If you adore the idea of sinking your teeth into a warm, luscious treat bursting with rich chocolate and sweet cherries, then this Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a soft, tender muffin with melted chocolate chips oozing alongside juicy cherry pieces—it’s that magical combination that keeps you reaching for one more. This recipe blends the perfect balance of cocoa-infused batter with fresh fruit and indulgent chocolate to give you a morning pick-me-up or an irresistible dessert that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe. From the cocoa powder giving a deep chocolate flavor to the cherries adding bursts of freshness, every element works together to make these muffins sing.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness essential for the muffin’s crumb.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that rich, chocolate punch without extra sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise beautifully, staying light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the chocolate’s natural depth.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, complementing the tart cherries.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for a tender crumb.
- ¾ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist, helping the cocoa fully dissolve.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Makes these muffins irresistibly soft with a slight richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup pitted and chopped sweet cherries: Fresh or thawed from frozen, these jewels add juiciness and a pop of sweetness that brightens every bite.
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The ultimate gooey surprise nestled inside every muffin.
How to Make Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease them lightly. This step sets you up for perfectly baked muffins without sticking worries.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Taking the time to blend these dry ingredients well ensures your cocoa is evenly distributed, which means consistent chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Then stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients separately helps create a smooth base to mix into your dry ingredients.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—no overmixing allowed! Overworking the batter could lead to tough muffins, and we definitely want tender, soft treats.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This step is where the magic begins as you incorporate those delightful bursts of fruit alongside melty chocolate throughout the batter.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, sprinkle powdered sugar over the muffins just before serving. Fresh whole cherries or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this simple muffin into a dessert that feels truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon delight. For extra indulgence, creamy vanilla yogurt or a scoop of ice cream on the side turns these muffins into a decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these muffins warm with a little melted butter brushed on top to enhance their gooey nature. Or, create a muffin sandwich by slicing one in half and layering with cream cheese or mascarpone for an unexpected twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist, although their gooey center is always best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep these muffins around longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap inside a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months this way without losing their flavor or gooey charm.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap and warm muffins in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. This revives the melted chocolate and fresh-baked feel that makes this Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter, which could affect the muffin’s texture.
What type of chocolate chips is best for these muffins?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because they balance sweetness with deep cocoa flavor, but feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
How can I make the muffins extra gooey in the center?
Press a few extra chocolate chips or small chunks of dark chocolate into the center of each muffin before baking. This creates delightful pockets of melted chocolate that will wow anyone who takes a bite.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can replace vegetable oil for a richer flavor, but be mindful it may slightly change the texture, making muffins a bit denser.
Are these muffins suitable for freezing and then serving later?
Yes, these muffins freeze wonderfully. Just thaw them at room temperature or reheat gently, and you’ll have freshly tasting gooey chocolate cherry muffins anytime you want.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe is truly a masterpiece of flavor and texture wrapped in an easy-to-make package. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, the luscious chocolate mingling with sweet cherries creates an unforgettable experience that feels like a warm hug. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch these muffins become a staple in your recipe box just like they are in mine.
Print
Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins, a delightful blend of rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and melty chocolate chips. Perfectly moist and tender, these muffins offer a luscious gooey center that makes for an irresistible dessert or snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 cup pitted and chopped sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth, then add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir these liquids together until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Add cherries and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chopped sweet cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly without breaking the fruit.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter equally among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full for perfect rise and shape.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool further. Serve warm to enjoy maximum gooeyness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Notes
- For an extra gooey center, press a few additional chocolate chips or a small piece of dark chocolate into the center of each muffin before baking.
- You can substitute fresh cherries with canned cherries; just be sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid soggy batter.
