Name: Gothic Cherry Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the cupcakes:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup boiling water; For the filling:; ½ cup cherry pie filling or black cherry preserves; For the frosting:; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2–2½ cups powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; Black gel food coloring; Optional toppings:; Fresh cherries; Edible glitter; Black sprinkles; Dark chocolate curls

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Gothic Cherry Cupcakes are a dark, decadent dessert with a mysterious twist. With deep chocolate flavor, a cherry-filled center, and black-tinted frosting, they’re the perfect treat for moody dessert lovers or gothic-themed gatherings. Whether for Halloween, a gothic tea party, or just a dramatic dessert night, these cupcakes are sure to enchant.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cupcakes because they’re as beautiful as they are bold. The contrast of dark chocolate and cherry gives them a rich, slightly tart flavor that keeps things interesting. The black frosting adds a moody, elegant look that makes them stand out from typical sweets.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Milk
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Boiling water
Cherry pie filling or black cherry preserves
Unsalted butter (for frosting)
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream or milk
Black gel food coloring
Optional: fresh cherries, edible glitter, or black sprinkles for garnish

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with dark or metallic liners.
In a mixing bowl, I combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
I whisk in the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then I add the boiling water and stir carefully—it thins the batter perfectly.
I pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full, and bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
After the cupcakes cool, I cut out a small center from each and fill it with a spoonful of cherry pie filling or black cherry preserves.
For the frosting, I beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, a splash of cream, and a generous amount of black gel food coloring until I get a smooth, dramatic shade.
I pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes and garnish with a cherry on top, a dusting of edible glitter, or black sprinkles for that gothic flair.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes. I spend about 20 minutes prepping, 20 minutes baking, and 15 minutes decorating—so I have them ready in just under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the cherry filling for blackberry or dark raspberry jam for a deeper, more mysterious flavor. I also like to add a splash of cherry liqueur to the filling for an adult twist. For extra intensity, I use dark chocolate chips in the batter.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If chilled, I let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. These cupcakes don’t need reheating and taste great cold or at room temp.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

Yes, I often use canned filling—it’s convenient and sweet with a great texture. Just be sure to use thick filling so it stays in place.

How do I get the frosting black without tasting bitter?

I use gel food coloring and start with a chocolate base, which helps darken the frosting without needing as much dye. I also let it sit for a bit—black deepens over time.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the cupcakes a day ahead, store them unfrosted, and decorate them just before serving to keep them looking fresh.

What’s a good garnish besides cherries?

I sometimes use dark chocolate curls, edible black roses, or a sprinkle of black cocoa powder for an elegant gothic look.

Can I make these without food coloring?

Sure. Without coloring, the frosting will stay a natural buttercream shade or a light cocoa if I add chocolate. Still delicious, just less dramatic.

Conclusion

Gothic Cherry Cupcakes are dark, elegant, and packed with flavor. I love making them when I want something a little more dramatic than the usual dessert. Between the rich chocolate, the sweet cherry surprise, and the moody black frosting, they’re always a delicious conversation piece.