Name: Cherry Cream Chocolate Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American / Festive
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup hot water; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp cherry extract or maraschino cherry juice; Pink food coloring (gel); 12 maraschino cherries with stems

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Cherry Cream Chocolate Cupcakes are an irresistibly charming dessert, blending rich chocolate cake with a light and dreamy cherry whipped cream topping. Each cupcake is crowned with a maraschino cherry, creating a stunning pastel contrast and a nostalgic finish. These elegant cupcakes are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, afternoon teas, or any moment that calls for a touch of romance and indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are a beautiful balance of decadence and lightness. The chocolate base is moist, fluffy, and full of cocoa flavor, while the cherry whipped cream frosting adds a delicate, fruity finish without being overly sweet. With their charming pink hue and classic cherry-on-top look, they’re both visually delightful and crowd-pleasing. Easy to make and effortlessly pretty, these cupcakes bring joy to any gathering or celebration.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Buttermilk
Vegetable oil
Egg
Vanilla extract
Hot water

For the Cherry Whipped Frosting:

Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Cherry extract or maraschino cherry juice
Pink gel food coloring

Topping:

Maraschino cherries with stems

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
Gradually pour in the hot water while stirring. The batter will be thin—this is expected.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

To Make the Cherry Whipped Frosting:

In a large chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Add the cherry extract or a few teaspoons of maraschino cherry juice and a small amount of pink gel food coloring.
Continue whipping until stiff peaks form and the frosting holds its shape.

To Assemble:

Pipe the cherry whipped cream onto the cooled cupcakes in tall swirls using a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip.
Top each cupcake with a maraschino cherry with the stem attached.
Chill the cupcakes for 15 minutes to help the frosting set before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per cupcake

Variations

Chocolate-Cherry Filling: Hollow out the center of each cupcake and spoon in cherry jam or chopped maraschino cherries before frosting.
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of chocolate ganache over the frosting for extra decadence.
Cherry Chocolate Chips: Fold mini chocolate chips or dried cherries into the batter for added texture.
Almond Twist: Replace cherry extract with almond extract in the frosting for a cherry-almond flavor combination.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free buttermilk, egg replacer, and coconut whipped cream to suit vegan diets.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.
Mini Cupcakes: Make bite-sized cupcakes and top with a small swirl of frosting and half a cherry for a dainty variation.
Cherry Buttercream: Replace whipped cream with cherry buttercream for a firmer frosting that holds longer.

storage/reheating

Store cupcakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best texture, bring them to room temperature 15–20 minutes before serving. These cupcakes are not ideal for freezing once frosted, but the unfrosted cakes can be frozen for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw completely before frosting.

FAQs

Can I use maraschino cherry juice instead of extract?

Yes, maraschino cherry juice provides both flavor and a natural pink tint. It’s a great alternative to cherry extract.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for a balanced chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is also suitable if preferred.

Why is the batter so thin?

The addition of hot water thins the batter and helps create a moist, tender crumb. This is intentional.

How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?

Whip until the cream holds stiff peaks that stand up without collapsing. Avoid over-whipping to prevent graininess.

Can I use canned whipped cream?

Freshly whipped cream holds up better and tastes superior. Canned whipped cream tends to deflate quickly.

Can I use other frosting types?

Yes, you can substitute with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a stabilized whipped topping if desired.

What piping tip works best?

A large star tip or round tip creates beautiful swirls that complement the cherry topping.

How do I prevent my cupcakes from sticking to the liners?

Use high-quality liners and allow the cupcakes to cool completely before unwrapping.

Can I add cherries to the batter?

Yes, fold in finely chopped maraschino cherries or cherry preserves for an added fruity element.

Are these suitable for gifting?

Absolutely. Once chilled and set, these cupcakes are lovely for boxed presentation or dessert trays.

Conclusion

Cherry Cream Chocolate Cupcakes are a beautiful marriage of rich chocolate cake and delicate cherry flavor. With their soft pink frosting and maraschino cherry toppers, they’re a romantic, eye-catching treat perfect for special occasions or simply enjoying something sweet and elegant. Whether served at a tea party, shared as a gift, or baked just because, these cupcakes are sure to charm and delight.