Craving a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with the richness of chocolate? Look no further than these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes! Bursting with chocolate chips and infused with the fruity goodness of cherries, these cupcakes are a true indulgence. Topped with a luscious cherry buttercream frosting, they are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Chip Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons cherry extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup cherry-flavored sweet cherry chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons cherry extract (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Sprinkles for garnish
Equipment Needed
For Cupcakes:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Piping bag and tips
- Spatula
Having the right equipment is essential to ensure that your cherry chip cupcakes turn out perfectly. Make sure you have all the necessary tools ready before you start baking.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, eggs, water, cherry juice, and canola oil.
- Drain and chop the maraschino cherries, then toss them with all-purpose flour to prevent sinking in the batter.
- Gently fold the chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Fill each cupcake liner with batter, ensuring not to overfill to prevent overflowing during baking.
- Place the filled cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for the recommended time or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cupcakes to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
- While waiting for the cupcakes to cool, prepare the cherry buttercream frosting using the specified ingredients and instructions.
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, pipe or spread the cherry buttercream frosting on top of each cupcake.
- Garnish the frosted cupcakes with sprinkles and whole maraschino cherries for a delightful finish.
Frosting Preparation
Making the Cherry Frosting
To prepare the cherry frosting, start by adding softened butter, vegetable shortening, white sugar, almond extract (you can substitute with vanilla extract), and whole milk into a mixing bowl. The next step is to blend in powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually until smooth. Finally, add heavy whipping cream in small increments until you reach the desired consistency.
Decorating the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled, you can start decorating them with the prepared cherry frosting. Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a beautiful swirl design on top of each cupcake. Alternatively, you can use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cupcakes. Garnish each cupcake with a cherry with a stem for an elegant finishing touch. Sprinkle miniature chocolate chips on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Serving and Storage
Best Serving Practices
To showcase these delectable cherry chip cupcakes at their best, serve them fresh at room temperature. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the frosting to soften to the perfect consistency for indulging in every bite.
How to Store
Store any leftover cherry chip cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, ensuring they are properly covered to maintain freshness. Remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Conclusion
I’ve shared a scrumptious Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcake recipe that’s sure to impress your taste buds. From preparing the batter to decorating with cherry buttercream frosting, every step is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors. The final touch of garnishing with cherries and chocolate chips adds a delightful visual appeal. Remember to serve these cupcakes fresh at room temperature for the ultimate taste experience. Whether stored at room temperature or refrigerated, ensure they are brought back to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These cupcakes are a delightful treat for any occasion, and with the right techniques, you can master this recipe and delight your friends and family with these irresistible goodies.