Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: A Luxurious Fusion of Rich Chocolate and Juicy Cherries
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 350 per cupcake
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Summary
Indulge in the luxurious combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries with these Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes. Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cupcake, crowned with a luscious cherry filling and topped with a smooth, creamy chocolate ganache. Perfect for any special occasion or when you're craving a sweet treat that feels truly indulgent, these cupcakes bring together the best of two worlds: deep, fudgy chocolate and the vibrant burst of fresh cherries.
Whether you're hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. With a decadent cake base, a sweet cherry surprise inside, and a silky chocolate ganache finish, this recipe combines elegance and flavor in every bite. Follow this easy-to-follow recipe to create these chocolate cherry masterpieces, and make your next dessert experience unforgettable!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cherry Cupcake Batter:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup whole milk
¾ cup boiling water
½ cup fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and chopped (plus a few whole cherries for decoration)
For the Cherry Filling:
1 cup fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Garnish:
Fresh whole cherries (optional)
Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls (optional)
Equipment Needed
12-cup muffin tin
Cupcake liners
Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Ice cream scoop or spoon (for filling the cupcakes)
Small saucepan (for making the ganache)
Cooling rack
Piping bag (optional for frosting)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and set it aside. This ensures that your cupcakes come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the whole milk to the creamed butter mixture. Start with the dry ingredients, followed by the milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense cupcake.
Step 6: Add the Boiling Water
Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter, mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and results in a moist, tender cupcake.
Step 7: Fold in Chopped Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will add a burst of cherry flavor to each bite.
Step 8: Fill Cupcake Liners
Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step 9: Bake the Cupcakes
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Prepare the Cherry Filling
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the cherry filling. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 11: Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting
To prepare the chocolate ganache frosting, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not let it boil). Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate. Stir until smooth, then add the butter and continue stirring until fully incorporated. Let the ganache cool slightly to thicken before using it to frost the cupcakes.
Step 12: Fill the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake, creating a small well. Spoon the cherry filling into each well, filling them generously with the sweet cherry mixture.
Step 13: Frost the Cupcakes
Using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip, frost each cupcake with the chocolate ganache. Alternatively, you can spread the ganache on top using a spatula for a more rustic look.
Step 14: Garnish and Serve
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the top of each cupcake with a fresh whole cherry and shaved chocolate or chocolate curls. Serve and enjoy the decadent flavors of chocolate and cherry in every bite!
Recipe Variations
Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate to make the ganache. This adds a deeper, richer taste that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cherries.
White Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes:
Switch up the frosting by making a white chocolate ganache instead. Melt white chocolate and mix it with cream for a creamy, sweet frosting that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
Cherry Compote Filling:
Instead of the thickened cherry filling, make a more natural cherry compote by cooking fresh cherries with a little sugar and lemon juice until they break down. This will create a more syrupy filling with a burst of fruity flavor.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes:
To make these cupcakes gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free, including the baking powder and cornstarch.
Alcohol-Infused Cherry Cupcakes:
For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of cherry liqueur (like Kirsch or Chambord) to the cherry filling for a bit of a boozy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. However, be sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture before adding them to the batter and filling. This prevents the cupcakes from becoming too soggy.
How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking?
To prevent your cupcakes from sinking, make sure the baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can cause the cupcakes to deflate during baking.
Can I prepare these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and prepare the cherry filling and ganache a day ahead. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature, and refrigerate the filling and ganache. Frost the cupcakes on the day you plan to serve them.
Can I make these cupcakes into a cake?
Yes, you can make this recipe into a layer cake by doubling the batter and baking it in two 8-inch cake pans. Layer the cherry filling between the cakes and frost with the chocolate ganache for a showstopping dessert.
Notes
Make sure to cool the cupcakes completely before filling them to avoid melting the cherry filling.
You can store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
The chocolate ganache can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat gently before using.
Nutritional Info (Per Cupcake)
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 28g
Conclusion
These Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence, featuring rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and a silky ganache topping. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these cupcakes will satisfy every chocolate and cherry lover’s cravings. The combination of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and creamy chocolate ganache is nothing short of heavenly. Make them for your next event and watch them disappear in no time!