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+ servings
picture of blackberry cupcakes on a table
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5 from 6 votes

Blackberry Cupcakes

Capture the essence of summer with these juicy and delicious Blackberry Cupcakes. They're the perfect treat for a warm summer’s day. 
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baking, berry cupcakes, cupcakes, fruit cupcakes
Servings: 12
Calories: 328kcal
Author: Courtney O'Dell

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup finely chopped blackberries

For the Blackberry Buttercream

  • 1 stick ½ cup butter, softened
  • 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup blackberry jam or preserves
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • For the Cupcakes
    1. Preheat your oven to 350F and line 12 muffin tins with paper liners.
  • 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  • 3. Add the sugar and whisk to combine.
  • 4. Next, add the flour and baking powder. Mix just until no large lumps remain.
  • 5. Add the chopped blackberries and gently fold them into the cake batter– try not to overmix the batter! Mix just until the berries are incorporated.
  • 6. Divide the cake batter between the muffin tins, filling each one with about ¼ cup of batter.
  • 7. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • 8. Remove the cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.

    For the Blackberry Buttercream
    1. Add the softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the butter is lightened-- about 30 seconds.
  • 2. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar.
  • 3. Once all of the powdered sugar has been incorporated, add the blackberry jam and vanilla extract.
  • 4. Turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat for 1-2 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  • 5. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag and frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.
  • 6. Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Notes

  • Milk keeps the cupcakes moist so they don’t dry out. I’m using whole milk, but use whatever you have on hand.
  • Vegetable oil adds richness to the cupcakes.
  • Eggs hold the cake batter together so they aren’t too crumbly.
  • Vanilla enhances the sweetness of the sugar and the flavor of the blackberries.
  • Granulated sugar sweetens the cupcakes.
  • Flour gives the cupcakes structure-- make sure to spoon and level your measuring cup as adding too much flavor can result in dry cupcakes.
  • Baking powder helps the cupcakes rise so they stay light and fluffy.
  • Chopped blackberries enhance the blackberry flavor and add delicious texture to the cupcakes.
  • Butter gives the frosting structure– make sure it’s fully softened you don’t end up with lumpy buttercream.
  • Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting-- feel free to add a bit more or a bit less to achieve your desired icing consistency.
  • Blackberry jam adds delicious flavor and beautiful color to the buttercream. I prefer seedless because the seeds can clog the piping tip.
  • I use this Wilton muffin pan (not an affiliate link):

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g