Description
Delight in these luscious Black Forest Cupcakes featuring moist cocoa-flavored cake filled with a homemade cherry compote, topped with stabilized whipped cream, fresh cherries, and dark chocolate shavings. Perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat, this recipe combines classic Black Forest cake flavors into a convenient cupcake form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients for Cupcakes
- 1 cup cake flour (substitute all purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients for Cupcakes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Cherry Filling
- 2 cups cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Kirsch (or other cherry liquor)
Stabilized Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons flavorless powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- fresh cherries
- dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Filling: In a large pot over medium heat, combine cherries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook while stirring frequently until cherries break down and mixture thickens, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and Kirsch. Let cool completely before using.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Combine Batter: Stir half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Then add milk, followed by remaining dry ingredients, stirring just until fully combined with no lumps.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into each cupcake liner, filling them halfway.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Gelatin for Whipped Cream: In a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom. Microwave for 5-10 seconds until dissolved, stir well, then let it cool slightly.
- Make Stabilized Whipped Cream: In a stand mixer bowl with whisk attachment or using a hand mixer, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. On low speed, slowly add the gelatin mixture, then increase speed to medium and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Core Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove the center portion of each cupcake, creating a cavity for filling. Snack on the removed cake pieces or save them for another use.
- Fill Cupcakes: Spoon the cooled cherry filling into the hollowed center of each cupcake.
- Pipe Whipped Cream: Transfer stabilized whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a 1A star tip. Pipe swirls on top of each filled cupcake to create a decorative and creamy finish.
- Garnish: Decorate each cupcake with fresh cherries and dark chocolate shavings for a classic Black Forest look.
Notes
- Cherry filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries for the filling depending on availability; thaw frozen cherries before use.
- Room temperature eggs help to create a smoother batter and better cupcake texture.
- To keep whipped cream stable longer, make sure gelatin is fully dissolved and not clumpy before adding to the cream.
- Leftover cupcake cores make a delicious snack or can be repurposed for trifle or ice cream toppings.
- Kirsch can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version but adds authentic cherry flavor.
- Chocolate shavings can be made using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar or purchased pre-made.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
