Cherry Cupcakes

Name: Cherry Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 8 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, (softened); 1½ cups granulated sugar; 4 egg whites, (room temperature); ¾ cup whole milk; ⅓ cup maraschino cherry juice; 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring; ½ teaspoon almond extract; 1 to 2 drops red food color; 21 ounces cherry pie filling; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, (softened); 8 tablespoons vegetable shortening; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 4 to 6 tablespoons half and half; 4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice; ½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 24 maraschino cherries with stems, (optional garnish)

Moist cake, pink frosting and cherry pie filling make these sweet cherry cupcakes topped with bright red cherries a must bake treat.

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Table of Contents

Cherry Cupcakes Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions for Cupcakes with Cherry
How To Make This Cherry Cupcakes Recipe
How To Serve Cherry Cupcakes
Cherry Cupcake Storage
Why These Cherry Cupcakes are the Best
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
More Recipes to Try

Cherry cupcakes are a wonderfully delicious treat to make for any party, any time of year. These pink treats are moist cakes, bursting with flavor, and are filled with sweet cherry pie filling that is beyond scrumptious.

close up shot of a bunch of Cherry Cupcakes topped with frosting and a cherry

Cherry Cupcakes Ingredients

Cherry Cupcakes raw ingredients that are labeled

With their fluffy cake base and tangy cherry filling, these cupcakes are bursting with a mouth-watering flavor.

The combination of the subtle sweetness of the cake and the bold tartness of the cherries creates an irresistible taste.

You’ll need:

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)

Substitutions And Additions for Cupcakes with Cherry

VANILLA FLAVORING: This is not exactly the same as vanilla extract, but either will work fine for this cupcake recipe.

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: For a decadent twist, you can mix some chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips complement the cherries and add a delightful burst of chocolatey goodness.

CHERRY PIE FILLING: For a different fruit flavor, consider using blueberry or strawberry pie filling.

CAKE: If you’re in a time crunch, you could use a boxed cake mix instead of making your cupcakes from scratch.

COCOA POWDER: Mix in about ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the flour before combining it with the wet ingredients. This will infuse the cupcakes with a rich chocolate flavor that complements the cherry beautifully.

FRESH CHERRY: You could top your cupcakes with fresh cherries if you prefer.

BUTTERMILK: You can use buttermilk in place of regular milk in this recipe.

Buttermilk will add a slight tanginess and richness to the cupcakes, enhancing their flavor profile.

When using buttermilk, it’s important to remember that it is more acidic than regular milk, which can affect the overall chemistry of the batter.

To balance this, you may want to reduce the amount of baking powder slightly and add a pinch of baking soda, about ¼ teaspoon. This adjustment helps ensure that the cupcakes rise properly and maintain a tender texture.

How To Make This Cherry Cupcakes Recipe

Once you bake the sweet cupcakes in a muffin tin, you will cut out the centers and fill them with tart cherry pie filling. Top with our easy pink buttercream frosting and enjoy!

For The Cupcakes

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

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

STEP THREE: 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.

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

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

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

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

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can omit the red food color if you want a very pale-colored cupcake.

wet and dry ingredients combined and blended together

STEP EIGHT: 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.

STEP NINE: 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.

cupcake batter poured into a pan and baked

STEP TEN: 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.

PRO TIP:

You can buy a fancy corer to cut the holes in the middle of the cupcake, but a serrated knife will do just fine.

STEP ELEVEN: 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.

STEP TWELVE: 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.

PRO TIP:

If you do not wish to use the Ziploc/decorator’s bag to fill the cored cupcakes, you can spoon in the pie filling. The baggies make the process cleaner and easier.

pie filling squeezed into the middle of the cupcakes

For The Frosting

STEP ONE: 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.

STEP TWO: 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.

powder sugar and half and half blended together

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

cherry juice, vanilla flavoring, and almond extract added and combined together

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

STEP FIVE: 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.

PRO TIP:

Any tip can be used with the decorator’s bag when decorating the cupcakes. You can pipe any design you wish.

frosting being piped onto the top of the cupcake

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

How To Serve Cherry Cupcakes

These delightful cupcakes would be a fun choice for a Valentine’s Day treat or a pink-themed birthday party. The burst of cherry inside will surprise everyone who bites into them.

Of course, you really don’t need an occasion to whip up a batch of these treats.

Serve for an afternoon snack with a cold chocolate milkshake or warm whipped hot chocolate.

These fun pink cupcakes are just the beginning of our cherry-flavored recipes. Check out our chocolate cherry cookies and cherry bread for two more delectable treats.

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Cherry Cupcake Storage

Here are a few tips for storing these lovely pink cherry cupcakes so that you can enjoy them longer.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers from this maraschino cherry cupcakes recipe in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for up to five days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze un-stuffed and un-decorated cupcakes for up to two months. Allow the cupcakes to completely thaw before filling and decorating.

Why These Cherry Cupcakes are the Best

Unique Flavor: The sweet and slightly tart flavor of cherries sets these cupcakes apart from more traditional flavors like chocolate or vanilla.

This unique taste profile offers a refreshing change and appeals to those looking for something different in their baked goods.

Visually Appealing: Cherries add a vibrant pop of color to cupcakes, making them visually appealing and perfect for special occasions or as a cheerful treat.

Their bright red hue can elevate the presentation, making these cupcakes as beautiful as they are delicious.

Texture Contrast: The soft, moist texture of the cupcake combined with the juicy burst of cherries offers a delightful contrast in each bite.

This contrast enhances the overall eating experience, making cherry cupcakes not just a treat for the taste buds but also for the texture.

close up shot of a Cherry Cupcakes topped with frosting and a cherry on a plate

The happy pink color makes these cherry cupcakes a perfect treat for any pink-inspired occasion. Whether a birthday party, Valentine’s Day, or just because, whip up a batch of these moist cupcakes with sweet cherry pie filling inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these cupcakes?

These delicious cherry cupcakes can be frozen for up to two months without the cherry filling and icing on top. Let them thaw, fill, and ice, and you are all set.

Why are my cherry cupcakes dense and crumbly?

There are a few reasons why cupcakes come out dense or crumbly. First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. They will not incorporate properly if they are not all at the same temperature.

Over-mixing the batter can also cause dense cupcakes. Third, opening the oven door before the cupcakes are ready can cause them to sink due to the rush of cold air.

How do I achieve moist cupcakes?

To ensure your cherry cupcakes with cherry pie filling are moist, make sure not to overbake them. Storing them in an airtight container will also ensure they maintain their moisture.

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Cherry Cupcakes

5 from 1 vote

Moist cake, pink frosting and cherry pie filling make these sweet cherry cupcakes topped with bright red cherries a must bake treat.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 18

Total Time 38

Servings cupcakes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

Cupcakes

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

Cherry Frosting

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

Instructions

Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 standard cupcake pans with cupcake liners. Set them aside.
Using a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Set it aside.
Using either a stand mixer, or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the butter and granulated sugar for 1 to 1½ minutes.
Lower the mixer speed to medium-low. Add in the egg whites and mix just until well incorporated.
Add in the vanilla flavoring and the almond extract.
Slowly alternate adding in the flour mixture and the whole milk and cherry juice. Mix just until well incorporated.
Add 1 to 2 drops of the red food color and mix just until the color is even.
Evenly divide the cupcake batter between the 2 cupcake pans. Fill the liners about ⅔ full.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
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.
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.
Place the tip of the bag all the way into the cored cupcake, and slowly squeeze the pie filling into the cupcake. Be careful not to overfill. Replace the cupcake top and set them aside.

Cherry Frosting

Using either a stand mixer, or a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the softened butter and the shortening for 1 to 1½ minutes.
Lower the mixer speed to low and slowly alternate from adding the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and the half and half. Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue to mix until well incorporated.
Add in the cherry juice, vanilla flavoring and almond extract. Continue mixing until the frosting is completely smooth.
Fill either a piping bag with a star tip, or a gallon size Ziploc with an edge snipped off.
Holding the frosting bag about a 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.
Once all the cupcakes are frosted, place a cherry with the stem attached on top of each decorated cupcake.

Notes

You can omit the red food color if you want a very pale-colored cupcake.
You can buy a fancy corer to cut the holes in the middle of the cupcake, but a serrated knife will do just fine.
If you do not wish to use the Ziploc/decorator’s bag to fill the cored cupcakes, you can spoon in the pie filling. The baggies make the process cleaner and easier
Any tip can be used with the decorator’s bag when decorating the cupcakes. You can pipe any design you wish.

Nutrition

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Cherry Cupcakes

Cherry Cupcakes Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions for Cupcakes with Cherry