If you have a soft spot for rich, indulgent treats bursting with flavor, you are going to fall head over heels for this Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe. Imagine biting into a tender muffin packed with luscious cherries that pop with every mouthful and pockets of melted semi-sweet chocolate that create an irresistible gooey texture. These muffins are the perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and fruity sweetness, making them a delightful companion for morning coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a cozy dessert. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these muffins will become your go-to for satisfying that chocolate and cherry craving like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward muffin magic. Each item on this list is simple yet essential, playing a unique role in crafting the perfect texture, taste, and visual appeal of your Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness for the muffins.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like depth to the muffins.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture for a soft crumb.
- 3/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the batter smoothly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds richness and keeps the muffins tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making it more rounded and inviting.
- 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen and halved: Bursts of juicy fruit that perfectly complement the chocolate.
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The ultimate gooey pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly greasing it. This way, your muffins will come out effortlessly and have that beautiful presentation without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This combination creates the perfect chocolate foundation for your muffins, ensuring they rise well and have that incredible rich taste.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. This mixture adds moisture, sweetness, and a velvety texture that will make your muffins tender and delicious.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworked batter can lead to tough muffins instead of soft, fluffy ones.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Now the fun part: gently fold in the halved cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These add bursts of fruity juiciness and gooey melted chocolate pockets that make this Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Portion the Batter and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep that signature gooey texture.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are best served slightly warm so the chocolate stays melty and inviting.
How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top of your Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe takes their charm up a notch. Fresh cherries or a small sprig of mint can add a fresh contrast and a pop of color, making these muffins look as amazing as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of rich coffee or a creamy hot chocolate also complements the mix of cocoa and cherries beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the muffins warm with melted chocolate drizzled on a dessert plate garnished with fresh cherries. Or slice them in half and add a smear of cream cheese or mascarpone for a delicious brunch option. Presentation can turn these muffins from simple homemade treats into stunning showstoppers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the muffins soft and maintains the gooey texture of the chocolate and cherries perfectly.
Freezing
To enjoy these muffins later, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their lovely flavor and moisture.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another muffin, reheat them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This brief warm-up revives the gooey chocolate centers and makes the muffin taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries without thawing them first. This helps prevent excess moisture from soaking into the batter, keeping your muffins perfectly textured and not soggy.
Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The muffins will still be deliciously gooey and flavorful.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with something else?
Of course. Dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips can work beautifully, depending on your flavor preference. Each type will alter the taste slightly but keep the gooey texture intact.
How do I prevent the muffins from drying out?
Make sure not to overbake the muffins. Keep a close eye starting at the 18-minute mark and remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs to preserve that soft, gooey center.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger batch?
Yes, feel free to double the recipe if you want to make more muffins. Just be careful to mix ingredients thoroughly and bake in batches if necessary, depending on your oven size.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you dive into this Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe soon, because it’s one of those magical recipes that bring comfort and joy with every bite. The luscious fudgy depth combined with sweet, juicy cherries is a pairing that will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds sing. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins have a way of turning an ordinary day into a little celebration. Happy baking and even happier munching!
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
These Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins combine rich cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips with juicy cherries for a decadent and moist treat. Perfectly balanced with a tender crumb and a burst of fruit, these muffins offer a delightful dessert or indulgent snack that’s best enjoyed warm.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, halved)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted and cooled butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Wet into Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the pitted cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed but without overworking the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Muffins: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve slightly warm to enjoy the gooey texture.
Notes
- If using frozen cherries, add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture.
- For the best gooey texture, serve muffins warm. They can be reheated in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
