Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes with Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Rich, indulgent, and irresistibly decadent, these Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes take dessert to the next level. Moist chocolate cupcakes are filled with silky, airy chocolate mousse and topped with a luscious whipped strawberry cream cheese frosting—a perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and fruity freshness.

Whether you’re making these for a birthday, a romantic evening, or simply as a treat for yourself, they are sure to impress. The combination of smooth mousse and tangy-sweet strawberry frosting makes each bite a dreamy delight. Plus, these cupcakes are easier to make than they look, making them a show-stopping dessert that anyone can master!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¼ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder	½ cup
Baking powder	1 tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Eggs	2 large
Whole milk	½ cup
Vegetable oil	⅓ cup
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Hot coffee (or hot water)	½ cup

For the Chocolate Mousse Filling

Ingredient	Quantity
Heavy cream	1 cup
Dark chocolate (chopped)	4 oz (about ½ cup)
Powdered sugar	2 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

For the Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese (softened)	8 oz (1 block)
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (1 stick)
Fresh strawberries (pureed)	½ cup
Powdered sugar	3 cups
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Heavy cream (optional, for fluffiness)	2 tbsp

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin and cupcake liners – for baking the cupcakes evenly.
• Mixing bowls – for preparing the batter, mousse, and frosting.
• Electric mixer – for beating the frosting and mousse to perfection.
• Piping bag with round and star tips – for filling and decorating.
• Sharp knife or cupcake corer – to make space for the mousse filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugars, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
5. Pour in the hot coffee (or water) and mix until the batter is smooth. It will be thin, but that’s normal!
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding the mousse filling.

2. Prepare the Chocolate Mousse Filling

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let sit for a minute. Stir until smooth.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly, then whip it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
4. Transfer to a piping bag and set aside.

3. Fill the Cupcakes with Mousse

1. Use a cupcake corer or a small knife to remove the center of each cupcake.
2. Pipe the chocolate mousse filling into the holes, ensuring each cupcake is generously filled.

4. Make the Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the pureed strawberries, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy.
3. If needed, add 2 tbsp of heavy cream for a silkier texture.
4. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

5. Frost and Decorate

1. Pipe a generous swirl of strawberry cream cheese frosting onto each filled cupcake.
2. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or chocolate shavings for extra elegance.

Tips and Variations

• For an extra moist cupcake, substitute buttermilk for regular milk.
• No fresh strawberries? Use freeze-dried strawberry powder (about 2 tbsp) for a stronger berry flavor.
• Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Vary the mousse filling—swap dark chocolate for white or milk chocolate for a different twist.
• For extra chocolate indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are perfect for:

• Birthdays and celebrations – their elegant look makes them ideal for parties.
• Romantic desserts – the strawberry-chocolate combo is perfect for Valentine’s Day.
• Afternoon tea or coffee – enjoy one with a hot cup of espresso.
• Brunch spreads – serve alongside fresh fruit and mimosas for a gourmet touch.

For an extra flourish, serve them on a white dessert platter with chocolate curls and strawberry halves as decoration.

Pairings

• Drink Pairings: A rich espresso, a glass of rosé wine, or even a chilled strawberry milkshake complements the flavors beautifully.
• Chocolate Lovers: Try with a hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
• For Adults: A dark rum or red dessert wine enhances the deep cocoa notes.

Storage and Reheating

• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If unfrosted, they can be frozen for up to 2 months (wrap tightly in plastic).
• To serve, let refrigerated cupcakes come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes.

Nutritional Information (per cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~320
Carbs	42g
Protein	4g
Fat	16g
Sugar	28g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes with Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting are a true masterpiece. With their rich chocolate base, creamy mousse filling, and fruity whipped frosting, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit!

Try the recipe and let us know how it turns out! Share your creations with us on social media.