Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

Introduction

These Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes are a delightful treat combining sweet cherries with rich vanilla flavor in a moist, fluffy cupcake. Perfect for any occasion, they feature a light cherry frosting that adds an extra burst of fruity sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or canned cherries, drained)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons cherry juice (for frosting)
• Optional: Additional cherries for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Step 6: Carefully fold in the halved cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Step 7: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Step 8: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: For the frosting, combine powdered sugar with cherry juice in a bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy.
11. Step 11: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cherry frosting using a piping bag or knife.
12. Step 12: Optionally, garnish each cupcake with an additional halved cherry for a pretty finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen cherries if fresh are not available; just thaw and drain well before folding in.
• For a richer frosting, add a tablespoon of softened cream cheese or butter to the cherry frosting.
• To prevent cherries from sinking, toss them lightly in a bit of flour before folding into the batter.

Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving. The cherry frosting can firm up slightly when cold, so you may want to soften it a bit by mixing before applying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.

How do I keep cherries from sinking to the bottom?

Tossing the cherries in a little flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them evenly throughout the cupcakes during baking.

Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

These Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes offer a delightful combination of moist vanilla-flavored cake studded with fresh cherries and topped with a sweet cherry-infused frosting. Perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat, these cupcakes are fluffy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcakes

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or canned cherries, drained)

Frosting

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cherry juice
• Optional: Additional cherries for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt evenly.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in Cherries: Carefully fold in the halved cherries to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without crushing them.
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
8. Bake: Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cherry juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy to form the frosting.
11. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, evenly frost each cupcake using a piping bag or knife for an attractive finish.
12. Garnish: Optionally, place a halved cherry on top of each frosted cupcake for an extra decorative touch.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh cherries when in season, or well-drained canned cherries as a substitute.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep cupcakes light and tender.
• You can substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative if desired.
• Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

Keywords: Cherry cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, cherry vanilla cupcakes, cherry frosting, homemade cupcakes, dessert, baking