Triple Delight Cupcakes: Chocolate, Strawberry & Vanilla Bliss

A celebration of classic flavors, these Triple Delight Cupcakes feature three irresistible layers: rich chocolate, fragrant vanilla, and sweet strawberry. Topped with swirls of matching frosting, they’re perfect for parties or whenever you want a showstopping treat!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes (Yields 12):

• Chocolate Layer:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 egg yolk
• Vanilla Layer:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Strawberry Layer:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup pureed strawberries
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 egg yolk
  • A drop of pink food coloring (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate frosting)
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (for strawberry frosting)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for vanilla frosting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batters:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry batters in separate bowls. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients for each layer, mixing until smooth.

2. Layer the Cupcakes:

1. Spoon 1 tablespoon of chocolate batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla batter over the chocolate.
3. Finally, top with 1 tablespoon of strawberry batter. Each liner should be about 2/3 full.

3. Bake:

1. Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Make the Frostings:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until smooth and creamy.
2. Divide the frosting into three portions:
   • Mix cocoa powder into one portion for chocolate frosting.
   • Stir strawberry puree into the second portion for strawberry frosting.
   • Add vanilla extract to the third portion for vanilla frosting.

5. Decorate the Cupcakes:

1. Use piping bags to create a swirl of all three frostings on each cupcake, or layer them in stripes for a fun effect.
2. Garnish with mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fresh strawberry slices for a festive touch!

Tips:

• To save time, you can use store-bought strawberry puree or a strawberry jam mixed with a little water for the batter and frosting.
• If you don’t have three piping bags, use plastic sandwich bags with the corner snipped off.
• For even layers, use a small cookie scoop to measure the batters.

These Triple Delight Cupcakes bring together the best of all worlds in one delightful bite. A sure hit for any celebration!