How do you make chocolate cherry cupcakes moist and flavorful?

To keep chocolate cherry cupcakes moist and flavorful, use high-quality cocoa powder and fresh or frozen cherries for natural sweetness. Incorporating ingredients like sour cream or yogurt into the batter helps retain moisture. Adding cherry preserves or pieces inside the batter enhances the fruity flavor. Bake at the recommended temperature and avoid overbaking by checking with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter. For extra flavor, brush the cooled cupcakes with cherry syrup or simple syrup before frosting.

What type of cherry works best in chocolate cherry cupcakes?

Fresh Bing cherries or dark sweet cherries work best in chocolate cherry cupcakes because of their rich, sweet flavor and firm texture. If fresh cherries aren't available, frozen cherries are a good substitute—just thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter. Avoid overly tart cherries like sour or maraschino cherries for the cupcake filling, as their flavor can clash with the chocolate. Using cherry preserves or pie filling is another convenient option for consistent taste and texture.

Can I make chocolate cherry cupcakes ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, chocolate cherry cupcakes freeze well and can be prepared ahead. For best results, bake and cool the cupcakes completely before freezing. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before frosting. Avoid freezing cupcakes with cream-based or delicate frostings; instead, apply frosting after thawing.

What frosting pairs best with chocolate cherry cupcakes?

Cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache are popular choices that complement chocolate cherry cupcakes well. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweet cherry and rich chocolate, while chocolate ganache provides a smooth, decadent topping. Cherry buttercream frosting is another great option if you want to highlight the cherry flavor further. For a lighter option, whipped cream frosting with a hint of almond extract works beautifully alongside the flavors.

Are chocolate cherry cupcakes suitable for people with nut allergies?

Chocolate cherry cupcakes can be made nut-free by carefully selecting ingredients. Use nut-free chocolate and ensure baking powder and other additives are free from cross-contamination. Avoid flavorings or garnishes containing nuts, such as almond extract or nut toppings. Always read labels on pre-made cherry fillings and frostings to confirm they are nut-free. Baking from scratch with safe ingredients is the best way to guarantee they are suitable for those with nut allergies.

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes Recipe With Rich Ganache 2024

Name: Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

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.

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

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