Introduction
Bring the classic German dessert to your breakfast or snack time with these delightful Black Forest Muffins. They capture the essence of the beloved cake—a rich, moist chocolate base, a sweet cherry surprise at the center, and a simple, elegant finish. These muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy the classic chocolate-cherry pairing in a portable, single-serving treat. They’re perfect for a special weekend brunch or a decadent afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love These Black Forest Muffins
- Fudgy & Moist: The use of buttermilk and cocoa powder creates a deep, rich, and incredibly moist crumb.
- Hidden Cherry Center: A spoonful of cherry pie filling tucked inside each muffin provides a sweet, fruity burst in every bite.
- Easy and Convenient: This recipe uses straightforward steps and pantry staples, making it accessible for all bakers.
- Kid-Friendly: A delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert in a more manageable form.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The slight bitterness of the chocolate is a perfect counterpoint to the sweet cherries.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda1
- ½ teaspoon salt2
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract3
- 1 (21 oz / 595g) can cherry pie filling
- ¼ cup (45g) chocolate chips (optional, for sprinkling on top)
Equipment You’ll Need:
Share Your Sweet Creation!
Did you bake a batch of these fudgy and delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies? We’d love to see them! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @FoodieFlow and use the hashtag #ChocolateCherryCookies. What’s your favorite fruit and chocolate combo?
Instructions
Part 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400∘F (200∘C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.9
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.10 Use a spatula to gently mix until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should still be slightly lumpy.
Part 2: Assemble and Bake
- Fill Muffin Cups: Use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to fill each muffin cup about halfway with the chocolate batter.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the cherry pie filling into the center of each muffin, on top of the batter.
- Top with Batter: Cover the cherry filling with a little more batter, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.11 Bake for 5 minutes at 400∘F. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350∘F (175∘C) and continue to bake for another 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The initial high heat helps the muffins get a good rise.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Part 3: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once cool, you can dust the tops with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, and top with a fresh cherry or shaved chocolate for that classic Black Forest look.
Storage and Essential Tips for the Best Black Forest Muffins
- Don’t Overmix: This is the most crucial step for a tender, fluffy muffin.12 A lumpy batter is a good thing!
- Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? No problem! Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Initial High Heat: The two-stage baking temperature ensures the muffins have a great dome and a perfect texture.
- Parchment Liners: Using parchment paper muffin liners can make them easier to remove from the tin without sticking.
- Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Share Your Sweet Creation!
Did you bake a batch of these fudgy and delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies? We’d love to see them! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @FoodieFlow and use the hashtag #ChocolateCherryCookies. What’s your favorite fruit and chocolate combo?
