These Chocolate Cherry Cola Cupcakes are a fun treat that combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and a splash of cola! They are fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for any celebration.
Honestly, who could resist a cupcake that tastes like a cherry cola float? I love topping them with fluffy frosting and extra cherries. It’s a celebration in every bite!
Making these cupcakes is so easy; just mix, bake, and enjoy! They always disappear fast at parties, and I love that I can share something this yummy with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives these cupcakes their rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you could use Dutch-process cocoa for a slightly different taste, or even carob powder for a caffeine-free option.
Cola: This is a unique ingredient that adds moisture and flavor. If you want a caffeine-free option, any cherry-flavored soda works too. You can even try using root beer for a different twist!
Maraschino Cherry Juice: This juice adds a lovely cherry flavor to the cupcakes. If you don’t have it, you could use cherry juice or even raspberry juice as a substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is crucial for the frosting’s taste and texture. If you need a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based butter or margarine. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
How Do I Make Sure My Cupcakes Are Fluffy and Not Dense?
To achieve light and fluffy cupcakes, follow these tips:
- **Don’t Overmix**: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better with the other ingredients.
- **Measure Flour Correctly**: Use the scoop and level method to measure flour—scooping straight from the bag can pack it down and lead to extra flour in your batter.
- **Check Oven Temperature**: An oven thermometer helps ensure the correct baking temperature, preventing over-baking or under-baking.
Following these guidelines will help you bake cupcakes that are fluffy and delicious! Happy baking!
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cola Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cola (such as Coca-Cola)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar of cherries)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp cherry cola
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Maraschino cherries for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to bake. After that, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them. Total time, including cooling, is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can indulge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a cupcake pan and line it with cupcake liners to prepare for the batter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no clumps.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the cola, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and cherry juice. Stir it well to ensure everything is combined.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Now, slowly add the wet mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep it light and fluffy.
5. Fill Cupcake Liners:
Pour the batter into the lined cupcake pan. Fill each liner about 2/3 full to avoid overflow while baking.
6. Bake:
Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center of a cupcake; it’s ready when the toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan before moving them to a wire rack.
7. Make the Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing at a low speed until everything is combined.
8. Add Flavors:
Add the cherry cola, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
9. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or simply a knife to spread the cherry cola chocolate frosting generously on each cupcake.
10. Decorate:
For a fun finishing touch, top each frosted cupcake with a maraschino cherry.
11. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious Chocolate Cherry Cola Cupcakes! Share with friends or keep them all for yourself—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Diet Cola Instead of Regular Cola?
Absolutely! You can substitute diet cola for regular cola in the cupcake batter. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, and you may lose some sweetness. If you find the batter too tart, consider adding a tablespoon or two of sugar to balance it out.
How Do I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Can I Make These Cupcakes Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a completely gluten-free treat.
What Can I Use Instead of Maraschino Cherry Juice?
If you don’t have maraschino cherry juice, you can use cherry juice or a splash of grenadine as a substitute. This will still give you a lovely cherry flavor in the cupcakes. Just adjust the quantity to taste, using a little less if it’s sweeter!
