smiles these Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes have brought to my table—they’re irresistible and guaranteed to make any day feel special. Go ahead, treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to this chocolate-berry magic. I promise: one bite and you’ll find every excuse to make them again and again.

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cupcakes Recipe