Delight your senses with these incredibly easy Black Forest Cupcakes! Inspired by the rich traditions of Germany’s Black Forest, this recipe brings a beloved classic to your kitchen in a simple, approachable way. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create these moist, chocolatey treats, crowned with luscious chocolate icing and vibrant maraschino cherries. Get ready to experience a taste of European charm with minimal effort!

Easy Black Forest Cupcakes: A Taste of Germany at Home

There’s something truly magical about the Black Forest region of Germany. Before embarking on our memorable Viking River Cruise, my husband and I had the privilege of exploring this enchanting area for two days. The lush, dense forests, picturesque villages, and the crisp, clean air left an indelible mark on our hearts. One of the absolute highlights of our visit was savoring authentic Black Forest Cake right there in its birthplace. That unforgettable experience sparked the inspiration for today’s recipe: these delightful and incredibly easy Black Forest Cupcakes!

The original Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a masterpiece of layers – rich chocolate sponge cake, sweet cherries, and generous whipped cream, often enhanced with Kirschwasser (a clear cherry brandy). While traditional Black Forest Cake requires a good deal of baking prowess, we wanted to capture its essence in a simpler, more accessible form. These cupcakes deliver all the beloved flavors and textures without the complexity, making them perfect for any occasion.

Our German adventure was full of wonderful surprises. The Black Forest truly is a place of wonder, so much so that my husband managed to convince me we absolutely “needed” to bring home a cuckoo clock. Initially, I wasn’t entirely sold on the idea of a clock that chirps every hour. But weeks later, I’ve grown surprisingly fond of its charming calls. Each time it cuckoos, my mind drifts back to the magical Black Forest and the incredible memories we made exploring its beauty. Don’t tell John, though; I still enjoy making him believe he has to work hard to win my affection for the clock!

The clock shop where we purchased our cuckoo clock featured an awe-inspiring giant cuckoo clock outside. Since our visit was in the winter, it was unfortunately turned off. However, the shopkeepers assured us that in warmer months, most of its intricate pieces come alive and move with each hourly chime. It was a testament to the region’s rich artisanal heritage and the enduring charm of these timepieces.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Black Forest Cupcake Recipe

This Black Forest Cupcake recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect solution when you crave a decadent dessert but are short on time or prefer a straightforward baking process. Here’s why these cupcakes will become a new favorite:

• Effortlessly Simple: With just three core ingredients for the cupcakes themselves (plus pre-made icing and cherries for topping), this recipe takes the guesswork out of baking.
• Rich & Moist: Thanks to a clever shortcut, these chocolate cupcakes come out incredibly moist and tender, bursting with flavor.
• Classic German Flavors: You get the delightful combination of deep chocolate and sweet cherry that defines the Black Forest experience, all in a convenient individual serving.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family treat, a potluck dessert, a birthday celebration, or a holiday gathering, these cupcakes are always a hit.
• Customizable: While designed for ease, this recipe also offers room for personalization with various toppings and enhancements.

Essential Ingredients for Your Black Forest Cupcakes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on readily available ingredients to create something truly special. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:

Cupcake Ingredients:

• Chocolate Cake Mix: This is our magic shortcut! Choose your favorite brand of chocolate cake mix for a consistent and delicious base. A good quality mix will ensure a tender, flavorful cupcake without the need for measuring multiple dry ingredients.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and moisture, eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich texture of the cupcakes.
• Cherry Pie Filling: This is where the Black Forest magic truly happens. The pie filling adds both intense cherry flavor and crucial moisture to the cake batter, creating a uniquely tender crumb. It’s the secret weapon for these moist chocolate cherry cupcakes!

Toppings & Decorations:

• Chocolate Icing: For convenience, we recommend using a good quality pre-made chocolate icing. It saves time and ensures a smooth, creamy frosting every time. If you prefer, homemade chocolate buttercream would also be exquisite.
• Chocolate Sprinkles: These add a lovely textural contrast and an extra touch of chocolatey goodness, mimicking the shaved chocolate often found on traditional Black Forest Cake.
• Maraschino Cherries: The iconic garnish! Bright red maraschino cherries not only provide a pop of color but also a burst of sweet, juicy flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate and cherry base.

Equipment Needed for Easy Baking

Having the right tools makes any baking project smoother and more enjoyable. While this recipe is forgiving, these items will ensure your Black Forest Cupcakes come out perfectly every time:

• Microwave Silicone Cover: A true kitchen savior! I swear by these lid covers to prevent messy butter splatters when melting butter in the microwave. They keep the butter in the bowl and, more importantly, off the roof of your microwave.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While you can mix this by hand, a hand mixer or stand mixer will make the process much quicker and ensure a uniformly smooth batter.
• Cupcake Pan: We typically use a standard 12-cup muffin or cupcake pan for this recipe. Ensure it’s clean and ready for your liners.
• Cupcake Liners: These make cleanup a breeze and help your cupcakes maintain their shape. Choose festive ones for special occasions!
• Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first in the kitchen! A few years ago, we had a fire scare when a cloth potholder caught fire because we hadn’t realized a burner was on. Since then, we’ve switched exclusively to these heat-resistant silicone potholders for peace of mind.

Tips for Perfect Black Forest Cupcakes

While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips can elevate your cupcakes from good to outstanding:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix, eggs, and cherry pie filling, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. A few lumps are fine!
• Fill Evenly: Use an ice cream scoop or a measuring cup to fill each cupcake liner evenly. This ensures all cupcakes bake at the same rate and are uniform in size.
• Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. To check if cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean.
• Cool Completely: Before icing, make sure the cupcakes are completely cool. Frosting warm cupcakes will result in melted, messy icing.
• Icing Technique: For a rustic look, spread the icing with a knife. For a more polished presentation, use a piping bag with your favorite tip.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the chocolate sprinkles and maraschino cherries! They are essential for both flavor and the classic Black Forest aesthetic.
• Add a Splash of Kirsch (Optional): For an authentic adult twist, you can brush cooled cupcakes with a little Kirschwasser (cherry brandy) before icing.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for a few days. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Serve these Black Forest Cupcakes as a delightful dessert after any meal, or as a charming treat for afternoon tea. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a glass of milk. For an extra special touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

More Delicious Dessert Recipes to Try

If you love easy and delicious desserts, be sure to check out some of our other fantastic recipes:

• Apple Cider Doughnut Cake – A comforting autumn delight.
• Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding – A creamy, classic indulgence.
• Butterfinger Poke Cake – A chocolate and candy bar dream.
• Apple Snickers Salad – A surprising and delightful mix of flavors.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies – The ultimate flavor combination.
• Salted Caramel Popcorn – A sweet and salty snack obsession.
• Oreo Milkshake – A classic treat perfect for cooling down.

We are big fans of shortcut baking and have a ton of Cake Mix Recipes that are equally fun and simple to make. Don’t forget to explore our other categories like copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our popular Crock Pot Recipes for even more culinary inspiration!

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Black Forest Cupcakes Recipe

How to make easy Black Forest Cupcakes that only take a few pantry ingredients and pre-made icing.

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Print Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Servings: 18 cupcakes

Calories: 39 kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 1 Chocolate cake mix
• 3 Eggs
• 1 Cherry pie filling
• 1 tub Chocolate Icing
• Chocolate Sprinkles
• Maraschino cherries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven according to the instructions on your chosen cake mix box.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and entire can of cherry pie filling. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners or grease the wells. Spoon the batter evenly into each cupcake well, filling about two-thirds full.
4. Bake according to the directions on the cake mix box, typically around 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Carefully remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Once cooled, generously ice the cupcakes using a knife or by piping the icing with a pastry bag and tip for a more decorative finish.
7. Garnish each cupcake with chocolate sprinkles and top with a single maraschino cherry for that classic Black Forest look. Serve and enjoy!

Kitchen Tools

• Muffin Pan
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Black Forest Cupcakes Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 39 (Calories from Fat 18)

% Daily Value*

Fat 2g 3%

Saturated Fat 1g 6%

Cholesterol 27mg 9%

Sodium 23mg 1%

Potassium 12mg 0%

Carbohydrates 5g 2%

Sugar 4g 4%

Protein 1g 2%

Vitamin A 40IU 1%

Calcium 4mg 0%

Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Recipe originally shared on January 27, 2017. Updated on April 13, 2020.