Whether you’re an avid hater of Valentine’s Day or you love all the cupids and hearts, these cupcakes inspired by chocolate-covered strawberries will surely bring a little love to your day.

Ingredients:

1 package chocolate cake mix

1 package instant chocolate pudding mix

1 cup sour cream

1 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 eggs

1 tbsp instant espresso dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water

2 cups chocolate chips (dark chocolate or semi-sweet) dusted in 1 tbsp flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and espresso dissolved in water. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and an inserted wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

Ingredients:

2 sticks butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup strawberry jam

A pinch of salt

6 cups powdered sugar

2-3 tbsp milk

Directions:
Beat butter and vanilla until creamy. Mix in strawberry jam and salt. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until combined. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Emily Cassidy is an A&E Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.