Halloween Vampire Bite Cupcakes with Bloody Filling

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
• ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180ml) boiling water
• 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can of pitted sweet cherries, drained and liquid reserved
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Red food coloring (gel preferred)
• 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt