Description
These cherry cordial chocolate cupcakes combine rich chocolate cake with a gooey cherry center, cherry-infused buttercream frosting, a drizzle of dark chocolate, and a maraschino cherry on top—perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any sweet celebration.
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup hot water
For the filling:
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1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
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2 tablespoons cherry juice
For the cherry buttercream:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups powdered sugar
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1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Red food coloring (optional)
For topping:
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1/3 cup melted dark chocolate
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12 maraschino cherries with stems
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat sugars and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in buttermilk and vanilla.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, then stir in hot water until batter is smooth.
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Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
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For the filling, mix chopped cherries with cherry juice. Use a cupcake corer or knife to remove the center of each cupcake, then spoon in the cherry mixture.
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To make the buttercream, beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then beat in cherry juice and vanilla. Add red food coloring if desired.
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Pipe the cherry buttercream onto each cupcake.
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Drizzle with melted chocolate and top each with a maraschino cherry.
Notes
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The cherry center adds a delightful surprise—don’t skip it!
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For a more intense cherry flavor, add cherry extract to the frosting.
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Make sure cupcakes are fully cooled before filling or frosting to prevent melting.
