If you have a soft spot for treats that bring together rich chocolate and tart cherries in every warm, tender bite, then you’ll absolutely adore this Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe. These muffins boast a perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and juicy cherry bursts, all wrapped in a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Imagine a tender crumb filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips that ooze gooey, chocolaty goodness as you bite into each muffin—pure comfort for your taste buds and a speedy way to brighten any morning or afternoon snack time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me, the magic of these Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create that luscious texture and flavor. From the cocoa powder that lends richness to the fresh cherries that add a juicy pop, each ingredient plays a starring role.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your muffins structure and soft crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor without any extra sweetness.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps your muffins rise to a fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for a perfect rise and texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides crisp sweetness that caramelizes slightly on top.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a slight caramel undertone.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and contributes to a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Gives a warm, fragrant lift to the chocolate and cherry flavors.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds richness and ensures every bite is wonderfully soft.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings buttery richness and helps keep the muffins moist.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped: Juicy fruit bursts that complement the chocolate perfectly.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For pockets of melty chocolate inside the muffins.
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Reserved for topping to make the muffins extra decadent.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Used for finishing touches to add shine and richness to the tops.
How to Make Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture forms the chocolatey base and ensures your muffins rise beautifully and evenly.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine both sugars with the egg, stirring until smooth and slightly lighter in color. Then add the vanilla extract, whole milk, sour cream, and melted butter, mixing until well incorporated. This creamy wet mixture provides the moisture and richness your Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe needs to be irresistibly tender.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix here; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tougher muffins, and we want ours as soft and gooey as possible.
Step 4: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped cherries and the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. These additions are what make this recipe stand out with bursts of gooey sweetness and juicy fruit in every bite.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Top
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup chocolate chips on top of each muffin, then dot each one with a piece of the chopped cherries you saved for topping. Add a tiny dab of unsalted butter on top of the cherries and chocolate chips to encourage glorious melting and shine during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the center of your oven for about 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The key here is to avoid overbaking so the chocolaty centers stay gooey and delightful.
How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Top your muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra fancy touch. Fresh cherries or a mint leaf also make pretty, inviting garnishes to bring out the fruitiness.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair amazingly well with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy cappuccino. If you want a heartier snack or breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dessert idea, serve warm Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Alternatively, slice one in half, spread a little cream cheese or mascarpone on it, and enjoy it as an indulgent afternoon treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, popping them into the fridge helps extend their life by another day.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months. Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds to revitalize that gooey texture, or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes if you want a nice crisp top while keeping the inside soft and chocolatey.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries in this Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries work just fine—just make sure to thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
What type of chocolate chips is best for these muffins?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal here because they balance the tartness of the cherries and deepen the chocolate flavor without making the muffins overly sweet.
Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?
Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt can be used in place of sour cream; just keep the same amount for similar moisture and tang.
Why are my muffins not gooey inside?
Make sure not to overbake. Gooey muffins come from slightly underbaking or pulling them out of the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs rather than fully clean.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out milk for almond or oat milk, use a dairy-free butter substitute, and omit sour cream or replace it with coconut yogurt for a similar consistency and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, indulgent treat that’s both easy to make and simply irresistible, give this Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe a whirl. The tender crumb combines with luscious chocolate and juicy cherries to create a muffin that’s sure to become your new favorite. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become the muffins you reach for whenever you want a little chocolate happiness in your day.
Print
Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Chocolate Cherry Muffins are a decadent treat combining rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and melty chocolate chips for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these moist muffins feature a tender crumb with a luscious chocolate-cherry twist that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (reserve a few for topping)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are well combined.
- Combine sugars and wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk both sugars, the egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then add whole milk, sour cream, and melted unsalted butter, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Blend wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Fold in cherries and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chopped cherries and 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing the fruit.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about three-quarters full for room to rise. Sprinkle the reserved cherries and the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips on top of each muffin for a decorative touch.
- Add butter topping: Dot the top of each muffin with small bits of the 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to help create a moist, slightly crisp top as they bake.
- Bake muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best gooey chocolate experience.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries; if frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to batter to prevent sogginess.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- For an extra chocolatey touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over cooled muffins.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently before serving to enjoy the gooey chocolate chips.
