Creating Dark Chocolate Blackberry Cupcakes is a delightful experience. Follow these easy steps for excellent results:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Blackberries: Gently fold in the fresh blackberries and dark chocolate chips, if using.
6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Distribute the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare Ganache: While the cupcakes are cooling, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to steam. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
10. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, dip the top of each cupcake into the ganache or use a piping bag to frost them.
11. Garnish: Top each cupcake with additional blackberries for a beautiful garnish.

Enjoy the process, and as the wonderful aroma fills your kitchen, get excited about the scrumptious treat you’re about to serve!