cherry cupcakes

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Cherry Cupcakes, featuring sweet cherries baked into a moist cupcake, topped with a creamy cherry-infused buttercream. Perfect for cherry lovers!

Ingredients

For the Cherry Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, chopped (or maraschino cherries, drained and chopped)

For the Cherry Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tbsp cherry juice (from the chopped cherries or maraschino cherry juice)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (for desired consistency)

Instructions

For the Cherry Cupcakes:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

For the Cherry Buttercream:

1. Whip Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and creamy, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Add Sugar & Cherry Juice: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Add cherry juice and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the buttercream reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. Frost: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the cherry buttercream on top.

Optional Garnish:

• Whole cherries on top (fresh or maraschino)
• Sprinkles or cherry jam drizzle

Enjoy!

These Cherry Cupcakes are light, fruity, and full of cherry flavor, perfect for any cherry lover or a festive celebration!