Name: Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: The Best Recipe for a Delicious Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water; ; 1 cup cherry pie filling or cherry preserves; ; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp heavy cream

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Are you tired of plain, uninspiring cupcakes that lack that special something? If you’re nodding your head, I’m about to change your dessert game forever. These Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes are the perfect balance of rich chocolate decadence and tangy cherry sweetness, creating a flavor combination that simply melts in your mouth with each bite.

As a pastry chef who’s been perfecting cupcake recipes for over a decade, I’ve found that the secret to these Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes lies in using high-quality cocoa powder and fresh cherries when in season (or premium cherry preserves when they’re not). The result is a moist, flavorful treat that never fails to impress at parties, family gatherings, or just as a special weeknight dessert.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes, including ingredient selection, batter preparation, baking techniques, and stunning decoration ideas that will make your cupcakes look as amazing as they taste.

Why This Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes Recipe Works

These Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes stand out from ordinary desserts for several compelling reasons:

Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients with a few special additions for maximum impact
Requires just 15 minutes of prep time before baking
Perfect for both casual family desserts and elegant entertaining options
The chocolate-cherry combination creates a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children
Versatile recipe that can be adapted for different dietary needs

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Best Chocolate for These Cupcakes

For truly exceptional Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes, the quality of your chocolate ingredients matters tremendously. Use a high-quality cocoa powder (Dutch-processed creates a deeper chocolate flavor) for the batter. For the ganache or frosting, consider semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips with at least 60% cacao for a rich, not-too-sweet result that balances beautifully with the cherries.

Cherry Selection Tips

While fresh cherries create a stunning presentation and bright flavor, they’re seasonal. For year-round options:

Fresh cherries: Look for plump, firm fruits with shiny skin and green stems
Frozen cherries: Thaw completely and drain well before using
Cherry preserves: Choose preserves with whole cherry pieces rather than just jelly
Maraschino cherries: Perfect for decoration, but rinse and pat dry to remove excess syrup

Flour and Leavening Agents

For the perfect texture in your Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes, cake flour produces a finer crumb, though all-purpose flour works well too. Be sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh—they lose potency after 6 months, affecting how well your cupcakes rise.

Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: The Best Recipe for a Delicious Treat

Cupcake Batter Essentials

1½ cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour for lighter texture)
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped

Cherry Filling Components

2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or 1½ cups cherry preserves)
⅓ cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon almond extract

Chocolate Cherry Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons cherry juice (from cooking cherries or preserves)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For more dessert inspiration, check out my collection of sweet treats on Pinterest where I share new recipe ideas weekly!

Step-by-Step Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes Instructions

Pre-Baking Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
If using fresh cherries for filling, combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in almond extract, and let cool completely.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and oil until well combined and slightly fluffy.

Baking Method for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Fold in chopped cherries gently with a spatula.
Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full with batter (approximately 1/4 cup per cupcake).
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Filling and Frosting Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Once cupcakes are completely cool, use a small knife or apple corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake, about 1 inch deep.
Fill each cavity with 1-2 teaspoons of cherry filling.
For the frosting, beat butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
Add cherry juice, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and creamy.
Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip and pipe onto filled cupcakes.

Finishing Touches for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Garnish each cupcake with a fresh cherry, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
For extra visual appeal, sprinkle with chocolate jimmies or pearl sprinkles.
Allow frosting to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

If you enjoy these cupcakes, you might also love my Best Thai Basil Beef Mince Spring Rolls for a savory treat to balance your dessert course!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Avoiding Dry Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients—this develops gluten and leads to tough cupcakes
Measure flour by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off with a knife rather than scooping directly
Remove cupcakes from the oven as soon as they’re done—when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture

Tool Recommendations for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Digital kitchen scale for precise measurements
Silicone spatula for folding in cherries without crushing them
Mechanical ice cream scoop for even distribution of batter
Apple corer or cupcake corer for creating perfect filling cavities
Piping bags and various tips for professional-looking frosting designs

Storage & Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days
Frosted cupcakes should be refrigerated and brought to room temperature before serving
Freeze unfilled, unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months
Thaw frozen cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before filling and frosting

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Decadent Upgrades

Black Forest: Add a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the cherry filling and top with whipped cream instead of chocolate frosting
Dark Chocolate Cherry: Use dark chocolate cocoa powder and top with dark chocolate ganache for an intense chocolate experience
White Chocolate Cherry: Fold white chocolate chips into the batter and use a white chocolate buttercream frosting

Dietary Adaptations for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Dietary Need	Flour Substitution	Sugar Alternative	Fat Replacement
Gluten-Free	1:1 GF baking blend	No change needed	No change needed
Vegan	Same flour, but add 1 tbsp vinegar to plant milk	Same amount	Replace eggs with flax eggs & plant butter
Reduced Sugar	Same flour	Reduce by 25% or use monk fruit	No change needed
Dairy-Free	Same flour	Same amount	Use coconut oil & plant milk

Seasonal Chocolate Cherry Cupcake Variations

Summer Fresh: Use fresh cherries in season for the brightest flavor
Fall Spice: Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the chocolate batter for a warm autumn twist
Winter Holiday: Add crushed candy canes to the frosting for a festive chocolate-cherry-mint combination
Spring Celebration: Decorate with pastel sprinkles and edible flowers for Easter or Mother’s Day

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

These Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes are delicious on their own but truly shine when paired thoughtfully:

Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a deluxe dessert experience
Pair with fresh berries for a fruit-forward dessert plate
Offer alongside coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness
For an elegant dinner party, serve with cherry cordials or chocolate-covered cherries

Hot beverages that complement these cupcakes beautifully include:

Dark roast coffee
Earl Grey tea
Hot chocolate with a dash of cherry syrup
Chai tea latte

FAQs About Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes up to 2 days in advance and store unfrosted in an airtight container. The cherry filling can be made up to 5 days ahead and kept refrigerated. Assemble and frost the cupcakes up to 24 hours before serving.

How do I prevent my cherries from sinking to the bottom of the cupcakes?
Toss chopped cherries in 1 tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. Also, make sure your batter isn’t too thin—it should be thick enough to suspend the fruit pieces.

Can I use cherry pie filling instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Cherry pie filling works as a convenient shortcut. For best results, chop any large cherry pieces and drain excess liquid before using.

Why did my cupcakes sink in the middle?
Sinking can occur if you open the oven door too early in the baking process, if your leavening agents are old, or if your oven temperature is inaccurate. Consider using an oven thermometer and avoid checking the cupcakes until at least 15 minutes into baking.

How can I make the cherry flavor more pronounced?
Add ½ teaspoon of cherry extract to your batter or use freeze-dried cherry powder (about 2 tablespoons) mixed into the dry ingredients for an intense natural cherry flavor without added moisture.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and sweet-tart cherries that makes these Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes an absolute standout in the world of desserts. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cupcakes deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—customize it to your preferences, experiment with different decorating techniques, or adapt it to suit dietary restrictions. The core chocolate-cherry pairing remains a classic that never disappoints.

I hope you’ll take these tips and techniques and make this recipe your own. And when you do bake these delightful treats, I’d love to hear about your experience! Tag me on social media or leave a comment on the blog to share your Chocolate Cherry Cupcake creations.

Happy baking!

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: The Best Recipe for a Delicious Treat