Cherry Cupcakes
Cherry cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherry flavor with moist, fluffy cake. They make a fantastic dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to celebrations. Topped with a luscious cherry frosting and a cute maraschino cherry, these cupcakes are sure to impress!
Why Make This Recipe
Making cherry cupcakes is a fun and rewarding experience. They are easy to bake, and the vibrant colors make them visually appealing. Plus, they taste amazing! Whether you want a sweet snack or a centerpiece for your dessert table, cherry cupcakes are a great choice. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and everyone will love the cherry twist!
How to Make Cherry Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 8 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 to 2 drops red food color
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 4 to 6 tablespoons half and half
- 4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 24 maraschino cherries with stems
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually mix in the milk, cherry juice, vanilla, almond extract, and food coloring.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the cherry pie filling gently.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the cherry frosting by beating together the unsalted butter and vegetable shortening until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well, then add half and half, cherry juice, vanilla, and almond extract to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost them with the cherry frosting and top each with a maraschino cherry.
How to Serve Cherry Cupcakes
Cherry cupcakes are best served fresh but can still be enjoyed the next day. Arrange them on a nice plate and offer them at parties or gatherings. They look great as a dessert or sweet snack any time of day.
How to Store Cherry Cupcakes
Store any leftover cherry cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Tips to Make Cherry Cupcakes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the cupcake batter to keep them light and fluffy.
- Use quality maraschino cherries for decoration to enhance flavor and appearance.
- Feel free to add more cherry pie filling to the batter for extra flavor.
Variation
You can switch up the flavor by using different types of fruit fillings, like blueberry or strawberry. Additionally, try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes! You can use fresh cherries, but be sure to chop them finely. This will add a natural taste to your cupcakes.
2. Can I freeze cherry cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to three months. Frost them after thawing for best results.
3. What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can leave it out or use a little more vanilla extract for flavor!
