Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes Recipe with Rich Ganache and Fresh Cherries

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Have you ever craved a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? These chocolate cherry cupcakes are just that simple, delicious, and full of surprises. They’re perfect for busy parents or baking enthusiasts looking for a treat that brings everyone together. With their rich chocolate base and burst of cherry goodness, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

One reason these cupcakes shine is their ease of preparation, making them ideal for home cooks who want quick results. For instance, you can whip up a batch in no time, which is great for students or working professionals. Plus, the health benefits from cherries add a guilt-free twist, offering antioxidants that support your wellness goals while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Beyond that, their versatility means you can tweak them for different needs, like making them vegan or gluten-free. What really sets these chocolate cherry cupcakes apart is that delightful flavor combo think deep, velvety chocolate paired with the tart pop of cherries. Whether you’re a food enthusiast exploring new tastes or seniors enjoying familiar comforts, these cupcakes are sure to impress at any gathering.

Health Perks and Custom Options

Did you know cherries are packed with vitamins that can boost your energy? That’s why they’re a hit for diet-conscious individuals and travelers needing a quick snack. This recipe keeps things adaptable, so newlyweds can make it their own romantic dessert. Imagine baking these on a lazy weekend and sharing them with friends it’s all about creating joyful moments.

These cupcakes aren’t just tasty; they’re flexible for various diets. For example, swapping in plant-based milk can make them vegan-friendly, appealing to those watching their intake. Overall, if you love rich chocolate desserts, you’re in for a treat that everyone in your family will enjoy!

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success, and for these chocolate cherry cupcakes, you’ll want to use fresh, quality items. This recipe focuses on simple elements that create a moist, flavorful result. Below, you’ll find a complete list of everything needed, pulled straight from the details provided, to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly every time.

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup black cherry preserves (for filling)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 3 cups confectioners sugar (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
• 1/3 cup black cherry preserves (for frosting)

This structured list makes it easy to measure out each item accurately, ensuring your chocolate cherry cupcakes are filled and frosted just right. Remember, fresh cherries or preserves are key for that authentic tartness that pairs beautifully with chocolate. For more ideas on chocolate treats, check out our Hershey’s Chocolate Cake recipe on the site.

Special Notes on Ingredients

Using room-temperature eggs and softened butter helps everything blend smoothly, which is a tip for busy parents juggling kitchen tasks. If you’re a baking enthusiast, feel free to experiment with high-quality cocoa for even richer flavors. This setup serves approximately 20 cupcakes, with prep time around 20 minutes and cook time about 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick baking sessions.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to dive into baking these delightful chocolate cherry cupcakes? It’s simpler than you think, and I’ll walk you through each part. Start by preheating your oven, as this sets the stage for even baking. This recipe, which makes chocolate cupcakes filled and frosted with black cherry preserves, is straightforward and rewarding.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line 12 muffin cups with paper liners to get everything set up.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract to incorporate air and moisture into the batter.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, to create a smooth batter without overmixing.
6. Fill the muffin cups halfway with the batter and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.
8. For the frosting, beat the unsalted butter until fluffy, then gradually add the confectioners sugar, followed by the heavy cream and black cherry preserves until it’s spreadable.
9. Cut a small well in each cooled cupcake, fill it with black cherry preserves, replace the top, and frost generously.
10. Optionally, garnish with fresh cherries dipped in chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.

Following these steps ensures your cupcakes are moist and full of flavor, ideal for food enthusiasts or newlyweds hosting a dinner. For similar dessert ideas, visit our Triple Chocolate Cake recipe for more chocolate inspiration.

This process takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook, yielding around 20 cupcakes. If you’re a student or working professional, this recipe’s efficiency will make your day brighter.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Everyone’s dietary needs are different, and that’s okay these chocolate cherry cupcakes are easy to adapt. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or watching calories, small changes can keep the fun going. Let’s look at how to tweak the ingredients without losing that signature taste.

• Eggs can be swapped with flax eggs or chia eggs for a vegan option, maintaining the binding without any fuss.
• Vegetable oil might be replaced with coconut oil or applesauce to add a healthier twist or different flavor.
• For gluten-free versions, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to keep the texture light and airy.
• Consider adding spices like cinnamon to enhance the flavor, or substitute fresh cherries with dried ones soaked in juice for variety.

These modifications help make the recipe inclusive for seniors or diet-conscious individuals. For example, using plant-based milk instead of whole milk keeps things low-calorie while preserving moisture.

As you can see, these changes keep the cupcakes delightful and adaptable for busy parents or travelers.

Mastering Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, let’s level up your chocolate cherry cupcakes game. Using room-temperature ingredients ensures a smoother batter and helps the cupcakes bake evenly, a pro tip for any baking enthusiast. Gently folding in the cherries prevents them from sinking, keeping every bite perfectly balanced.

Flavor Boosts and Presentation Ideas

Want to mix things up? Try adding orange zest or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate notes, or toss in chopped nuts for added crunch these variations can make your treats stand out. For presentation, garnish with fresh cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar to make them visually appealing for food enthusiasts.

Make-ahead options are a lifesaver for working professionals; prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it, or freeze baked cupcakes for later. Remember, this recipe’s black cherry preserves filling adds a unique twist that elevates the whole experience.

How to Store Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: Best Practices

Keeping your chocolate cherry cupcakes fresh is key to enjoying them later, and it’s easier than you might think. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their moisture for up to 3 days. If you’re planning ahead, freezing is a great option for batch cooking.

• Wrap cupcakes individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw them at room temperature and reheat briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that just-baked softness.
• For meal prep, keep the frosting separate and apply it fresh to preserve the texture and flavor.

These methods work well for busy lifestyles, ensuring your treats stay delicious whether you’re a student or a senior.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

🍫 Dive into rich chocolate decadence combined with the juicy sweetness of fresh cherries.
🍒 These Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes feature a luscious ganache-like frosting and a delightful cherry preserve filling that makes each bite unforgettable.

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Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup light brown sugar

– 2 large eggs, at room temperature

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 3/4 cup whole milk

– 3/4 cup black cherry preserves for filling

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting

– 3 cups confectioners sugar for frosting

– 2 tablespoons heavy cream for frosting

– 1/3 cup black cherry preserves for frosting

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Instructions

1-Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line 12 muffin cups with paper liners to get everything set up.

2-In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.

3-Add the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract to incorporate air and moisture into the batter.

4-In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

5-Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, to create a smooth batter without overmixing.

6-Fill the muffin cups halfway with the batter and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7-Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.

8-For the frosting, beat the unsalted butter until fluffy, then gradually add the confectioners sugar, followed by the heavy cream and black cherry preserves until it’s spreadable.

9-Cut a small well in each cooled cupcake, fill it with black cherry preserves, replace the top, and frost generously.

10-Optionally, garnish with fresh cherries dipped in chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.

Notes

🍒 Use high-quality black cherry preserves for a rich, authentic cherry flavor.
🍫 For an extra touch, dip fresh cherries in melted chocolate as garnish.
🧁 Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 35 grams
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 grams
• Saturated Fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Chocolate Cupcakes, Cherry Cupcakes, Ganache Frosting, Black Cherry Preserves