Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Cream and Cherry Filling

This delightful recipe combines the rich, decadent taste of chocolate with a fruity cherry filling and luscious chocolate cream, perfect for any occasion. Chocolate cupcakes provide the perfect base, while the cherry filling adds a sweet, tart contrast that elevates the flavors to new heights. Topped with a creamy chocolate icing, these cupcakes are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Perfect as a dessert for gatherings or as a treat for yourself, this recipe marries classic flavors in a way that will have everyone asking for more. The preparation process is simple yet rewarding, offering an opportunity to hone your baking skills. With a few essential ingredients and a little love, you can whip up these delectable cupcakes in just under an hour. Complement these treats with a cup of hot espresso or a refreshing cold brew for the ultimate indulgent experience. The recipe also offers adaptability for seasonal variations, making it versatile across different occasions. Impress your friends, delight your family, and enjoy the process of creating these chocolate wonders.

Ingredients

Chocolate Base:

100 g dark chocolate
50 g cocoa powder
180 ml hot water + espresso
100 g flour
150 g sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
100 ml oil
2 eggs
1 pinch of salt
2 tsp apple cider vinegar

Cherry Filling:

400 g fresh or frozen cherries
3 tbsp sugar
4 tbsp water
1 tbsp potato or corn starch
1 tsp vanilla sugar

Cream:

40 g sugar
60 ml water
4 egg yolks
200 g butter
100 g cream cheese
100 g chocolate

Preparation Time

50 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and prepare a cupcake tray by placing paper liners in each cup.
Espresso and Cocoa Mixture: Brew an espresso and let it steep. Pour the hot espresso over the cocoa powder and chopped chocolate; mix until smooth. Set aside.
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda.
Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, and sugar. Slowly add the cocoa mixture until combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
Vinegar and Soda: In a small bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar with baking soda. Add this to the batter and mix well.
Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for approximately 17-19 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cherry Filling: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Cook on medium heat until cherries are soft. Mix starch with 2 tbsp of cold water and slowly add to the cherry mixture. Simmer for a minute until thickened, then cool.
Syrup Preparation: Cook sugar and water over heat until dissolved. Beat egg yolks until pale, adding the syrup in a slow stream until creamy and tripled in volume.
Cream: Gradually beat in butter until smooth and then add the melted chocolate and cream cheese. Mix until fully incorporated. Chill until firm.
Assembling the Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are cooled, remove a small portion from the center using a piping tip.
Filling: Fill the centers with a spoonful of cherry mixture, ensuring a pleasant surprise with each bite.
Icing: Using a piping bag, top each cupcake with a generous swirl of chocolate cream.
Decorations: Decorate with extra cherries or any other fresh berries in season for a delightful presentation.

Tips

Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.
Substitutes: Use coconut oil instead of regular oil for a light coconut flavor.
Fresh vs Frozen Cherries: Both work well, but defrost frozen cherries before use.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per cupcake.
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 40g

Variations

Raspberry Filling: Replace cherries with raspberries for a tangy twist.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese for a vegan-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a rich espresso or cappuccino.
Serve alongside vanilla or cherry gelato for added indulgence.

Best Places

Magnolia Bakery - Famous for its classic cupcakes and delightful ambiance. Location: 1240 6th Ave, New York, USA.
Laduree Paris Champs Elysées - Known for its luxurious pastries and impeccable macarons. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
Hummingbird Bakery - Offers a wide array of decadent cupcakes. Location: 47 Old Brompton Rd, London, UK.
Cupcake Jemma - Specializes in creative and whimsical flavor combinations. Location: 22 Foubert's Pl, Carnaby, London, UK.
Kewpie - Known for its surprising flavors and aesthetics. Location: Eteläesplanadi 22, Helsinki, Finland.
Pastéis de Belém - Offers luscious pastries with a side of history. Location: R. de Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.
Baked by Melissa - Famous for mini treats packed with flavor. Location: 526 7th Ave, New York, USA.
Blackbird Bakery - Perfect blend of classic and contemporary cupcakes. Location: 91 N 6th St, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Petite France Bakery - Renowned for exquisite European delicacies. Location: John Erikssonsgatan 6, Stockholm, Sweden.
Cupcake Central - Offers an inviting setting to enjoy pastries. Location: 47 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, Australia.