Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate with the sweet, fruity taste of cherries. These cupcakes are perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in. The moist, tender cake paired with a luscious cherry frosting makes these cupcakes a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes
Why These Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes Are the Best
Rich Chocolate Flavor: The blend of cocoa and chocolate chips gives these cupcakes a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Sweet Cherry Filling: The addition of cherry preserves provides a sweet and fruity contrast to the chocolate base.
Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of oil and butter ensures these cupcakes are moist and tender.
Festive Frosting: The cherry-flavored frosting adds a delightful touch of sweetness and color.
Holiday Memories
Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes have long been a beloved treat during the holiday season. The aroma of chocolate and cherries filling the kitchen brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making them perfect.
Ingredient Notes:
Bittersweet Chocolate and Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: These provide a rich chocolate flavor, with the bittersweet chocolate enhancing the depth of taste.
Bread Flour: Offers a slightly higher protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a denser and more structured cupcake.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter while contributing to the moist texture of the cupcakes.
Vegetable or Canola Oil: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the cupcakes stay tender.
Eggs and White Vinegar: The eggs bind the ingredients together and help with leavening, while vinegar adds acidity, enhancing the flavor and helping the cupcakes rise.
Maraschino Cherries and Cherry Juice: These add a burst of fruity flavor and moisture to the frosting, while the chopped cherries provide texture.
Serving Suggestions
With a Glass of Milk: Serve Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes with a cold glass of milk for a classic and delicious pairing.
As a Dessert: These cupcakes are perfect as a dessert for any gathering or special occasion.
With Coffee or Tea: Pair these cupcakes with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
With Ice Cream: Enjoy these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Gift Idea: Package these cupcakes in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth and even batter.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality cocoa powder and cherry preserves ensures a rich and smooth filling.
Avoid Overbaking: Bake the cupcakes just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean to ensure they remain moist and tender.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the smell of Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes baking in the kitchen. These cupcakes are the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Rich, sweet, and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious cupcake recipes!
Gingerbread Cupcakes
S’mores Cupcakes
Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes
Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 3 oz bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
- 1/3 cup 29gr unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup 116gr bread flour
- 3/4 cup 155gr granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Ganache
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Frosting
- 1/2 butter softened
- 1- 2 pinches salt to taste
- 3 cups 330gr powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice and more if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring optional
- 1/2 the maraschino cherries from 1 10 oz jar, chopped and wrapped in paper towels to dry slightly
- 24 maraschino cherries And more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and cocoa powder, then pour hot water over the mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and cool for approximately 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through (or you can place it in the freezer for 10 minutes, stirring once).
- Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the canola oil, eggs, vanilla, and vinegar.
- Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the oil mixture and stir until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, whisking until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among 12 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each about 1/4 cup full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool for several minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the ganache:
- Place chocolate chips in a bowl. Heat the cream until it is almost boiling, then pour it over the chocolate chips (this can be done in the microwave or on the stovetop). Stir until creamy and smooth.
- Let the ganache cool in the refrigerator or at room temperature until it thickens but remains pipeable.
For the frosting:
- While the ganache cools, whip the butter and salt in the bowl of an electric stand mixer until pale and fluffy.
- Stir in the maraschino cherry juice, vanilla, and desired amount of red food coloring (if using). Mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar.
- Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, whipping until pale and fluffy. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries using a rubber or silicone spatula.
To assemble the cupcakes:
- Top each cupcake with two maraschino cherries (without stems) and dollop the desired amount of frosting over the cherries. Use a small amount, as this frosting is quite sweet.
- Transfer the chocolate ganache to a small resealable bag, cut a tip from one corner, and seal the bag.
- Drizzle the ganache over the cupcakes, adding one cherry to each cupcake.
- Let the assembled cupcakes sit for about 1 hour before enjoying.
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Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes