Craving a delightful treat that’s both pretty in pink and bursting with flavor? Look no further than cherry almond cupcakes! These moist and fluffy delights are a perfect fusion of almond goodness and cherry sweetness. With maraschino cherries baked into the cake and a swirl of cherry almond buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are a cherry lover’s dream come true.
Indulge in the rich almond undertones of these cupcakes, perfectly complemented by the light and fluffy cherry buttercream frosting. Whether you’re a fan of cherry-flavored desserts or simply looking to switch up your usual chocolate fix, these cherry almond cupcakes are a must-try. Say goodbye to the ordinary and dive into a world of pink, almond, and cherry bliss with this delightful cupcake recipe.
Ingredients
Creating cherry almond cupcakes involves a delightful blend of key ingredients. Below are the essentials you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious treats.
Cherry Almond Cupcakes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cake flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk plus 2 tbsp
- 3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
- 8 maraschino cherries, finely chopped
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Milk
Equipment Needed
- Muffin Tin: Use a standard 12-cup muffin tin to bake the cupcakes.
- Mixing Bowls: Have medium and large mixing bowls ready for blending the cupcake and frosting ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Prepare your electric mixer to whip up the cupcake batter and frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure you have these on hand for accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Pastry Bag with Tip: Get your pastry bag fitted with a decorating tip ready for piping the delightful cherry almond frosting onto the cupcakes.
- Cooling Racks: Have cooling racks available to cool the cupcakes adequately before frosting them.
- Cherry Pitter: If you plan to use fresh cherries, a cherry pitter can be handy for removing the pits efficiently.
- Oven: Preheat your oven and ensure it’s ready for baking the delicious cherry almond cupcakes.
With these essential pieces of equipment, you’ll be all set to create these scrumptious cherry almond cupcakes that everyone will love.
Prep Work
Before diving into making these delightful cherry almond cupcakes, it’s crucial to get everything prepped and ready. Let’s start by prepping the cherries and almonds for this scrumptious treat.
Prepping Cherries
- Rinse the cherries and pat them dry.
- Roughly chop the cherries into bite-size pieces.
- Gather your almonds and ensure they are sliced or chopped according to your recipe requirements.
- If your almonds are whole, consider slivering or finely chopping them to enhance both texture and flavor in the cupcakes.
Instructions
Making the Cupcake Batter
- Ensure that the butter and egg whites have reached room temperature, which takes around 30 minutes.
- While waiting, line the muffin tin with paper muffin cups.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine buttermilk and cherry juice and set both mixtures aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- With a stand mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 30 seconds.
- Add sugar, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter, beating until combined.
- Gradually add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the beaten mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full.
- Press a cherry into the batter in each cup.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops of the cupcakes spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool the cupcakes on wire racks after letting them cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes.
Assembling the Cupcakes
Applying the Buttercream Frosting
After the cupcakes have cooled, it’s time to apply the delicious cherry almond buttercream frosting. In a mixer, fluff the room temperature butter, then add in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract. Slowly incorporate the sifted powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, until well combined. Adjust the frosting consistency by adding milk gradually to reach your desired texture.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
Mastering the art of baking perfect cupcakes is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some essential tips to ensure your cherry almond cupcakes turn out moist, flavorful, and visually appealing.
Achieving the Right Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to cupcake batter. Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and egg whites, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth and well-incorporated batter, resulting in tender and fluffy cupcakes. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added to prevent toughness in the final product.
Frosting Techniques
When it comes to frosting your cherry almond cupcakes, consider using a piping bag with a decorative tip to create beautiful swirls or rosettes. To achieve the perfect frosting consistency, gradually add powdered sugar to whipped butter along with maraschino cherry juice and almond extract. Adjust the consistency with milk until you reach the desired smoothness for easy piping. Don’t forget to crown your cupcakes with a cherry on top for that final touch of elegance and taste.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
After baking and enjoying these delightful cherry almond cupcakes, you may wonder how to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Here are some tips for storage and serving to make the most out of your delicious treats.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the cupcakes for a longer period, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing other food odors.
- Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cupcakes. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for 1-2 months in the freezer.
- Thawing: If you froze the cupcakes, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This will help them regain their moisture and freshness.
- Room Temperature: Before serving, bring the cupcakes to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Garnish: Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the cupcakes with a fresh cherry on top just before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor.
By following these storage and serving suggestions, you can ensure that your cherry almond cupcakes stay delicious and delightful, ready to be enjoyed whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Conclusion
I’ve shared the delightful world of cherry almond cupcakes with you, showcasing the perfect balance of almond and cherry flavors in a moist, heavenly treat. From essential ingredients to expert tips on baking and garnishing, this article has equipped you with all you need to create these delectable cupcakes. Remember the storage tricks to keep your cupcakes fresh for whenever those cravings hit. Embrace the joy of baking and indulging in these cherry almond delights – a true delight for your taste buds.