Chocolate-Cherry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients and Weight:

For the Cupcakes: - All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (220g) - Unsweetened cocoa powder: 3/4 cup (90g) - Baking powder: 2 teaspoons (10g) - Baking soda: 1 teaspoon (5g) - Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) - Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300g) - Large eggs: 2 - Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) - Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) - Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) - Maraschino cherries, halved: 1/2 cup (120g)

For the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting: - Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup (227g) - Cream cheese, softened: 8 ounces (227g) - Powdered sugar: 3 cups (360g) - Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)

Preparation Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 15-18 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. For the Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the maraschino cherries.
6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.

To Assemble:

1. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
2. Decorate with additional maraschino cherries or sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Nutritional Information (per cupcake):

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and chocolatey
• Tangy and sweet frosting
• Perfect for a special occasion or dessert

User Comments:

• "These cupcakes were a hit at our party! They were moist and flavorful, and the frosting was to die for."
• "I love the combination of chocolate and cherries. These cupcakes are the perfect balance of sweet and tart."
• "The cupcakes were easy to make and came out perfectly. I will definitely be making them again."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Do not overmix the cupcake batter, as this will result in dense, tough cupcakes.
• Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting them, otherwise the frosting will melt.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.