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Black Forest Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 70 reviews

Delight in these rich and moist Black Forest Cupcakes, inspired by the classic German dessert. Featuring a tender cocoa cupcake base, filled with luscious cherry compote, and topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings, these cupcakes bring together the perfect balance of chocolate and fruity flavors for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2g) baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) hot water or coffee

Cherry Filling

  • 1 cup (150g) fresh or canned cherries, pitted and chopped
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Kirsch (or cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon (15ml) water

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Garnish

  • Dark chocolate shavings
  • 12 whole cherries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Finally, add the hot water or coffee and mix until smooth to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  2. Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Make the Cherry Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, and Kirsch (or cherry juice). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer. Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and add it to the saucepan. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat to avoid turning the cream into butter.
  5. Assemble the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a small knife or cupcake corer to cut out a hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each cavity with a generous spoonful of the cherry filling. Replace the cupcake tops if removed, then pipe or spread the whipped cream generously on top of each cupcake.
  6. Garnish: Decorate each cupcake with dark chocolate shavings and place a whole cherry on top for a classic Black Forest look. Chill the cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use hot coffee instead of water in the batter for a richer chocolate flavor.
  • Kirsch adds authentic flavor but can be omitted or replaced with cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before filling and topping to prevent melting the whipped cream.
  • These cupcakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Keywords: Black Forest cupcakes, chocolate cherry cupcakes, German dessert, cherry filling, whipped cream cupcakes

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/black-forest-cupcakes-recipe/