Chocolate-Cherry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

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Who doesn't love the combination of chocolate and cherries? These delectable cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it's a birthday party or just a special dessert to enjoy with friends and family.

Chocolate-Cherry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
Prep
25 min
Cook
15 min
Total
1 hr 40 min
Servings
24

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

  3. Strain maraschino cherries, reserving the juice in a large measuring cup.

  4. Set aside 24 cherries with stems intact on paper towels.

  5. Remove stems from the remaining cherries and place one in the bottom of each lined muffin cup.

  6. Stir cherry-flavored brandy into the cherry juice, adjusting the amount to reach a total of 1 1/4 cups liquid. Pour the liquid into a bowl.

  7. Add eggs and oil to the liquid mixture. Use an electric mixer on low speed to beat until just combined.

  8. Add cake mix to the liquid mixture and beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.

  9. Evenly divide the batter among the muffin cups.

  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  11. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tins for approximately 10 minutes.

  12. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely, which should take about 50 minutes.

  13. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting.

  14. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine cream cheese and butter. Beat on medium speed until blended, approximately 1 minute.

  15. Add vanilla extract and salt to the cream cheese mixture

About this recipe

Who doesn't love the combination of chocolate and cherries? These delectable cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it's a birthday party or just a special dessert to enjoy with friends and family. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the sweet cherry filling will have your taste buds dancing with delight. And let's not forget about the creamy and tangy cream cheese buttercream frosting that takes these cupcakes to a whole new level. Get ready to indulge in a heavenly combination of flavors that will leave you wanting more!

Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes

Let's start with the star of the show - the chocolate cupcakes. These cupcakes are moist, rich, and oh-so-chocolatey. They have the perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavor that will make you weak in the knees. The secret ingredient? Quality cocoa powder. It's what gives these cupcakes their intense chocolate flavor that you won't be able to resist.

But what sets these cupcakes apart from the rest is the surprise cherry filling in the center. With each bite, you'll be greeted with a burst of sweet and tangy cherry goodness that perfectly complements the chocolate. It's like a little hidden treasure in each cupcake that will keep you coming back for more.

Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Now, let's talk about the cream cheese buttercream frosting that takes these cupcakes to a whole new level. This frosting is a marriage of two incredible flavors - tangy cream cheese and rich butter. The result is a lusciously creamy frosting that pairs perfectly with the chocolate cupcakes and cherry filling.

The cream cheese adds a tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the cupcakes, while the butter gives the frosting a silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Together, they create a frosting that is not only delicious but also easy to pipe and decorate. Whether you want to go for a simple swirl or get creative with piping designs, this frosting will hold its shape beautifully.

In Conclusion

These chocolate-cherry cupcakes with cream cheese buttercream frosting are a true delight for the senses. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherry filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a flavor experience that is simply irresistible. Whether you're a chocolate lover or a fan of fruity desserts, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, indulge in a little sweetness and treat yourself to a batch of these heavenly cupcakes. You deserve it!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of fruit filling?

Absolutely! While cherries are a classic choice, you can certainly experiment with other fruit fillings like raspberry, strawberry, or even blueberry. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness level accordingly.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Of course! If cream cheese buttercream isn't your thing, you can try a classic buttercream or even a ganache. The choice is yours, and it's all about personal preference.

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Definitely! These cupcakes can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure to frost them right before serving to keep the frosting fresh and creamy.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Each will give the cupcakes a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can! Once the cupcakes are baked and cooled, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them before frosting and serving.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead?

While homemade frosting is always the best, if you're short on time or prefer the convenience, you can use store-bought frosting. Just make sure to choose a flavor that complements the chocolate and cherry filling.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the batter will give the cupcakes an extra burst of chocolate flavor and a delightful texture. Just fold them in gently before portioning the batter into the cupcake liners.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled if you're feeding a crowd. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the cupcakes as they bake.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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