Blackberry cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cake with the tangy flavor of fresh blackberries. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy afternoon snack. With their vibrant color and luscious flavor, these cupcakes are sure to impress!

Why Make This Recipe

Making blackberry cupcakes is a great choice for several reasons. First, they are easy to prepare and require simple ingredients that you might already have at home. Second, the fresh blackberries add a unique flavor that is both sweet and slightly tart. Finally, these cupcakes are a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal berries, making them ideal for summer baking.

How to Make Blackberry Cupcakes

Creating blackberry cupcakes is a fun and rewarding process. Follow the steps below for delicious cupcakes that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh blackberries (washed and drained well)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cool water
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 large egg whites (at room temperature)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup blackberry sauce
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
1/4 to 1/2 cup blackberry sauce
Fresh blackberries (optional – for decorating)

Directions:

Make the Blackberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, mix the blackberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring and mashing the blackberries until the mixture boils and turns liquid (about 5 to 10 minutes). In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until dissolved. Add this mixture and lemon juice to the pot. Cook, stirring continually, until it thickens (about 1 minute). Let it cool in a heat-safe bowl.
Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-count cupcake tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter, oil, sugar, and lemon zest until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add the egg whites and lemon juice, then mix well. Stir in the blackberry sauce. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting with half of the dry mix, then all the buttermilk, and finally the remaining dry mix. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Blackberry Frosting: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add 1/4 cup of blackberry sauce, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and pipeable. If needed, add more blackberry sauce to adjust the consistency.
Assemble: (Optional) Core the cooled cupcakes and fill them with blackberry sauce. Seal the cupcake with the cut-out piece of cake. Frost the cupcakes with the blackberry buttercream and decorate with fresh blackberries if desired. Enjoy your delicious blackberry cupcakes!

How to Serve Blackberry Cupcakes

Serve the blackberry cupcakes on a nice plate or a cupcake stand. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For extra flair, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top or pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Blackberry Cupcakes

Store the blackberry cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to allow them to reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor!

Tips to Make Blackberry Cupcakes

Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Do not overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a fluffy texture.
Taste your blackberries before making the sauce; adjust sugar according to the sweetness of your berries.

Variation

You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. For a different twist, try replacing the blackberries with raspberries or blueberries.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.

2. How can I make the frosting more colorful?

To enhance the color of the frosting, you can add a bit more blackberry sauce or a few drops of food coloring.

3. Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to about 10-12 minutes for mini cupcakes.

Enjoy baking and indulging in these delicious blackberry cupcakes!