Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with a juicy cherry surprise. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. Their unique combination of flavors makes them a standout dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate paired with sweet cherries creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up these treats successfully.
• Versatile: Serve these cupcakes at birthdays, holidays, or as an everyday dessert; they suit any event.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the buttercream and cherry reduction for a personalized touch.
• Impressive Presentation: The layered look of the cherry-filled cupcake topped with buttercream is sure to catch eyes.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Muffin tin
• Cupcake papers
• Small saucepan
• Cupcake corer or knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a fluffy batter without much effort.
• Muffin tin: Provides the perfect shape for your cupcakes, ensuring they bake evenly.

Ingredients

Rich chocolate cupcakes filled with a cherry surprise inside and topped with vanilla buttercream drizzled with cherry reduction!

For the Cupcakes

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (160g)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup sour cream

For the Buttercream

• 1 lb confectioner’s sugar
• 1 cup salted butter (Room temp 226g)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 3 tsp cream

For the Cherries

• 2 cups cherries (halved and pitted)
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Place cupcake papers in the muffin tin to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix the milk, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients

Sift all dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt—into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your electric mixer bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until fluffy—about three minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Add the milk mixture and dry ingredients in three additions. Start and end with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Bake Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake papers in the tin. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Cherry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine cherries, powdered sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about five minutes until liquid reduces slightly and cherries soften.

Step 8: Make Buttercream

Beat room-temperature salted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, salt, and vanilla. Add cream slowly until desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Core Cupcakes

Using a cupcake corer or knife, carefully remove centers from baked cupcakes. Keep tops aside for later assembly.

Step 10: Fill with Cherries

Spread some of the buttercream into each hollowed cupcake center. Place one cherry into each before replacing cake tops.

Step 11: Frost Cupcakes

Pipe remaining buttercream on top of each cupcake generously. Drizzle with cherry reduction for added flavor and decoration.

Step 12: Garnish

Finish by topping each cupcake with an additional cherry along with some of the cherry reduction for an elegant presentation.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Serving Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes can elevate your dessert experience. These delightful treats can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion.

For a Festive Occasion

• Add Sprinkles: Top your cupcakes with colorful sprinkles to brighten up the presentation.
• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate and cherry flavors wonderfully.

As a Simple Snack

• Pair with Coffee: Enjoy these cupcakes alongside a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve with seasonal fruits like strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness.

For a Special Celebration

• Decorate with Edible Flowers: Use edible flowers for an elegant touch at parties or special events.
• Create a Cupcake Tower: Arrange cupcakes in a tiered stand for an impressive display at gatherings.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Creating the perfect Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve bakery-quality results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cupcakes to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try different extracts, like almond or cherry, in the frosting for added depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Complementing your Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes with side dishes can enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent pairings:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds creaminess without overpowering the cupcakes.
2. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle warm ganache over the cupcakes for an extra layer of chocolate indulgence.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances sweetness with tartness, making it a great side.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as Brie or mascarpone for a savory contrast to the sweet cupcakes.
5. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix provides texture and pairs nicely with the soft cupcake.
6. Coffee or Tea Selection: Offering various hot beverages creates a cozy atmosphere around dessert time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes you should avoid to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results. Cold eggs or milk can prevent the batter from mixing properly, leading to dense cupcakes.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in tough cupcakes. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cupcakes as they bake. Overbaking can dry them out, while underbaking may leave them gooey in the center.
• Not cooling before frosting: Make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before frosting them. If they’re warm, the buttercream will melt and slide off.
• Skipping cherry reduction: The cherry reduction adds a delicious layer of flavor. Skipping it will make your cupcakes less exciting and flavorful.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap cupcakes in aluminum foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Use a steamer basket over simmering water for about 5 minutes for gentle reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum included for better texture.

How do I enhance the chocolate flavor?

To boost the chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and consider adding espresso powder to amplify the taste without adding coffee flavor.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to pit and halve them before using.

How can I customize my Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes?

You can add different flavors like almond extract or mix in chocolate chips for extra richness. Experiment with different toppings as well!

How long do these cupcakes last?

When stored properly, Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes offer a delightful balance of rich chocolate and sweet cherries that make them irresistible. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors or toppings easily, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; you’re sure to impress your family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes, where rich chocolate meets juicy cherries for an unforgettable dessert experience. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any sweet craving, these cupcakes feature a moist chocolate base filled with a luscious cherry surprise and crowned with silky vanilla buttercream. Whether you’re a novice baker or a pro, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to create stunning treats that are sure to impress your family and friends. With customizable toppings and a beautiful presentation, these cupcakes not only taste divine but also look exquisite on any dessert table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 lb confectioner’s sugar
• 1 cup salted butter (Room temp 226g)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 3 tsp cream
• 2 cups cherries (halved and pitted)
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake papers.
2. Mix milk, vanilla extract, and sour cream in a small bowl.
3. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt into a medium bowl.
4. Beat softened butter until smooth; gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time; then alternate adding milk mixture and dry ingredients.
6. Fill cupcake papers with batter and bake for about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Prepare cherry filling by simmering halved cherries with powdered sugar, water, and lemon juice.
8. Beat butter for the frosting; gradually add confectioners' sugar and cream to reach desired consistency.
9. Core cooled cupcakes and fill centers with cherry mixture before frosting generously.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 315
• Sugar: 31g
• Sodium: 225mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg