Black Forest Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
¼ cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Cherry Filling:
1 cup fresh or canned cherries, pitted and halved
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons Kirsch (optional, for authentic flavor)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnishing:
Chocolate shavings or curls
Maraschino cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk in batches, mixing until just combined.
Stir in hot coffee to create a smooth batter.
Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water.
Stir and cook until mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). If using Kirsch, stir it in after removing from heat.
Let the filling cool before using.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
Using a small knife or cupcake corer, cut out a small section from the center of each cupcake.
Fill the hole with cherry filling.
Pipe whipped cream on top of each cupcake.
Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and top with a cherry.
Serving & Storage Tips
Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If making ahead, store cupcakes and toppings separately, then assemble before serving.