Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
Treat yourself to these delightful Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes! Each bite combines rich chocolate flavor and the juicy sweetness of cherries, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or just craving something sweet, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Why make this recipe?
Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the luscious pairing of chocolate and cherries. They are easy to prepare, and with rich frosting and garnishes, they look as good as they taste. Plus, they can be made from scratch, allowing you to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures that store-bought options just can’t match!
How to prepare Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 🥣
- 1/2 cup (45g) cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 cup (200g) sugar 🍬
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🌱
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 🌽
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk or milk 🥛
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍮
- 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water or coffee ☕️
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 3 cups (375g) powdered sugar 🍭
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk 🥛
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍮
- A pinch of salt 🧂
- Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate 🍫
- Cherries with stems (fresh or maraschino) 🍒
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the hot water (or coffee) and mix until combined. The batter will be thin.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost each cupcake generously with the buttercream.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate and top with a cherry on each cupcake. Enjoy! 🎉
How to serve Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
Serve these scrumptious cupcakes on a decorative platter for gatherings. They can be garnished with extra chocolate drizzle and fresh cherries for an elegant touch. Perfect for parties, weddings, or just a sweet afternoon treat!
How to store Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, they can be refrigerated for a week or frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving!
Tips for preparing Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Experiment with different types of cherries, such as chocolate-covered ones, for an added treat!
Variations
- For a minty twist, add a drop of peppermint extract to the frosting.
- Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- For a more intense flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes in advance and frost them closer to the serving time. This will keep them fresh and delicious!
2. Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar tangy flavor.
3. Can I use different types of frosting?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a lighter topping. Just make sure it pairs well with the chocolate flavor!