why make this recipe
Chocolate cherry cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with the sweet tanginess of cherries. These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a special dessert at home. They offer a unique twist on traditional chocolate cupcakes, making them a tasty surprise for family and friends. Plus, who can resist a soft cupcake topped with smooth buttercream frosting and fresh cherry goodness?
how to make chocolate cherry cupcakes
Making chocolate cherry cupcakes is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. You start by preparing the cupcake batter, creating a luscious cherry reduction, and finally making a creamy buttercream frosting. It may take some time, but the result is definitely worth it.
Ingredients :
- 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
- 2 cups cherries (halved and pitted)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 lb confectioner’s sugar
- 1 cup salted butter (Room temp 226g)
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3 tsp cream
Directions :
Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk and sour cream. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the halved cherries.
- Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
Cherry Reduction:
- In a saucepan, combine the cherries, powdered sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool.
Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, mixing well.
- Add vanilla and cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembly:
- Use a knife to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill it with the cherry reduction.
- Frost the top with buttercream frosting and drizzle some extra cherry reduction over the top.
how to serve chocolate cherry cupcakes
Serve these cupcakes on a beautiful platter, or individual dessert plates. They make a great addition to any dessert table or a lovely treat for afternoon tea. You can garnish each cupcake with a whole cherry on top or some chocolate shavings for an added visual appeal.
how to store chocolate cherry cupcakes
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, place the cupcakes in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
tips to make chocolate cherry cupcakes
- Make sure to use fresh cherries for better flavor. If they are not in season, frozen cherries can be a good substitute.
- Avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
- You can pipe the frosting on with a fancy tip for a beautiful presentation.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary. Each cupcake should spring back lightly when touched.
variation
For a fun twist, you can use white chocolate chips instead of regular cocoa powder in the cupcake batter for a different flavor profile. Or, consider adding some almond extract to the batter for an extra layer of taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance, just store them properly. Frost just before serving for the best experience.
2. Can I freeze chocolate cherry cupcakes?
Definitely! You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
3. Can I use different fruits instead of cherries?
Yes, you can substitute cherries with other fruits like raspberries or strawberries, but adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcake Ingredients
- 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 large eggs
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cherries halved and pitted
Cherry Reduction Ingredients
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 1 lb confectioner’s sugar
- 1 cup salted butter room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3 tsp cream
Instructions
Cupcake Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk and sour cream. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the halved cherries.
- Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
Cherry Reduction Preparation
- In a saucepan, combine the cherries, powdered sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool.
Buttercream Frosting Preparation
- In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, mixing well.
- Add vanilla and cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembly
- Use a knife to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill it with the cherry reduction.
- Frost the top with buttercream frosting and drizzle some extra cherry reduction over the top.
