If you’re a fan of the classic Black Forest cake, get ready to fall in love with these Ridiculously Delicious Black Forest Cupcakes! They’re moist, rich chocolate cupcakes filled with sweet cherry compote and topped with light, fluffy whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
These cupcakes bring together the perfect balance of chocolate, cherries, and cream, making them ideal for any occasion—from birthdays to holiday celebrations. Plus, they’re easy to make and look stunning with their elegant layers!
Let’s dive into this irresistible dessert that tastes just as amazing as it looks!
Ingredients
the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot water or brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
the Cherry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups cherry pie filling or pitted fresh cherries
- 2 tablespoons sugar (skip if using canned filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or chocolate curls
- Fresh cherries (optional)
Instructions
1: Make the Chocolate Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with 12 liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add buttermilk and mix until combined.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with hot water. The batter will be thin—that’s normal!
- Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before filling and decorating.
2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
- If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them.
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch mixed with water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Let it cool before filling the cupcakes.
3: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a cold mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on high speed.
- Whip until stiff peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
- Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
4: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Core the cupcakes using a small knife or cupcake corer.
- Fill each cupcake with 1-2 teaspoons of cherry filling.
- Pipe or spread whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and top with a fresh cherry.
Tips for the Best Black Forest Cupcakes
Want to make the most decadent, bakery-style Black Forest cupcakes? Follow these expert tips to get perfectly moist chocolate cupcakes, rich cherry filling, and light, fluffy whipped cream every time!
1. Use Hot Coffee Instead of Water for Intense Chocolate Flavor
✔ Enhances the depth of chocolate without making the cupcakes taste like coffee.
Adding hot coffee instead of water makes the chocolate flavor richer and more intense. The heat helps bloom the cocoa powder, releasing its natural oils and deepening the flavor. Even if you’re not a coffee lover, don’t worry—you won’t taste the coffee, just an enhanced chocolatey richness!
Best options:
- Freshly brewed black coffee – The stronger the brew, the richer the flavor.
- Instant espresso powder – Dissolve 1 teaspoon in ½ cup hot water.
- Decaf coffee – If you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Pro Tip: Let the coffee cool slightly before adding it to the batter to prevent scrambling the eggs.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter for Light and Fluffy Cupcakes
✔ Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy cupcakes instead of soft and tender ones.
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cupcakes instead of light, fluffy ones.
How to mix correctly:
- Use a spatula or whisk, not an electric mixer, to gently fold the batter.
- Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together.
- A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, mix the batter for no more than 20 seconds after adding dry ingredients.
3. Chill the Cherry Filling for Easier Cupcake Assembly
✔ Prevents the filling from running out and keeps the cupcakes neat.
Since the cherry filling is juicy, chilling it for at least 20 minutes allows it to thicken properly. This makes it easier to scoop into the cupcakes without leaking.
How to thicken cherry filling faster:
- Cook it until slightly thickened, then let it cool.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for extra thickness.
- Place it in the fridge while the cupcakes bake to firm up.
Pro Tip: If using cherry pie filling from a can, give it a quick stir and chill it for better consistency.
4. Keep Whipped Cream Cold for Perfect Piping
✔ Prevents melting and helps the cream hold its shape.
Since whipped cream is delicate, warm temperatures can cause it to deflate or melt quickly. Keeping it cold and stabilized ensures it stays light, fluffy, and holds its peaks.
How to keep whipped cream stable:
- Chill the mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes before whipping.
- Use heavy whipping cream with at least 36% fat content for best results.
- If serving cupcakes later, mix in ½ teaspoon cornstarch or gelatin to help stabilize the cream.
Pro Tip: Store piped cupcakes in the fridge until serving to prevent the cream from melting.
5. Add a Splash of Kirsch (Cherry Liqueur) for Authentic Black Forest Flavor
✔ Gives the cupcakes a classic, German-inspired touch.
Kirsch (Kirschwasser) is a traditional cherry liqueur used in authentic Black Forest cakes. Adding just a small splash to the cherry filling or brushing it onto the cupcakes elevates the flavor.
How to use Kirsch in cupcakes:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of Kirsch into the cherry filling for a boozy twist.
- Brush a teaspoon of Kirsch onto the tops of baked cupcakes before adding the filling.
- If making kid-friendly cupcakes, replace Kirsch with cherry juice or vanilla extract.
Pro Tip: If you love the boozy flavor, add Kirsch to the whipped cream for an extra grown-up treat!
Final Thoughts
By following these simple pro tips, you’ll get moist, rich chocolate cupcakes, thick cherry filling, and light, fluffy whipped cream—just like a classic Black Forest cake in cupcake form!
- Want deep chocolate flavor? Use hot coffee.
- Need light cupcakes? Don’t overmix the batter.
- Want neat, clean cupcake assembly? Chill the cherry filling.
- Struggling with melting whipped cream? Keep it cold!
- Love authentic flavor? Add Kirsch for a boozy cherry twist.
With these tips, you’re guaranteed to bake the most Ridiculously Delicious Black Forest Cupcakes every time!
What to Serve with Black Forest Cupcakes
Black Forest cupcakes are rich, chocolatey, and filled with sweet cherry goodness, making them an indulgent treat on their own. But if you want to take your dessert experience to the next level, pairing them with the right drink, topping, or side can enhance the flavors and create a more balanced bite. Whether you’re serving them for a party, a romantic dinner, or just a cozy night in, here are some of the best pairings to enjoy with your cupcakes!
1. A Hot Cup of Espresso – Perfectly Balances the Sweetness
✔ The bitterness of coffee cuts through the richness of chocolate.
✔ Enhances the deep cocoa flavors for a gourmet dessert experience.
Nothing pairs better with a sweet dessert than a bold, slightly bitter espresso. The intense coffee flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweet cherry filling and whipped cream, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Best coffee pairings:
- Espresso shot – Bold and strong, perfect for an after-dinner treat.
- Americano – Milder than espresso but still offers a rich, deep flavor.
- Cappuccino or latte – If you prefer a creamier, frothy coffee experience.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle a bit of cocoa powder on top of your coffee for a chocolate-cherry-coffee harmony!
2. A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream – Adds Extra Creaminess
✔ Cold, creamy texture contrasts with the fluffy cupcake and soft cherry filling.
✔ Enhances the dessert without overpowering the chocolate or cherry flavors.
Serving Black Forest cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them even more indulgent. The smooth, creamy ice cream melts slightly into the cupcake, creating a luxurious, rich bite with every spoonful.
Best ice cream flavors to pair with Black Forest cupcakes:
- Classic vanilla – Simple and smooth, letting the cupcakes shine.
- Cherry vanilla swirl – Doubles down on the cherry flavor.
- Chocolate fudge – For the ultimate chocolate lovers.
Pro Tip: Warm your cupcake for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving it with ice cream for a warm-meets-cold experience!
3. Drizzle of Chocolate Ganache – For an Even More Indulgent Dessert
✔ Adds an extra layer of rich, silky chocolate flavor.
✔ Makes the cupcakes look extra elegant and restaurant-worthy.
If you want to elevate your Black Forest cupcakes, a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache takes them to another level. The smooth, glossy chocolate complements the cupcake’s dark cocoa base and enhances its richness without making it too sweet.
How to make a simple chocolate ganache:
- Heat ½ cup heavy cream until warm (don’t boil).
- Pour over ½ cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips.
- Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Ways to serve it:
- Drizzle over the cupcakes for an elegant touch.
- Dip the cupcake in ganache for a fondue-style treat.
- Spread a thin layer on top before piping the whipped cream for extra decadence.
Pro Tip: Use dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) to avoid making the ganache too sweet.
4. A Glass of Red Wine – Pairs Beautifully with Cherries and Chocolate
✔ Red wine enhances the dark chocolate and cherry flavors.
✔ Makes for a sophisticated, grown-up dessert pairing.
If you want a restaurant-quality dessert experience, pair your Black Forest cupcakes with a glass of red wine. The deep, bold flavors of red wine complement the chocolate and cherries, creating a smooth, velvety combination that feels luxurious.
Best wines to pair with Black Forest cupcakes:
- Pinot Noir – Light-bodied, fruity, and slightly tart (great with cherries).
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold and rich, enhances the deep cocoa notes.
- Merlot – Smooth and velvety with dark fruit undertones.
- Zinfandel – Has a jammy, slightly spicy flavor that pairs beautifully.
Pro Tip: For an alcohol-free option, pair with sparkling cherry juice or pomegranate juice for a similar rich, fruity contrast
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen cherries for the filling?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
2. How do I store Black Forest cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and assemble them before serving.
4. Can I use canned whipped cream?
It’s best to make fresh whipped cream, as canned versions tend to deflate quickly.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
These Ridiculously Delicious Black Forest Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for chocolate and cherry lovers! With moist chocolate cake, luscious cherry filling, and silky whipped cream, they’re a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Want more indulgent treats? Check out this Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting for another must-try dessert!
Try this recipe today and enjoy a decadent bite of Black Forest heaven!