Eric Lanlard's Black Forest Cupcakes

Master patissier Eric Lanlard shows you how to make these gorgeous Black Forrest Cupcakes by Baking Mad. These black forest cupcakes are so easy to make.
Eric has an international reputation for superlative cakes and an impressive A-list clientele and global fan base. Find the recipe here -

Recipe:
For the muffins
450g Cherries (pitted, Halved)
4 tbsp Kirsch
150ml Water
110g Dark chocolate chips
225g Butter (unsalted) (softened)
175g Unrefined light muscovado sugar
3 Egg(s) (free range)
500g Plain white flour
1.5 tsp Baking powder
1.5 tsp Bicarbonate of soda
0.25 tsp Salt
140ml Sour cream
0 Kirsch (to soak the cherries in)
For the frosting
400ml Double cream
3 tbsp Unrefined golden caster sugar
1 tbsp Vanilla bean paste
12 Cherries (to decorate)
0 Dark chocolate (grated)

method:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, 350°F, gas mark 4). Place paper cases in a 16 hole muffin tin.

Combine cherry halves with the kirsch and set aside. In a small pan, over a low heat combine the water and chocolate chips. Heat, stirring frequently until the chocolate has melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium speed, cream the butter and light muscovado together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the cooled chocolate, scraping the sides of the pan and mix thoroughly.

Mix together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture in batches, alternating with the soured cream, mixing on low speed to incorporate.

Spoon into the paper cases, add a spoonful of cherries, (reserving the liquid) and top with cake mixture, so that the paper cases are filled to the top.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until firm to the touch. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes; turn out and cool completely on a wire rack.

Using a skewer or cocktail stick, poke several holes in the top of the muffins. Drizzle the reserved cherry liquid over the top of the muffins and allow to soak in.

For the whipped cream, whisk the cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and whisk until incorporated.

Pipe the whipped cream on top of each cupcake. Decorate with cherries and shaved chocolate. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

For a child-friendly version replace the kirsch with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.