Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time: 18–22 mins
🍽 Yields: 12 cupcakes
CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar, mixed and rested for 5 mins)
1/2 cup cherry preserves or finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained well)
Optional: 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
PINK CHERRY FROSTING
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 – 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice or cherry preserves (for flavor + color)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1–2 drops red food coloring for a brighter pink
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk:
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
Then stir in:
1/2 cup buttermilk
4. Combine & Add Cherries
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet.
Stir just until combined.
Fold in:
1/2 cup cherry preserves or chopped cherries
Optional: chocolate chips
5. Fill & Bake
Scoop batter into liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
6. Make the Pink Frosting
In a mixing bowl:
Beat 1/2 cup butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low.
Add 2–3 tbsp cherry juice or cherry preserves, 1 tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Beat on high for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add food coloring if you want a deeper pink.
7. Frost & Decorate
Frost cupcakes with a piping bag or spatula.
Top with:
A maraschino cherry 🍒
Chocolate shavings or sprinkles ✨
💡 TIPS
Want a gooey surprise? Core the cupcakes and add cherry jam or ganache inside.
Store cupcakes in the fridge for up to 3 days, but bring to room temp before serving.