Cherry cupcakes 🧁
Warning: these cuties disappear fast!
Packed with cherry bits, topped with fluffy frosting, and just the right amount of sparkle! These cupcakes are basically a party in your mouth. Bonus points if you sneak the extra cherries while baking 😉🧁✨
🍒Mini Cherry Chip Cupcakes🍒
Ingredients:
CUPCAKES:
1 10-ounce jar maraschino cherries
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups sugar
4 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ⅓ cup milk
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Red sanding sugar
FROSTING:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon almond extract
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line mini cupcake pan with liners.
2. Drain the marachino cherries and reserve the juice. Chop the cherries with a sharp knife.
3. In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each one. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and stir to combine.
4. In a medium bowl add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together.
5. In a small bowl combine the milk and 2 tablespoons of the reserved maraschino cherry juice.
6. Add ⅓ of the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and stir to combine. Add ½ of the milk mixture to the sugar mixture and stir to combine. Repeat with another ⅓ of the flour mixture, and then the rest of the milk mixture, and finish with the last ⅓ of the flour mixture, mixing after each addition. Stir in the chopped cherries.
7. Fill each prepared mini muffin cups 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 9-12 minutes. You'll know that they are done when you press lightly on the top and the cake springs back
9. When they are done, remove from oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then remove them from the pan onto a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting.
FOR THE ICING:
Add all of the icing ingredients to the bowl of your stand mixer (with the whisk attachment on). Mix on low until the ingredients start to come together and then increase the speed to high. Mix on high for 4 to 5 minutes until the icing is light and fluffy. Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes. Sprinkle sanding sugar and place a maraschino cherry on top if desired.
Enjoy!
❤️🍒❤️🍒❤️
#desserts #treats #cherry #cupcakes #minibakes #bakingfun
Cherry cupcakes are a charming dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of cherries with the soft, delicate texture of cupcakes. Using maraschino cherries in the batter infuses a vibrant cherry flavor and adds a pleasing texture with bits of cherry throughout. The inclusion of both vanilla and almond extracts enhances the overall aroma and taste, complementing the cherries perfectly. When preparing the mini cherry chip cupcakes, a key tip is to carefully reserve and use the maraschino cherry juice mixed with milk, which helps to infuse the cupcake batter with a subtle cherry essence and maintain moistness. The balance of baking powder and baking soda ensures the cupcakes rise properly, resulting in a light and fluffy crumb. Using egg whites beaten into the butter and sugar mixture offers a lighter texture compared to whole eggs. The frosting is essential to the cupcake's indulgence, made from whipped unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Adding a hint of almond and vanilla extract to the frosting provides layered flavors that harmonize with the cupcake base. Whipping the frosting to a light and fluffy stage is crucial for a smooth, spreadable consistency that holds shape well when piped. For presentation, topping each cupcake with a maraschino cherry and a sprinkle of red sanding sugar adds both visual appeal and an added burst of sweetness with a subtle crunch. These mini cherry cupcakes are versatile for any occasion, from casual treats to festive parties. To enhance your baking experience, consider experimenting by folding in different types of cherries, such as fresh or frozen tart cherries, for varied flavor profiles. Additionally, incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter can brighten the taste and add a fresh note. Maintaining freshness is important; store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting stable and prevent drying out. Bringing them to room temperature before serving will bring out the best texture and flavor. This cherry cupcake recipe offers not only a delicious treat but also an opportunity to develop baking skills such as proper mixing techniques, ingredient balance, and decorative frosting methods, making it a perfect recipe for bakers of all levels.