Indulge in the irresistible allure of cherries, nature’s little bursts of joy. With their vibrant hues ranging from deep crimson to bright ruby, cherries are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Each plump, juicy cherry offers a symphony of flavors—sweet with a hint of tartness—that awakens the senses and leaves you craving more. Elevate your cupcake game with the enchanting sweetness of cherries! Bursting with flavor and vibrant color, cherries add a delightful twist to classic cupcakes, turning ordinary treats into extraordinary delights. Imagine moist, fluffy cupcakes infused with the essence of fresh cherries, their juicy goodness mingling with every bite. Whether folded into the batter or nestled in the center as a surprise filling, cherries bring a burst of fruity goodness that will leave your taste buds singing with delight. Top these delectable delights with a swirl of creamy frosting infused with cherry flavor, or adorn them with a luscious cherry compote for an extra indulgent touch. The result? Irresistibly decadent cupcakes that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day, cherry cupcakes are sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering. So why wait? Get baking and let the magic of cherries transform your cupcakes into unforgettable confections that will leave everyone craving more.
Why make these cupcakes?
Perfect Flavor Harmony: The combination of vanilla and cherry creates a delightful flavor harmony that appeals to both the sweetness of vanilla and the tartness of cherries, offering a well-balanced taste experience. Moist and Tender Texture: These cupcakes boast a moist and tender crumb, thanks to the addition of fresh cherries and quality vanilla extract, ensuring each bite is irresistibly soft and flavorful. Visual Appeal: The vibrant red hue of the cherries adds a pop of color to the cupcakes, making them visually stunning and inviting. They’re sure to stand out on any dessert table or Instagram feed! Surprise Filling: Incorporating a cherry filling in the center of the cupcakes adds an element of surprise and excitement with every bite, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary. Versatility: These cupcakes can be enjoyed for various occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations. They’re versatile enough to be served as a sweet treat at a picnic or as a sophisticated dessert at a dinner party. Health Benefits: Cherries are not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with antioxidants and vitamins that offer numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. So indulging in these vanilla cherry cupcakes can be a guilt-free pleasure!
Ingredients and substitutes
Cherries – I am using fresh cherries but frozen blended cherries would work just as well. Fat – I am using a combination of both butter and oil to keep thes wonderfully moist. I prefer to use unsalted butter so I can control the quantity of salt but feel free to omit salt in the recipe and use butter with salt. Eggs – Always use large size eggs when baking unless specified. The size of eggs varies significantly these days, so as a guide one large egg weighs between 50 to 60 grams. All-purpose flour – I like using all-purpose flour for cakes with fresh fruits as it adds a bit more stability to the batter. Sugar – I prefer to use white sugar so it won’t alter the color of my cupcakes. Sour Cream – Gives the cupcakes a soft crumb. You can make sour cream at home or for a quick fix Greek yogurt is a great alternative.
Step-by-step: Cherry cupcakes
Cupcake batter
Preheat oven to 325°F / 165°C / Gas Mark 3 Line muffin pan with cupcake liners or use baking cups. Dry ingredients – Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and set aside. Blend cherries.– Place half the pitted cherries in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Pass it through a sieve. Set aside.Pro tip – straining the skin from the juice will ensure a smooth texture for our batter but you can certainly use the crushed cherries too.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated.Pro tip – adding eggs one at a time making sure it is fully incorporated will prevent the batter from curdling. Next, add flour, sour cream, and blended cherries in three additions. Followed by the vanilla and almond extract. Divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners or baking cups.Pro tip – depending on the size of the eggs and the amount of whipping you may get up to 15 cupcakes or 12 baking cups.
Optional – Drop a pitted fresh cherry in the center of each batter.Pro tip – the cherry in the center will skin to the bottom with its weight so do not try to push it in. Leave it on top. Let it sink naturally. Bake on the center rack for about 20 to 25 minutes (mine took 20 mins). Cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.Pro tip – leaving the cupcakes in the pan for longer than 5 minutes can cause the cupcake to separate from their liners due to steam.
Whipped cream buttercream
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and salt for a minute until smooth. Add half the sugar and fresh cream. Beat a minute more. Then add the second half of the powdered sugar and combine well. Followed by the vanilla extract. (you can also add a drop of almond extract for these cupcakes) Next, whip the buttercream until you have a light and fluffy whipped cream consistency buttercream – about 2 to 3 minutes.Pro tip – it is important to whip the buttercream so the cream in there will build volume otherwise the frosting will be too soft to pipe.
Assemble
Prepare a piping bag with a large star tip for piping. Smear the piping bag on one side with a raspberry red gel food color. Add buttercream to the bag and secure the top. Give it a gentle squeeze until you see the red frosting coming from one side. Pipe a large swirl on the cupcake. The red frosting will create a pretty red swirl effect that I have on these cupcakes. Top with a fresh cherry. When not in season you can omit the fresh cherry and drizzle some sprinkles.
Tips for Success
Choose Ripe Cherries: Opt for ripe, juicy cherries for the best flavor and texture. Look for cherries that are firm, plump, and have a deep, vibrant color. Properly Prepare the Cherries: Pit and chop the cherries into small pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the cupcake batter. This ensures every bite is filled with delicious cherry goodness. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Select high-quality vanilla extract and other ingredients for the best flavor. Pure vanilla extract will provide a rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cupcakes. Do Not Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense and tough cupcakes. Mix the batter until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can result in a less tender texture. Fill Cupcake Liners Appropriately: Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full to allow room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing. This ensures uniformity in size and shape. Add Cherry Filling Carefully: If adding a cherry filling to the cupcakes, use a small spoon or piping bag to carefully place the filling in the center of each cupcake. Be sure not to overfill to avoid spillage during baking. Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cupcakes while they bake to prevent overcooking. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off. Store Properly: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for longer storage. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
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