Black Forest Cupcakes

Name: Black Forest Cupcakes
Yield: makes 16 iced cupcakes
Ingredients: Batter for Gift of the Gods Chocolate Cake (page 115); 2 cups fresh, frozen, or canned sour cherries, pitted; 3/4 cup Kirsch or brandy; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse salt; 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; Seeds of 1 vanilla bean; 2 cups heavy cream; Dark chocolate shavings, for decoration

December 9, 2011

Image may contain Cutlery Fork and Plant

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

Take a tray of these individual Black Forest Cakes to someone who deserves them—most kids love the look of them but prefer them without the alcohol. Just add a splash of vanilla instead of the Kirsch suggested below. If possible, buy ripe, tart black cherries (like Schmidt) in season. Otherwise, drained frozen or canned sour cherries will work, but avoid heavy syrups or cherry pie fillings. If you want a shortcut, substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the vanilla bean.

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