Description
The Midnight Blackberry Chocolate Cupcakes are an elegant, decadent dessert that combines the rich, deep flavor of dark chocolate with the tart sweetness of fresh blackberries. These cupcakes boast a moist, tender crumb, a surprise blackberry filling at the center, and are topped with a smooth, velvety chocolate ganache frosting. The contrast of flavors and textures in each bite is nothing short of indulgent, making these cupcakes perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself. With their beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor, these cupcakes will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Cupcake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (180g) fresh blackberries (for batter)
For the Blackberry Filling:
- 1 cup (240ml) fresh blackberries
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh blackberries, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the blackberries break down and form a syrupy mixture.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in fresh blackberries until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Fill the Cupcake Liners
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Add 1 tbsp of cooled blackberry filling into the center of each cupcake. Gently push it down into the batter using a small spoon.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting
- Chop dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, bring heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in butter until fully incorporated.
- Let the ganache cool for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the ganache using a piping bag or a spatula.
- Garnish each cupcake with a few fresh blackberries for decoration.
Notes
- Batter Consistency: The batter for these cupcakes should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
- Blackberry Compote: If you want a thicker blackberry filling, you can cook it a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Keep in mind that the compote will thicken as it cools.
- Chocolate Ganache: Be sure to let the ganache cool to the right consistency. If it’s too thin, it will run off the cupcakes; if it’s too thick, it will be hard to spread.
- Storage: These cupcakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cupcakes (without the ganache) for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg