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Pink frosted cupcakes topped with cherries are arranged on a metal cooling rack.
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Cherry Cupcakes

These Cherry Buttercream Cupcakes are moist, cherry‑packed treats topped with a luscious cherry‑infused buttercream you'll swoon over.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Total Time42 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 Cupcakes
Calories: 363kcal
Author: Wendy

Equipment

  • Cupcake Pan
  • paper liners
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • piping bag with tip - optional

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional, enhances cherry flavor
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries plus a few extra for garnish

For the cherry buttercream:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons Maraschino cherry juice
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • Pinch salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract.
  • Mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in chopped cherries.
  • Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  • Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
  • For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then cherry juice and almond extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
  • Frost the cooled cupcakes and top with a cherry if desired.

Notes

  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (around 18–22 mins).
  • Use extra maraschino juice to thin the frosting if needed.
  • Chill frosting before piping for cleaner peaks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cupcakes | Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 535IU | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg