Name: Triple Delight Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (Room temperature means ultra-fluffy cupcakes.); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (Feel free to swap for cane sugar if that’s your jam.); 2 large eggs (Room temp helps them blend like a dream.); 1/2 cup milk (Whole or 2% keeps cupcakes moist, but almond milk works too!); 1/2 cup strawberry jam (Real fruit jam gives the best pop of strawberry flavor.); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (Sift for extra-light crumb.); 1/4 cup cocoa powder (Go for unsweetened for rich, deep chocolatey notes.); 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt (Balances all that sweetness.); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (Makes everything taste—and smell!—like a bakery.); 1 serving Creamy frosting (Store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting both work wonders.); to taste none Chocolate shavings for garnish (Grab a veggie peeler and your favorite chocolate bar—instant wow factor.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Childhood Joy in Every Bite: My Triple Delight Cupcakes Story

There are certain desserts that instantly transport us back to treasured moments—sticky fingers, giggles around the kitchen table, and the irresistible aroma of something sweet baking in the oven. For me, Triple Delight Cupcakes are that classic comfort, the ultimate easy chocolate strawberry cupcake I baked with my mom on cozy weekends. (Yes, things got deliciously messy—strawberry jam smears included!)
From the very first warm bite, their triple-layer surprise—chocolate, strawberry, and creamy frosting—make these cupcakes pure joy. Whether you’re new to homemade cupcakes or already love experimenting with fun cupcake recipes, you’ll find these Triple Delight Cupcakes impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Adore These Triple Delight Cupcakes

Let me share a few reasons I can’t stop baking (and eating) these Triple Delight Cupcakes:

Three dreamy flavors in every bite. Soft chocolate cake, fruity strawberry jam, and a creamy frosting—every layer is decadent and perfectly balanced.
Beginner-friendly. You don’t have to be a pro baker. This is my go-to easy cupcake recipe for birthdays, brunches, or rainy-day cravings.
Guaranteed to make memories. Whether you bake them with family, friends, or solo while dancing in your kitchen, there’s a playful magic in swirling batters and topping each with chocolate shavings.
They look as good as they taste! The marbled effect is always a showstopper at parties and bake sales (and your Instagram feed will thank you, too).

Ingredients You’ll Need for Triple Delight Cupcakes

Here are the ingredients (plus my two cents) for the most heavenly chocolate strawberry cupcakes around:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (Room temperature means ultra-fluffy cupcakes.)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (Classic sweetness—feel free to swap for cane sugar if that’s your jam.)
2 large eggs (Room temp helps them blend like a dream.)
1/2 cup milk (Whole or 2% keeps cupcakes moist, but almond milk works too!)
1/2 cup strawberry jam (Real fruit jam gives the best pop of strawberry flavor.)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (Sift for extra-light crumb.)
1/4 cup cocoa powder (Go for unsweetened for rich, deep chocolatey notes.)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (Balances all that sweetness.)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (Makes everything taste—and smell!—like a bakery.)
Creamy frosting (Store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting both work wonders.)
Chocolate shavings for garnish (Grab a veggie peeler and your favorite chocolate bar—instant wow factor.)

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Triple Delight Cupcakes

This easy cupcake recipe turns out great every time, even with eager helpers in the kitchen. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat & Prep. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Trust me, skipping the liners is messy business!
Mix butter and sugar. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step sets the stage for super-tender cupcakes.
Add eggs. Mix in the eggs, one at a time. I always scrape down the bowl after each—no eggy pockets, please!
Stir in milk and vanilla. Pour in the milk and add vanilla extract, mixing until just blended. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible right about now.
Whisk dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This keeps things airy and lump-free.
Combine wet and dry. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined (a little lump here or there is okay!).
Divide & add strawberry jam. Split batter in half. Stir strawberry jam into one half and leave the other as is for the chocolatey base.
Layer & swirl. Alternate spoonfuls of the chocolate and strawberry batters into each cupcake liner. Give a gentle swirl with a toothpick for a marbled effect—so fun!
Bake. Pop them in the oven for 18-20 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Cool & frost. Let cupcakes completely cool before slathering on creamy frosting—otherwise, you’ll have a melty frosting puddle.
Finish with chocolate shavings. Grab your favorite chocolate bar and a peeler, then shower those cupcakes in delicate chocolate curls.

My Secret Tips and Tricks for Triple Delight Cupcake Success

Here’s what I’ve learned after way too many cupcake experiments (and a few “oops” moments):

Don’t overmix! Just blend until the batter’s combined so your homemade cupcakes stay soft.
Jam matters. Use real strawberry jam with visible fruit pieces (not jelly). The flavor pops so much more.
Room temp everything. Cold eggs or butter can make the batter lumpy—it’s worth the extra few minutes to let them warm up.
Swirl gently. For that stunning marbled effect, a light swirl with a toothpick does wonders.
Frost with finesse. Be generous, but wait until cupcakes are fully cool or the frosting will slide off (classic rookie mistake).

Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps

Want to make these easy chocolate strawberry cupcakes your own? Here are some fun twists:

Berry swap: Swap in raspberry jam or blueberry preserves for a new fruity layer.
Go gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for equally delicious gluten-free cupcakes.
Dairy-free delight: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for dairy-free chocolate cupcakes.
Frosting fun: Try strawberry buttercream or whipped chocolate ganache instead of classic creamy frosting.
Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts or mini chocolate chips on top for extra texture.

How to Serve and Store Your Triple Delight Cupcakes

The best part about homemade cupcakes is how easy they are to share! Here’s how I like to serve and save mine:

Serving: Serve at room temp, piled high with frosting and a flurry of chocolate shavings. These cupcakes pair perfectly with coffee, hot chocolate, or a tall glass of milk (the ultimate nostalgic treat).
Storing: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Just bring to room temp before eating—they’re extra soft this way!
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes, then frost fresh before serving. Perfect for make-ahead dessert planning!

FAQs: Your Top Questions About Triple Delight Cupcakes Answered

Q: Can I use homemade strawberry jam instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade jam brings an even more intense berry flavor to your easy chocolate cupcakes. Just make sure it’s not too runny.

Q: What’s the best type of chocolate for the batter?
A: Unsweetened or Dutch-processed cocoa powder gives these chocolate strawberry cupcakes that indulgent, rich taste.

Q: My cupcakes turned out dry—what happened?
A: Overbaking is the most common culprit. Check your cupcakes at 18 minutes, and remove as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Q: Can I skip the chocolate shavings?
A: Of course! They’re a fun touch, but rainbow sprinkles or freeze-dried berries work great too.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a party?
A: Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in two batches for the best homemade cupcake texture.

I hope you love these Triple Delight Cupcakes as much as my family (and I) do! There’s nothing quite like that first bite—chocolate, strawberry, and fluffy frosting all at once. If you bake these, I’d love to see your creations or hear your own cupcake memories in the comments below. Happy baking, friends!

Print Pin