Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

By srumbel

These easy vanilla cupcakes have a cherry and chocolate chip surprise inside. The fluffy chocolate frosting and toppings make them the perfect treat for any party or celebration.
from insidebrucrewlife.com

Ingredients

• For the frosting:
• For the cupcakes
• 1 15.25 ounce vanilla cake mix
• 1 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup water and cherry juice
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 3 teaspoons flour
• 8 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
• 24 cherries patted dry
• 1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips

Preparation

Step 1

Drain the cherries and save the juice. Add enough water to make 1 cup liquid.
Place the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, cherry water, and oil in a mixing bowl. Beat on low for 1 minute, then on medium for 2 minutes.
Dice the drained cherries and stir in 2 teaspoons of flour. Toss the chocolate chips with the remaining teaspoon of flour. Stir the cherries and chocolate chips into the cake batter gently.
Divide the cake batter into 24 cupcake liners. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-22 minutes. Remove and cool completely.
Beat the butter and shortening until creamy. Add the vanilla, salt, and 4 Tablespoons whipping cream. Beat again.
Stir together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Slowly beat into the butter mixture until completely combined. Add the remaining 4 Tablespoons whipping cream and beat until light and creamy. Pipe onto the cooled cupcakes.
Decorate the tops of the cupcakes with Cool Whip, cherries, and miniature chocolate chips. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Yield: 24