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Dark Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

These cupcakes feature a rich chocolate base with a tart cherry surprise in the center, topped with frosting and a maraschino cherry for a delightful treat that’s easy to make.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix Use a dark-chocolate mix for richer flavor.
  • 1 cup cherry pie filling Fresh cherries cooked with sugar and cornstarch are a great alternative.
  • 1/2 cup milk Whole milk is recommended for tenderness; non-dairy milk works too.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Neutral-flavored; melted butter is an option for flavor.
  • 3 large eggs Use room temperature for better emulsification.
  • to taste Maraschino cherries For topping.
  • to taste Chocolate or vanilla frosting Store-bought or homemade buttercream.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions.
  • Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the chocolate cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs together until smooth.
  • Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter using a spoon or small scoop.
  • Place about 1 teaspoon of cherry pie filling into the center of each partially filled cup.
  • Top each cup with more batter until it is about two-thirds full.
  • Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Baking

  • Bake following the cake mix’s bake time, typically around 18–20 minutes.
  • Start checking for doneness at 16 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  • Remove from the oven and let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes.
  • Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

  • Once cool, frost generously with chocolate or vanilla frosting.
  • Finish each cupcake with a maraschino cherry on top.

Notes

Serve at room temperature for the best texture. These cupcakes can be stored unfrosted at room temperature or frosted ones in the refrigerator. Bring refrigerated cupcakes back to room temperature before serving.
Keyword cherry desserts, Chocolate Cupcakes, Cupcake Recipe, Easy Desserts, party cupcakes