Dark Forest Cherry Cupcakes

Irresistible Black Forest Cupcakes: Your New Go-To Recipe for Decadent Chocolate & Cherry Bliss

Prepare to fall in love with these Black Forest Cupcakes – a delightful mini version of the beloved German classic. Crafted from what we confidently proclaim as the absolute best chocolate cupcake base you’ll ever taste, these treats are a symphony of moist, fluffy, and incredibly light texture, bursting with a bold chocolate flavor that will captivate your senses. What makes this recipe truly special is its surprising simplicity. Forget complicated techniques; there’s no need for creaming butter. Just one bowl and a few easy steps are all it takes to whip up a batch of these extraordinary cupcakes, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Our Black Forest Cupcakes aren’t just easy; they’re an experience. Each one is a delightful package featuring:

  • A generous filling of rich, homemade cherry jam, offering a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
  • A dreamy topping of light and ethereal vanilla Chantilly cream, stable enough to hold its elegant shape.
  • An ideal dessert choice for parties, special occasions, or simply a luxurious everyday treat.
  • The remarkable ease of preparation, which truly sets this recipe apart and guarantees consistent, delicious results every time.

I don’t often label my recipes as “the best” lightly, but I stand firmly by the fact that this chocolate cupcake base is truly exceptional. It has become my exclusive chocolate cupcake recipe, consistently delivering unmatched moisture and flavor. Its versatility has allowed it to be the star in various creations across my blog, including popular recipes like my vibrant raspberry chocolate cupcakes, the indulgent salted caramel chocolate cupcakes, and the timeless chocolate fudge cupcakes. This commitment to quality ensures that every bite of these Black Forest Cupcakes offers the deep, satisfying chocolate experience you crave.

Imagine the joy of serving these elegant, mini black forest cakes at your next gathering. They are guaranteed to impress your guests and spark conversations, so be ready to share this highly sought-after Black Forest Cupcake recipe. Their sophisticated appearance and irresistible taste make them a memorable addition to any dessert table.

This beloved recipe was originally published on May 10th, 2018. It has been meticulously updated with stunning new photos, enhanced information, and an even more authentic and delightfully stable whipped cream topping to ensure perfection.

Closeup of a single Black Forest Cupcake with a fresh cherry on top, highlighting the rich chocolate and creamy topping.

Table of Contents: Dive into Black Forest Cupcake Perfection

  • Essential Ingredients You’ll Need for Black Forest Cupcakes
  • Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Black Forest Cupcakes
  • Pro Tips and Tricks for Flawless Cupcakes
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Black Forest Cupcakes
  • Yield and Optimal Storage for Freshness
  • More Decadent Recipes You’ll Adore

Never Miss a Delicious Recipe!

Join our community and get the latest irresistible recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You won’t want to miss our next culinary adventure!

Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive recipes and baking tips!

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need for Unforgettable Black Forest Cupcakes

Creating these incredible Black Forest Cupcakes requires a selection of quality ingredients that work in harmony to produce their signature flavor and texture. From the robust chocolate base to the tangy cherry filling and the cloud-like Chantilly cream, each component plays a crucial role. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:

A curated selection of fresh ingredients laid out on a baking sheet, ready for making black forest cupcakes.

For precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our tender chocolate cupcakes. Ensure you use plain flour (also known as all-purpose flour) for the ideal structure.
  • Cocoa Powder: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor. We highly recommend Dutch-processed cocoa powder as it creates a darker, less bitter chocolate flavor. However, regular unsweetened cocoa powder also works wonderfully, yielding a slightly lighter color and more intense chocolate note.
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda: This dynamic duo ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully, creating that signature slight dome and a light, airy crumb. Both leavening agents react differently, providing optimal lift and texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: We use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the recipe. Melted butter is key to the easy, one-bowl method, contributing to the moistness without requiring creaming.
  • Granulated & Brown Sugar: A blend of white granulated sugar and brown sugar adds complexity to the cupcakes. Granulated sugar provides sweetness, while brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, enhancing the chocolate. Icing sugar (powdered sugar) is essential for the smooth, delicate Chantilly cream topping.
  • Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients, add richness, and contribute to the cupcake’s structure and moisture. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with other ingredients.
  • Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer! Pure vanilla extract intensifies the chocolate notes and adds a layer of sophisticated warmth, balancing the sweetness. Always opt for pure extract over synthetic vanilla essence for superior flavor.
  • Buttermilk: Our secret weapon for exceptionally tender and moist cupcakes. Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a delicate crumb and adds a subtle tang that complements the chocolate perfectly.
  • Cherries: The heart of our Black Forest Cupcakes. The center of each cupcake is generously filled with a vibrant, tangy, and perfectly sweet homemade cherry jam. While store-bought cherry jam or pie filling can be used for convenience, we highly encourage you to try making your own at least once – it’s surprisingly easy! Simply simmer fresh or frozen pitted cherries with sugar and Kirsch (or lemon juice) until thickened. For garnishing, fresh cherries or classic maraschino cherries provide a beautiful finish.
  • Kirsch: This traditional cherry liqueur adds an authentic Black Forest flavor dimension to the homemade cherry jam. For an extra adult-only kick, you can lightly brush the tops of the baked cupcakes with Kirsch before filling. Cherry brandy makes a good substitute. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, simply replace the Kirsch with a splash of fresh lemon juice in your cherry jam recipe.
  • Unflavored Powdered Gelatine: The magic ingredient for our stabilized Chantilly cream topping. Gelatine helps the whipped cream maintain its beautiful, fluffy shape, preventing it from weeping or deflating, even when sitting out for a while.
  • Thickened Cream (Heavy Cream): This is the base for our rich and luxurious Chantilly cream. Depending on your region, it may also be labeled as heavy whipping cream or simply heavy cream. Ensure it’s very cold for optimal whipping.
  • Dark Chocolate: For the ultimate decadent finish, you can drizzle these cupcakes with a homemade chocolate ganache. Alternatively, and for a more traditional look that’s easier to achieve, use delicate chocolate shavings. Simply run a vegetable peeler down the edge of a block of good quality dark chocolate to create elegant curls.

How to Make Black Forest Cupcakes: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting these exquisite Black Forest Cupcakes is a rewarding process, and with our clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll achieve perfect results every time. Follow along to create each delicious component, from the moist chocolate base to the tangy cherry filling and the delicate Chantilly cream.

A collage of images showing the process of mixing chocolate cupcake batter.

For all precise measurements and ingredient quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

Making the Perfect Chocolate Cupcake Base

  1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a generously sized bowl, carefully sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Sifting is crucial here to prevent lumps and ensure a uniformly light texture in your finished cupcakes. Once sifted, whisk them together thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Integrate the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the melted unsalted butter with both white granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Beat these together with a mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, incorporate the eggs, adding them one at a time and beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully emulsified. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. Now, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture (photo 1), mixing gently until just combined. Follow with the buttermilk (photo 2), and again, mix just until the batter comes together. The key here is not to overmix; overmixing develops gluten, leading to dense, tough cupcakes instead of the light and fluffy texture we desire.
  3. Bake the Cupcakes to Perfection: Line your muffin pan with paper cupcake liners. Using an ice cream scoop for consistency, fill each cupcake liner approximately two-thirds of the way full (photo 3). This ensures even baking and prevents overflow. Bake for 18-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the type of muffin pan used (see “Tips and Tricks” for more on this). Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before proceeding.
Step-by-step image illustrating how to cook the cherry jam filling for black forest cupcakes.

Crafting the Luscious Cherry Filling

  1. Gentle Simmer: In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the cherry jam. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (photo 4). The goal is to slowly release the cherry juices and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  2. Thicken and Cool: Continue to stir the cherry mixture occasionally as it simmers. Let it cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has significantly reduced and the jam has thickened to a luscious consistency with almost no remaining free liquid (photo 5). Remove from heat and allow the cherry filling to cool completely before using. As it cools, it will continue to thicken, so don’t worry if it seems a little thin initially.

Chef’s Note: The cherry jam will noticeably thicken as it cools. If you find it becomes too thick for your preference, you can sparingly add a dash of water to reach the desired consistency. However, exercise caution – adding too much liquid could result in soggy cupcakes, compromising their delightful texture.

A collage of images illustrating the steps to make stabilized Chantilly cream topping.

Creating the Exquisite Homemade Stabilized Chantilly Cream

The light, airy, and delicately sweetened vanilla Chantilly cream is the crowning glory of these Black Forest Cupcakes. Its unique stabilization ensures it holds its elegant shape beautifully, unlike traditional whipped cream, making your desserts presentation-perfect for longer.

  1. Prepare the Gelatine: Begin by softening the unflavored powdered gelatine in a small amount of cold water for a few minutes. This allows it to “bloom.” Once softened, gently warm it in the microwave for just a few seconds until it completely melts and becomes a clear liquid. Be careful not to overheat it, as excessive heat can reduce its setting power.
  2. Whip the Cream: Pour the very cold thickened cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream until it starts to thicken and hold soft peaks. At this stage, slowly incorporate the icing sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is well combined and the cream holds soft, billowy peaks (photo 6).
  3. Stabilize the Cream: With the mixer still running on a low speed, steadily pour the slightly cooled, melted gelatine mixture into the whipping cream (photo 7). Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue to beat for another 10-20 seconds, or until stiff peaks form (photo 8). The cream should be thick and hold its shape firmly. Be vigilant not to overwhip, as this can lead to a grainy texture.

Baking Tip: For whipping the Chantilly cream, both a powerful stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a reliable electric hand mixer will yield excellent results. Ensure your bowl and whisk are chilled for the best outcome.

A collage of images showing the final assembly steps of black forest cupcakes.

Assembling Your Decadent Cherry-Filled Cupcakes

Now comes the most exciting part: bringing all the wonderful components together to create your show-stopping Black Forest Cupcakes!

  1. Prepare the Cupcake Centers: Once your chocolate cupcakes are completely cooled, use a small paring knife, a dedicated cupcake corer, or even an apple corer to carefully cut a hole in the center of each cupcake (photo 9). This creates the perfect pocket for your luscious cherry filling.
  2. Fill and Top: Generously spoon or pipe your cooled homemade cherry jam into each hollowed-out cupcake center. Then, using a piping bag fitted with your desired tip (or simply a spoon), elegantly pipe or dollop the stabilized Chantilly cream topping over the cherry-filled cupcakes (photo 10). For optimal setting and stability, chill the assembled cupcakes in the refrigerator while you prepare your chocolate ganache (if you choose to use it). Detailed instructions for making the ganache are available in the recipe card below.
  3. Garnish and Serve: Complete your Black Forest Cupcakes with beautiful garnishes. Drizzle with freshly made chocolate ganache or scatter delicate dark chocolate shavings over the cream. A fresh cherry on top adds a final flourish (photo 11), making these treats not only delicious but also visually stunning. Now, they are ready to be enjoyed!

Insider Tip: Don’t discard those little cores you cut out of the cupcakes! They’re the chef’s well-deserved treat. Enjoy them as a delicious reward while you finalize your beautiful Black Forest Cupcakes.

A single black forest cupcake, artfully garnished with chocolate shavings and a fresh cherry.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Flawless Black Forest Cupcakes

Achieving bakery-quality Black Forest Cupcakes is within your reach! These expert tips will help ensure your cupcakes are nothing short of perfect:

  • Precision is Key: Weigh Your Ingredients! For the most consistently perfect cherry-filled cupcakes, investing in a digital kitchen scale is a game-changer. While measuring cups and spoons can be used, weighing ingredients like flour and sugar offers unparalleled accuracy, eliminating variations due to packing density. This precision will always yield a superior result in baking.
  • Avoid the Pitfall of Overmixing: When combining your cupcake batter, mix only until the dry and wet ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to dense, chewy, and dry black forest cupcakes instead of the light, tender crumb you’re aiming for. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
  • Understand Your Muffin Pans: Different muffin pans affect baking time. I personally love using my silicone muffin pans because they impart a lovely tall, rounded shape to the finished cupcakes. However, silicone retains less heat than metal, so baking times can extend to 23-25 minutes. A standard metal muffin pan, which heats up and retains heat more quickly, will typically bake cupcakes faster, usually within 18-20 minutes. Always keep an eye on your cupcakes and test for doneness with a toothpick.
  • Master the Art of Whipping Cream: When making your stabilized Chantilly cream, start whipping at a medium speed and gradually increase. As the cream begins to thicken, reduce the speed slightly and pay close attention. Overwhipping cream can quickly turn it grainy or, if you go too far, into butter! Stop as soon as stiff peaks form. The cream should hold its shape firmly when the whisk is lifted.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This allows them to emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb in your cupcakes.
  • Cool Completely: Always allow your cupcakes to cool entirely on a wire rack before filling and frosting. Attempting to fill or frost warm cupcakes will cause the cherry jam and Chantilly cream to melt and slide off, ruining your beautiful creation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Forest Cupcakes

What exactly is Black Forest Cake, and where does it come from?

Black Forest cake, known in Germany as “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte,” is a truly iconic traditional German dessert. Its name is derived from the picturesque Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region, famous for its dense evergreen forests and rich culinary heritage. The classic cake is typically composed of several decadent layers of chocolate sponge cake, which are often generously soaked in Kirschwasser (cherry liqueur) for an unmistakable depth of flavor. These layers are then beautifully sandwiched with whipped cream and luscious cherries, and the entire cake is lavishly garnished with chocolate shavings and sometimes additional fresh cherries.

Can I substitute the Chantilly whipped cream with a different frosting?

Absolutely! While our stabilized Chantilly cream offers an authentic touch and superior stability, you certainly have the flexibility to substitute it if you prefer a different frosting or if whipped cream isn’t your favorite. A popular and highly complementary alternative for Black Forest cupcakes is cream cheese frosting. Its tangy sweetness pairs wonderfully with both the rich chocolate cupcake base and the tart cherry jam filling, creating a different yet equally delicious flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this Black Forest Cupcake recipe ahead of time?

Yes, these cupcakes are wonderfully accommodating for make-ahead preparation, which can significantly ease your baking schedule for parties or events. While the recipe involves a few distinct steps, you can strategically prepare components in advance. The chocolate cupcakes themselves can be baked 1-2 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, baked, unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, for the freshest taste and best texture, it is highly recommended to add the cherry filling and the delicate whipped cream topping (and any garnishes) just a few hours before you plan to serve them. This ensures the cream remains fluffy and the cupcakes don’t become soggy from the filling.

Can I use frozen cherries for the jam and topping?

Absolutely! Frozen pitted cherries are an excellent alternative to fresh ones, especially when fresh cherries are out of season or expensive. For the homemade cherry jam, frozen cherries work just as well and require no thawing – simply add them directly to the saucepan as per the recipe. For the topping, while fresh cherries provide a beautiful aesthetic, thawed and drained frozen cherries can also be used, or even good quality maraschino cherries for a classic look.

What kind of chocolate should I use for shavings or ganache?

For chocolate shavings, a good quality dark chocolate bar (50-70% cocoa solids) works best. The higher cocoa content gives a richer flavor, and the bar’s firm texture makes it easy to create beautiful curls with a vegetable peeler. If you’re making ganache, opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate couverture for the smoothest, most luxurious result. Avoid using baking chocolate bars often found in the baking aisle, as these may not melt as smoothly or provide the same depth of flavor.

Yield and Optimal Storage for Peak Freshness

This exquisite Black Forest Gateau Cupcakes recipe is designed to yield 12 perfectly portioned cupcakes, making them ideal for small gatherings or enjoying throughout the week. Each cupcake is a generous serving of chocolate and cherry delight.

To maintain their exceptional flavor and delicate texture, particularly due to the luscious stabilized whipped cream topping, I strongly recommend storing any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain wonderfully fresh for up to 3-4 days. For the absolute best eating experience, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before indulging. This allows the chocolate cake to soften and the flavors to fully bloom.

The beauty of our stabilized Chantilly cream topping is its resilience. While these cupcakes must be stored in the fridge, the topping is designed to hold its shape beautifully and won’t melt or slide for up to 2 hours when left at room temperature (unless, of course, you’re in an exceptionally hot climate!). This makes them perfect for transporting to parties or enjoying leisurely.

A black forest cupcake cut in half, revealing the moist chocolate cake and luscious cherry jam filling inside.

Discover More Decadent Recipes You’ll Adore

If you’ve fallen in love with the rich flavors of chocolate and cherry, or simply can’t get enough of delightful cakes and cupcakes, you’re in for a treat! Explore some of our other cherished recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings:

  • Indulgent Chocolate Mini Cakes
  • Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe
  • Rich and Fudgy Black Forest Brownies
  • Comforting Almond Cherry Crumb Cake
  • Versatile Fresh Cherry Sauce & Compote
  • Elegant White Forest Cake

Have you had the pleasure of trying this incredible recipe for Black Forest Cupcakes?
We’d be absolutely thrilled if you shared your experience by leaving a rating and comment below the recipe card! Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us and to other home bakers.

Craving more deliciousness? Subscribe to our free newsletter to get scrumptious recipes delivered directly to your inbox. Plus, make sure to follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses!

A batch of black forest cupcakes arranged beautifully on a rustic wooden board.

Black Forest Cupcakes

Yield: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes





5 from 8 ratings
These Black Forest Chocolate Cupcakes capture all the iconic flavors of a classic Black Forest cake in an irresistible, individual cupcake form.
Print
Rate
Pin

Ingredients

FOR THE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

  • 130 g plain flour (all purpose flour) (1 cup / 4 ½oz)
  • 40 g dutch processed cocoa powder (or plain unsweetened) (⅓ cup / 1 ½oz)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate soda)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 113 g unsalted butter, melted (½ cup / 1 stick)
  • ½ cup white granulated sugar (100g / 3 ½oz)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (100g / 3 ½oz)
  • 2 large eggs, room temp
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk, room temp

FOR THE CHERRY JAM

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
  • cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Kirsch (or lemon juice) (note 1)

FOR THE STABILIZED WHIPPED CREAM

  • 2 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatine
  • 2 tablespoons water (note 1)
  • 2 cups thickened cream (heavy cream) (500ml)
  • cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

TO FINISH (Optional Ganache)

  • 100 g dark chocolate (50-70%), finely chopped (or 20g chocolate shavings)
  • cup thickened cream (heavy cream)
  • 12 fresh cherries for garnish

For the most consistent and best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided.

Equipment

  • Silicone muffin trays – for beautifully shaped cupcakes
  • A medium ice cream scoop – for consistent cupcake portions
  • A stand mixer or handheld beater
  • A cupcake corer – for perfectly sized filling holes

Instructions

 

  • FOR THE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES:

    Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F. Prepare your muffin pans by lining them with paper cupcake cases.

  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • In a separate, larger bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat together the melted butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. Finally, add the vanilla extract and beat until just combined.
  • Add approximately one-third of the sifted flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Gently stir until just combined. Then, add half of the buttermilk and mix gently again. Continue this process, alternating between the remaining flour mixture and buttermilk, until all dry ingredients and buttermilk are just incorporated. It is crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense and tough cupcakes. Mix only until no streaks of dry flour remain.
  • Fill each cupcake case about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18-24 minutes. For even baking, rotate the muffin pan halfway through the cooking time. The cupcakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a crumb or two. Baking time will vary based on your oven and the type of muffin pan used.
  • FOR THE CHERRY JAM:

    In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine all the cherry jam ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the jam has thickened to a spreadable consistency. Remove from heat and allow the jam to cool completely before using.

  • FOR THE STABILIZED CHANTILLY CREAM (prepare once cupcakes are cool):

    In a small bowl or jug, sprinkle the powdered gelatine over the cold water. Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes to soften (bloom).

  • Microwave the softened gelatine for 7-10 seconds on low power, then stir until the gelatine is completely dissolved and the mixture is liquid and clear. If necessary, microwave in 3-second increments until dissolved, but be careful not to overheat, as this can reduce its effectiveness. Set aside to cool slightly. If it hardens during this time, gently re-warm in the microwave for a few seconds until fluid again.
  • In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the very cold thickened cream until it begins to thicken and form soft peaks. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture just reaches soft, fluffy peaks.
  • With the mixer running on its lowest setting, slowly pour the slightly cooled gelatine mixture into the whipping cream. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 10-20 seconds, or just until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can quickly become grainy.
  • Carefully transfer the stabilized Chantilly cream to a piping bag fitted with your desired nozzle, or simply snip a 1cm/½ inch opening at the tip of the bag if using without a nozzle.
  • ASSEMBLE THE CUPCAKES:

    Using a small paring knife or a specialized cupcake corer, carefully cut a small hole in the center of each cooled chocolate cupcake.

  • Fill each cored hole with approximately 2 teaspoons of the cooled cherry jam.
  • Pipe or dollop the stabilized Chantilly cream generously over the top of each cherry-filled cupcake. Chill the finished cupcakes in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate ganache (if you plan to use it for garnishing).
  • FOR THE OPTIONAL GANACHE:

    Place the finely chopped dark chocolate in a small heatproof dish. In a small saucepan, gently heat the thickened cream over low heat until it just begins to bubble around the edges. Immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Give the dish a gentle shake to ensure all the chocolate is submerged. Let it sit undisturbed for one minute, then stir slowly with a spatula until you achieve a smooth, glossy ganache.

  • If using ganache, transfer it to a small squeeze bottle or a piping bag with a tiny snipped corner. Gently squeeze a small amount of ganache over the top of your cupcakes, allowing some to artfully drizzle down the sides. Finish by topping each cupcake with a fresh cherry. Serve and enjoy!
  • If you prefer to garnish with chocolate shavings instead of ganache, simply take a block of dark chocolate and run a vegetable peeler down its edge to create delicate curls. Scatter these shavings over the tops of your cream-topped cupcakes.
  • Please take a moment to leave a comment & rating below after trying the recipe. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and incredibly helpful to our community!

Notes

  1. Tablespoons: Please note that I use a standard Australian 20ml tablespoon in my recipes, which is equivalent to approximately 4 U.S. teaspoons. It’s always a good idea to check the size of your measuring spoons to ensure accuracy.
  2. For the most consistent and accurate baking, you should always weigh dry ingredients such as flour and sugar. A reliable kitchen scale is a relatively inexpensive but invaluable tool for bakers. If you do not have a scale, use the spoon and level method (gently spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off with a straight edge; do not scoop directly from the bag).
  3. Cherry Options: For the beautiful garnish on top of your cupcakes, you can easily substitute fresh cherries with frozen cherries (thawed and patted dry) or classic maraschino cherries, depending on availability and preference.

EXPLORE MORE DELIGHTFUL CAKE AND CUPCAKE RECIPES!

Calories: 481kcal
Author: Marie Roffey
Course: Dessert, Sweets
Cuisine: German, Various
Have you tried this recipe?Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it was! I love hearing from you. Nutrition information is approximate and derived from an online calculator. The brands you use may cause variations.
Nutrition Facts
Black Forest Cupcakes
Amount Per Serving (193 g)
Calories 481
Calories from Fat 270
% Daily Value*
Fat 30g46%
Saturated Fat 18g113%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 105mg35%
Sodium 119mg5%
Potassium 329mg9%
Carbohydrates 49g16%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 36g40%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 1016IU20%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 88mg9%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.