Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes

Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes combine the richness of chocolate with the sweetness and tang of cherries, creating an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The moist chocolate cupcake serves as a delightful base, while the cherry filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness. Topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, these cupcakes are a perfect dessert for a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a special treat.

I first made these cupcakes when I was looking for a dessert that would impress at a party, and they were a total success. The combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries is simply irresistible. The cherry filling adds an unexpected yet delightful surprise with every bite, and the frosting brings it all together with its creamy sweetness.

With their decadent combination of flavors and textures, these cupcakes will surely be a hit wherever they go. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are guaranteed to bring joy and satisfy any sweet tooth!

Perfect for:

• Birthday parties
• Family gatherings
• Special occasions
• Chocolate and fruit lovers
• Dessert tables

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes

Here’s why Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes will become your new favorite:

• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The deep chocolate taste of the cupcakes provides the perfect foundation for the sweet cherry filling.
• Surprise Cherry Center: Each cupcake is filled with a juicy cherry filling that offers a burst of sweetness in every bite.
• Light and Moist: The cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and not overly dense, making them an enjoyable dessert to savor.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These cupcakes are a standout dessert for any celebration, offering a memorable and delicious treat.
• Versatile Filling Options: The cherry filling can be swapped for other fruits like raspberry or strawberry, allowing you to customize this recipe.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-22 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 38g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup boiling water
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Cherry Filling:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor that is essential for these cupcakes.
• Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries add a natural, fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
• Butter: Butter in the frosting ensures a creamy, smooth texture that complements the cupcakes.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional, but adding chocolate chips to the batter enhances the chocolate flavor and provides an extra bit of decadence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes:

Prepare the Cupcake Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Add Boiling Water: Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and will result in moist cupcakes.
6. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in the chocolate chips if using, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Cupcakes:

7. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before filling and frosting.

Prepare the Cherry Filling:

10. Cook the Cherries: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juice, about 5-7 minutes.
11. Cool: Remove from heat and let the cherry filling cool to room temperature before using it to fill the cupcakes.

Prepare the Frosting:

12. Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
13. Add Cocoa Powder and Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
14. Add Vanilla and Cream: Add the vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream if necessary to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

15. Core the Cupcakes: Using a cupcake corer or a small knife, cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake, removing the center without cutting all the way through.
16. Fill with Cherry Filling: Spoon or pipe the cooled cherry filling into the center of each cupcake.
17. Frost the Cupcakes: Use a piping bag or offset spatula to frost the top of each cupcake with the chocolate frosting.
18. Serve: Decorate with extra cherry filling on top, if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes

Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes are a great dessert option for various occasions:

• At a Party: These cupcakes make a wonderful treat for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or any celebration.
• With a Hot Drink: Pair these cupcakes with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
• As a Special Treat: Perfect for a special dessert for the family or a sweet surprise for your friends.
• For Gifting: Package these cupcakes in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes

Here are some tips to ensure your Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes are perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Cherries for Best Flavor: If cherries are in season, fresh cherries will give the best flavor. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid.
• Don’t Overfill the Cupcakes: When filling the cupcake liners, be sure not to overfill them to allow for even rising during baking.
• Let the Filling Cool: Be sure the cherry filling is completely cooled before filling the cupcakes to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Test the Cupcakes for Doneness: Because the cupcakes are so moist, the toothpick test can be tricky. If the toothpick comes out with a few crumbs but no wet batter, the cupcakes are done.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations for Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes:

• Chocolate Raspberry Filled Cupcakes: Swap the cherries for raspberries for a different berry flavor.
• Cherry Almond Cupcakes: Add almond extract to the cupcake batter for a nutty flavor that pairs well with cherries.
• Chocolate Mint Cherry Cupcakes: Add a hint of mint extract to the frosting for a refreshing contrast to the sweet cherry filling.
• Chocolate Coconut Cherry Cupcakes: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
• Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: Use cream cheese in place of some butter for a tangy frosting that complements the cherries.
• Cherry Bourbon Cupcakes: Add a splash of bourbon to the cherry filling for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: Replace the eggs with a flax egg or other egg substitute and use a dairy-free milk alternative.
• White Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes: Swap the chocolate chips in the batter for white chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Caramel Cherry Cupcakes: Add caramel drizzle on top of the frosting for a sweet and salty addition.

Freezing and Storage for Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes

• Freezing: These cupcakes freeze well. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes easier:

• Cupcake Corer: For easily removing the center of the cupcakes to fill them with the cherry filling.
• Piping Bags and Tips: To pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes for a neat and professional look.
• Muffin Tin: For even cupcake baking.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For quickly beating the batter and frosting to smooth perfection.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cupcakes evenly after baking.
• Saucepan: For cooking the cherry filling on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes

1. Can I use jarred cherries for the filling?
   Yes, jarred cherries work well, but make sure to drain the excess syrup before using them.
2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare and fill the cupcakes a day or two in advance, then frost them closer to when you plan to serve them.
3. Can I freeze the cupcakes?
   Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes. Just be sure they are fully cooled before freezing and that they are stored in an airtight container.
4. Can I use a different filling?
   Absolutely! Feel free to swap out cherries for another fruit like raspberries or strawberries, or try a custard or chocolate ganache filling instead.
5. How do I store leftover cupcakes?
   Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Filled Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert, bringing together the indulgent richness of chocolate with the sweet, tangy burst of cherry filling. Each bite is a perfect balance of moist cupcake, juicy cherry, and creamy frosting, creating a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to stand out. They not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table, making them the perfect choice for a special occasion.

Don’t forget to capture the magic of your baking! Share a photo on social media and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! Enjoy baking these sweet delights!