Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Maraschino Frosting and Chocolate Shavings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup milk; 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips; 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve some juice for frosting); 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened to room temperature; 4 cups powdered sugar; 4-5 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice; 18 maraschino cherries with stems (for garnish); 2 Hershey chocolate bars (for chocolate shavings topping)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There is nothing quite like the joyful burst of flavors in a Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Maraschino Frosting and Chocolate Shavings Recipe to brighten your day. These cupcakes combine tender, buttery cake loaded with sweet maraschino cherries and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, all crowned with the most luscious maraschino frosted topping and decadent chocolate shavings. Every bite promises a perfect harmony of cherry sweetness and chocolaty richness wrapped in a moist, fluffy texture that will quickly become your new favorite treat to bake and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small containers and two eggs arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left is a glass measuring cup filled with a creamy liquid, next to it on the right is a white bowl full of white flour with a slightly rough texture. Below the flour, there is a white bowl filled with fine white sugar. Between the sugar bowl and the flour bowl are two whole white eggs with smooth shells. On the right side of the eggs is a small clear glass bowl holding a combination of white powdery baking soda and salt. The setting is neat and simple, with all containers and items clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these cupcakes just right all starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that elevate every bite. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter that brings moisture and depth, to the tart maraschino cherry juice that adds a unique and vibrant twist to the frosting.

Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, rich base essential for both the cupcakes and frosting, ensuring tenderness and flavor balance.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while aiding in a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
Large eggs: Act as a binder and contribute to the moist and firm structure of the cupcakes.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma and depth.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cupcake batter for structure without heaviness.
Baking powder: Leavens the batter so each cupcake rises beautifully and stays tender.
Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
Milk: Keeps the batter creamy and moist, ensuring a perfect crumb.
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Add bursts of melty chocolate that complement the cherries perfectly.
Maraschino cherries: Provide juicy, sweet fruit pieces and their juice is the secret star in the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting base that holds up to piping and spreading.
Hershey chocolate bars: Shaved over the frosted cupcakes for an irresistible finishing touch.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Maraschino Frosting and Chocolate Shavings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tools and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cupcake pan with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This prep ensures easy cupcake removal and even baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this step is key for airiness in your cupcakes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract which will add aromatic sweetness and depth to your batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning for a balanced flavor.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients and Milk into Batter

Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make cupcakes tough. Slowly pour in milk while mixing to create a creamy, smooth batter free of lumps.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly so every cupcake has bursts of juicy cherry and melty chocolate in every bite.

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill your prepared liners about three-quarters full and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check readiness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when perfectly baked.

Step 8: Cool Before Frosting

Remove cupcakes from the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting, ensuring your topping doesn’t melt or slide off.

Step 9: Make the Maraschino Frosting

Beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until thick and creamy. Gradually add maraschino cherry juice, starting with 3 tablespoons and adding more to achieve your preferred texture—this frosting brings a bright, fruity flavor that’s addictive!

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Pipe or spread the frosting generously over each cupcake. Top each with chocolate shavings made from Hershey bars and a whole maraschino cherry with stem for a charming finishing touch.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Maraschino Frosting and Chocolate Shavings Recipe

A small pink cupcake with a bite taken from the front shows its soft, fluffy inside. On top, there is a thick swirl of smooth pink frosting with a glossy red cherry placed neatly at its peak. The cupcake sits alone on a white cake stand with a simple, round top and a slender base. In the blurred background, several more cupcakes with the same pink frosting and red cherries are visible. All are placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean, bright setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Besides the classic cherry and chocolate shaving adornment, consider sprinkling lightly toasted almond slivers or a dusting of cocoa powder to add texture and deepen the chocolate notes.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch or dessert spread, add fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your cupcakes in colorful wrappers or place them on a tiered cake stand for a stunning display at parties. You could also encapsulate them in a clear box tied with a ribbon for a delightful gift, perfect for sharing your love of the Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Maraschino Frosting and Chocolate Shavings Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cupcakes covered tightly at room temperature or in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to two days, making sure the frosting stays soft and creamy.

Freezing

You can freeze undecorated cupcakes in an airtight container for up to three months. For best results, frost them after thawing to maintain the perfect texture and flavor of your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Maraschino Frosting and Chocolate Shavings Recipe.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cupcakes, gently reheat them in a microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist and preserve the delicate frosting texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used but keep in mind that maraschino cherries provide a unique sweetness and flavor through both the fruit and the juice, which is essential in the frosting. Using fresh cherries may result in a less sweet cupcake and frosting.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet mini chocolate chips melt nicely without overwhelming the flavor, perfectly balancing the sweet cherries. However, feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your personal taste.

How do I get smooth frosting with maraschino juice?

Beat the butter and powdered sugar thoroughly before adding cherry juice gradually. Adding juice slowly lets you control the consistency, ensuring a silky, pipeable frosting without it becoming too runny.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

What is the best way to make chocolate shavings?

Use a clean vegetable peeler on the edge of a cold chocolate bar to create thin, elegant shavings. For larger curls, let the chocolate soften slightly before shaving, but be careful not to melt it.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Maraschino Frosting and Chocolate Shavings Recipe are truly a celebration of classic flavors with a special twist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, they are guaranteed to bring smiles and happy taste buds. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate—they’re that good!