Name: Black Forest Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz.) box Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix; 1 (3.5 oz.) box Jell-O Instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding (unprepared); 4 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup vegetable oil; ½ cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups cherry pie filling (store bought or homemade); 2 cups heavy cream; ¼ cup Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (unprepared powder); ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting); Chocolate curls (for topping); Fresh cherries (for topping)

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These Black Forest Cupcakes combine the rich, fudgy flavor of chocolate cake with sweet cherry filling and a light vanilla whipped cream frosting. They offer all the indulgent layers of a traditional Black Forest cake but in perfectly portioned, handheld form. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat with a classic twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are incredibly easy to make, thanks to the use of a doctored cake mix, yet taste completely homemade. The combination of moist chocolate cake, luscious cherry filling, and fluffy whipped vanilla frosting creates a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors. The elegant toppings of chocolate curls and fresh cherries make these cupcakes just as impressive to look at as they are to eat. They’re crowd-pleasers for any celebration or just because you feel like treating yourself.

Black Forest Cupcakes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cupcakes:

1 (15 oz.) box Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix
1 (3.5 oz.) box Jell-O Instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding (unprepared)
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
½ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1½ cups cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)

For the Frosting:

2 cups heavy cream
¼ cup vanilla instant pudding mix (unprepared powder)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

Chocolate curls
Fresh cherries

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a cupcake pan with liners; set aside.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine all cupcake ingredients and beat until smooth.
Fill each cupcake liner with about ¼ cup of batter (half to three-quarters full).
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
If making homemade cherry pie filling, prepare it during baking time and let it cool.
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the frosting ingredients on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until fluffy but not overmixed.
Core the cooled cupcakes and fill each with 1 tablespoon of cherry filling.
Pipe frosting over the filled cupcakes.
Top with chocolate curls and fresh cherries before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 24 cupcakes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Almond Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the cupcake batter or frosting for a subtle nutty depth.
Mini Cupcakes: Make mini versions by adjusting the baking time to about 10–12 minutes.
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache over the frosting for an extra indulgent touch.
Whipped Cream Alternative: Use stabilized whipped cream if you prefer not to use pudding mix in the frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If needed, let them sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
Freezing is not recommended due to the whipped cream topping and cherry filling, which can alter texture upon thawing.

FAQs

What makes Black Forest cupcakes different from regular chocolate cupcakes?

They are filled with cherry pie filling and topped with whipped cream, mimicking the classic Black Forest cake.

Can I use a different cake mix brand?

Yes, but choose a rich chocolate variety for best results.

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Absolutely, and it can add a fresher, more natural flavor to the cupcakes.

How do I core the cupcakes?

Use a cupcake corer or a small paring knife to remove the center, creating a space for the filling.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, bake and core them in advance, then fill and frost the day you plan to serve them.

Is the frosting stable for warm weather?

It’s more stable than regular whipped cream due to the pudding mix, but it’s still best kept chilled.

Can I make these without eggs?

Egg substitutes may work, but the texture may vary. Results are best with eggs in this recipe.

How do I make chocolate curls?

Use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar at room temperature for easy curls.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different; the homemade version tastes fresher.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

A hand mixer works just as well for both the batter and the frosting.

Conclusion

Black Forest Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and airy vanilla cream. Simple to prepare yet stunning in presentation, they’re perfect for making any occasion feel special. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced home cook, this recipe offers a foolproof way to impress with every bite.