Cherry Cupcakes

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Cherry Cupcakes
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Cherry Cupcakes
4. How To Serve Cherry Cupcakes
5. Why You'll Love This Cherry Cupcakes Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. More Easy Cupcake Recipes
10. JUMP TO RECIPE

These cherry cupcakes are a sweet treat that will make any occasion special. The soft, fluffy cake pairs perfectly with the cherry flavor, making each bite irresistible. Topped with a creamy frosting, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Plus, they're quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy them in no time.

Making these cherry cupcakes is simple. Just follow the step-by-step photos and directions below. We’ve included pro tips and tricks to help you along the way. Be sure to check out our FAQ section for answers to all your recipe questions!

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These cupcakes with cherry are perfect for any party or special occasion. They take less than forty minutes to make and are packed with cherry flavor. The fluffy, moist cake and creamy frosting will have everyone asking for more!

What makes these cupcakes stand out is their balance of sweetness and freshness. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or enjoying a treat at home, these cupcakes are sure to impress!

What you'll need to make this Cherry Cupcakes recipe:

For The Cupcakes:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• 8 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter, softened
• 1½ cups of granulated sugar
• 4 egg whites, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of clear vanilla flavoring
• ½ teaspoon of almond extract
• ¾ cup of whole milk
• ⅓ cup of maraschino cherry juice
• 1-2 drops of red food color
• 1 (21-ounce) can of cherry pie filling

For The Cherry Frosting:

• 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• 8 tablespoons of vegetable shortening
• 4 cups + 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• 4-6 tablespoons of half and half
• 4 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice
• ½ teaspoon of clear vanilla flavoring
• ¼ teaspoon of almond extract
• 24 maraschino cherries with stems (optional garnish)

Create something new each time you bake this recipe by swapping ingredients and adding fun extras! Here are some or our top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Vanilla Extract: Use almond extract for a different, nutty flavor in the frosting or cake.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix chocolate chips into the cupcake batter for a delicious cherry-chocolate combo.
• Substitute Vanilla Extract: Use almond extract for a different, nutty flavor in the frosting or cake.
• Cherry Pie Filling: For a different fruit flavor, consider using blueberry or strawberry pie filling.

Get ready to make these cherry cupcakes that are sure to wow everyone! Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started and bake some amazing cupcakes!

For The Cupcakes

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two standard cupcake pans with cupcake liners. Set them aside.

SECOND STEP: Using a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set dry ingredients aside.

THIRD STEP: Using either a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the butter and granulated sugar for 1 to 1½ minutes.

FOURTH STEP: Lower the mixer speed to medium-low speed. Add the egg whites to the butter mixture and mix just until well incorporated.

FIFTH STEP: Add in the vanilla flavoring and the almond extract.

SIXTH STEP: Slowly alternate adding in the flour mixture and the whole milk and cherry juice. Mix just until well incorporated.

SEVENTH STEP: Add one to two drops of the red food color and mix just until the color is even.

EIGHTH STEP: Evenly divide the cupcake batter between the two cupcake pans. Fill the liners about ⅔ full.

You can use a cookie scoop to make filling the cupcake liners easier.

NINTH STEP: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

TENTH STEP: Once the cupcakes are cooled, using either a cupcake corer or a sharp knife, carefully cut out the center of the cupcake.

Be sure to keep the top of the cored cupcake.

ELEVENTH STEP: Using either a decorator’s piping bag with no tip or a quart-size Ziploc bag, fill the bag with half of the canned pie filling.

TWELFTH STEP: Place the tip of the bag all the way into the cored cupcake, and slowly squeeze the cherry filling into the cupcake.

Be careful not to overfill. Replace the cupcake top and set them aside.

For The Frosting

FIRST STEP: In a medium bowl using either a stand mixer or a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the softened butter and the shortening for 1 to 1½ minutes.

SECOND STEP: Lower the mixer speed to low speed and slowly alternate adding the powdered sugar one cup at a time and half and half. Increase the mixer speed to medium speed and continue to mix until well incorporated.

THIRD STEP: Add in the cherry juice, vanilla flavoring, and almond extract. Continue mixing until the frosting is completely smooth.

FOURTH STEP: Fill either a piping bag with a star tip or a gallon-size Ziploc with an edge snipped off. 

FIFTH STEP: Holding the frosting bag about ½ inch above the center surface of the cupcake, use even, steady pressure, and squeeze the baggie to form a center “star” swirl.

Keeping the tip elevated, continue to use even pressure, and follow the outer line of the star swirl until the cupcake surface is frosted.

SIXTH STEP: Once all the cupcakes are frosted, place a cherry with the stem attached on top of each decorated cupcake.

Cherry cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a sweet snack, these cupcakes will always impress. Here are three great ways to serve this recipe:

• Birthday Parties: These delightful cupcakes would be a great choice for a Valentine’s Day treat or a pink-themed birthday party. Their bright color and sweet flavor make them fun and festive. Serve with strawberry mousse for an added treat!

• Spring and Summer Celebrations: These cherry cupcakes are perfect for spring and summer events like picnics or barbecues. The light cherry flavor pairs well with warm weather. Serve alongside a refreshing lemonade or iced tea.

• Family Movie Night: Cherry cupcakes are a fun and easy dessert for a family movie night. They’re simple to make and loved by all ages. Pair with some rainbow popcorn or cherry cheesecake cookies for a full snack spread!

Cherry cupcakes are a fan favorite because they’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

• Festive and Fun: Their vibrant color and sweet taste make them a hit at parties. Their bright red color can elevate the presentation. These cupcakes are as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Unique Flavor: These cupcakes have a sweet and slightly tart flavor of which sets them apart from more traditional flavors like chocolate or vanilla.
• Quick to Prepare: You’ll have these cupcakes ready to enjoy in under forty minutes.
• Deliciously Moist: The soft cake and creamy frosting come together in every bite.

These cherry cupcakes will quickly become a go-to treat in your kitchen!

Can I make this cherry cupcake recipe without frosting?
Yes, you can make these cherry cupcakes without frosting. They’ll still be delicious with just the cake!

What’s the best way to store leftover cherry cupcakes?
Store leftover cherry cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Can I use fresh cherries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just chop them up and fold them into the batter.

How can I make the cherry frosting less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the frosting, simply add a little more cream cheese or reduce the sugar.

Can I use a different fruit instead of cherries?
Yes, you can use other fruits like strawberries or raspberries instead of cherries for a fresh twist.

Can I make the cherry cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cupcakes a day ahead. Just cover and store them to keep them fresh.

What’s the best way to serve cherry cupcakes at a party?
Serve cherry cupcakes on a large platter with colorful liners. Display them in groups for a fun, inviting look.

Should I serve cherry cupcakes with or without frosting?
You can serve them with frosting for extra sweetness or without for a simpler treat, both taste great!

Can I serve cherry cupcakes at a picnic?
Yes, these cherry cupcakes travel well. Just pack them in a container to keep them fresh and intact.

What’s the best way to serve cherry cupcakes for a birthday?
Arrange the cupcakes on a cake stand and add fun sprinkles or cherry toppings for a festive touch.

Are cherry cupcakes suitable for kids?
Yes, kids love these cherry cupcakes! Their sweet flavor and colorful appearance make them a fun treat.

Can I serve cherry cupcakes for a holiday gathering?
Cherry cupcakes are perfect for holidays. Their bright color adds a festive touch to any holiday dessert spread.

For optimal storage of your cherry cupcakes, follow these simple tips and tricks to keep them fresh and delicious. These easy steps will help maintain their flavor and texture.

Can I prepare cherry cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day before. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

What’s the best way to store leftover cherry cupcakes?
Store leftover cherry cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay fresh.

Can I freeze cherry cupcakes?
You can freeze un-stuffed and un-decorated cupcakes for up to two months. Allow the cupcakes to thaw completely before filling and decorating.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen cherry cupcakes?
Thaw the cupcakes at room temperature for a few hours. You can warm them gently in the microwave if needed.

Can I store cherry cupcakes in the fridge?
While the fridge isn’t necessary, you can store them there for a few days if the weather is hot.

Can I freeze the frosting for cherry cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze frosting separately in an airtight container for up to a month. Just thaw and rewhip before using.