Description
Indulge in these decadent Black Forest Cupcakes, a perfect German-inspired dessert combining rich chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting topped with chocolate shavings. Ideal for celebrations or anytime chocolate and cherry cravings strike.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cherry pie filling, chopped
Frosting
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or curls
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined to create your dry mix.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing gently after each addition until just combined to maintain a light texture.
- Fill cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean.
- Cool: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan or on a wire rack.
- Add cherry filling: Once cooled, make a small well or simply spoon a modest amount of chopped cherry pie filling onto the center of each cupcake.
- Prepare whipped cream frosting: In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a mixer until stiff peaks form, ensuring a fluffy and stable frosting.
- Frost cupcakes: Pipe or spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over each cupcake, covering the cherry filling completely.
- Garnish: Top each frosted cupcake with chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant finish.
- Serve: Enjoy the cupcakes chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a more traditional Black Forest flavor, brush cupcakes lightly with cherry juice before adding the cherry filling.
- Refrigerate cupcakes if not serving immediately, especially because of the whipped cream frosting, to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Ensure heavy cream is cold prior to whipping for optimal volume and stability.
