Chocolate, cherries, and cream come together in these totally irresistible Black Forest Cupcakes.
The Black Forest is a beautiful, legendary region in southwest Germany. Besides the densely forested, rolling landscape, it’s an area especially known for two iconic German things: cuckoo clocks and Black Forest cake. The cake has been around for centuries, and its hallmark feature is a cherry-flavored liqueur that is used to moisten and flavor the dark chocolate sponge. Black Forest cake is a wonderful celebration cake for special occasions. But why not tweak the recipe and turn it into delightful little cupcakes?
Black Forest cupcakes are cute and delicious. Not only do they look pretty lined up on a tray or tiered display, but they also contain a secret surprise! When you bite into the cupcake, you get that classic cherry-and-chocolate flavor, since there is cherry pie filling inside each cupcake.
You will love making Black Forest cupcakes for birthdays, potlucks, or bake sales. Think of them as being the Black Forest cake in portable, miniature form. Yes, these cupcakes look super impressive, but they are deceptively easy to make.
Glow-ups for Black Forest cupcakes
These cupcakes are delicious when made as directed. For an extra-special touch, consider tweaking a few of the ingredients. First, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a truly light and tender texture. Use one cup plus two tablespoons of cake flour instead of one cup of all-purpose flour. Secondly, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the recipe. It will deepen the chocolate flavor and add a touch of complexity. Finally, for a truly German touch, add a splash of kirsch, or cherry-flavored brandy, into the canned cherry pie filling before adding it to the baked cupcakes.
How do I store leftovers?
Since these cupcakes have a cherry filling and a whipped cream topping, they need to be refrigerated if you have leftovers. Place them in an airtight container with a lid and consume within 24 hours. Without the topping, the cupcakes will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and make the topping when ready to serve.
Serving suggestions
If you’re serving German food like grilled sausages, Potato Pancakes or German Potato Salad, consider serving these sweet cupcakes as dessert to keep in line with the theme. Black Forest cupcakes are also great items to take to a party, potluck, or bake sale. For your party’s dessert table, they go well with and look great alongside other treats like Black And White Cookies or Red Velvet Cupcakes.
Black Forest Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 ounces)
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Incorporate the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Blend until thoroughly combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin.
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven, cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Take a small knife or cupcake corer to hollow out the center of each cooled cupcake. Next, spoon cherry pie filling into each hollowed center.
- Pipe or spoon the whipped cream over each filled cupcake.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream.
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