Sweet Cherry Cupcakes Recipe: A Cheerful Homemade Treat

Sweet and fluffy cherry cupcakes deliver a burst of fruity delight that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Ripe cherries nestled in soft, pillowy batter create a magical dessert perfect for any occasion.

Mixing fresh ingredients transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Vibrant red cherries peek through delicate cake crumbs, promising a sensational treat.

Subtle almond undertones complement the bright fruit, adding depth to each delectable bite.

Baking these cupcakes feels like crafting pure happiness in your kitchen.

What Makes Cherry Cupcakes So Delightful

• Burst with Fruity Flavor: Packed with sweet, juicy cherries that add a delightful burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color to every bite.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Versatile cupcakes that shine at birthday parties, brunch, potlucks, or as a delightful treat for family and friends.
• Beginner Baker's Dream: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, even those just starting their baking journey.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to adapt with different frostings or toppings, allowing you to personalize these cupcakes to match any taste or occasion.

Ingredients for Cherry Cupcakes

• Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the cupcakes.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps with browning.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide moisture and structure.
• Cherries: Fresh or frozen fruit that adds natural sweetness and flavor to the cupcakes.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.

• Milk, Vanilla Extract: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the cupcake batter.

How to Bake Cherry Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners that will make your cherry treats look extra special.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re perfectly combined and free of any lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to give your cupcakes a delightful aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. This helps create a smooth, silky batter that will make your cupcakes tender.

Step 6: Fold in Fresh Cherries

Gently fold chopped cherries into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite will have a burst of fruity goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Carefully divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding your favorite frosting, turning these cherry delights into a truly irresistible treat.

Pro Tips for Cherry Cupcakes

• Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your cupcakes.
• Drain chopped cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cupcake batter too wet.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
• If you want a more intense cherry taste, add a splash of almond extract alongside the vanilla extract.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and a consistent, tender cupcake texture.

Variations to Try with Cherry Cupcakes

• Chocolate Cherry Delight: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the batter and top with chocolate ganache frosting.
• Almond Cherry Crunch: Mix sliced almonds into the batter and sprinkle toasted almonds on top of cream cheese frosting.
• Lemon Cherry Breeze: Add lemon zest to the batter and create a light lemon glaze for drizzling over cooled cupcakes.
• Coconut Cherry Paradise: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter and garnish with toasted coconut flakes on buttercream frosting.

Pairing Ideas for Cherry Cupcakes

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Rich espresso softens the sweet cherry notes, creating a harmonious balance between the cupcake's fruity essence and coffee's robust flavor.
• Complement with Champagne Rosé: Delicate bubbles and light pink hues enhance the cherry's bright character, offering an elegant and celebratory drinking experience.
• Match with Almond Cream Liqueur: Smooth, nutty undertones beautifully highlight the cherry's natural sweetness, providing a decadent and indulgent pairing that elevates the dessert.
• Serve alongside Chilled White Tea: Subtle, refreshing tea cleanses the palate between bites, allowing the cupcake's delicate cherry flavor to shine through without overwhelming the senses.

Storage Guidelines for Cherry Cupcakes

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen cupcakes, thaw completely before gently warming to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs for Cherry Cupcakes

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before chopping and folding into the batter to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I prevent my cherries from sinking to the bottom of the cupcakes?

Toss the chopped cherries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the cupcake while baking.

• What type of cherries work best for this recipe?

Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier are ideal. They provide a nice balance of sweetness and flavor that complements the cupcake perfectly.

Cherry Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 33-35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry cupcakes bring European bakery charm to your kitchen, blending tart fruit with delicate cake. Rich buttercream frosting and fresh cherries crown these delightful treats, promising pure dessert bliss for anyone craving a perfect homemade indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup chopped cherries

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Set the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring even spacing.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture appears pale and develops a soft, airy texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing completely after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Gradually introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
6. Carefully fold chopped cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
7. Portion the batter equally into prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure uniform cooking.
9. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should emerge clean and dry.
10. Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting.

Notes

• Enhance fruit distribution by tossing chopped cherries in a light dusting of flour to prevent sinking during baking.
• Opt for fresh, ripe cherries with deep red color for maximum natural sweetness and vibrant flavor in your cupcakes.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture.
• Consider reducing sugar by 25% and adding a touch of almond extract to complement the cherry’s natural taste, making the cupcakes less sweet and more nuanced.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 187 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg