Description
Cherry Blossom Cupcakes are delightful and fluffy treats infused with cherry extract and topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh or maraschino cherries. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, these cupcakes offer a sweet cherry flavor complemented by a creamy topping, making them a perfect dessert or festive snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
- 2 tsp cherry extract
Frosting and Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
- Fresh or maraschino cherries (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners to ensure easy removal and even cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and sweetness.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Cherry Extract: Mix in the eggs one at a time ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the cherry extract to infuse the batter with cherry flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, until just combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Fill and Bake: Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting with cream cheese frosting and topping each cupcake with fresh or maraschino cherries for garnish and extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk for whole milk to add tenderness and a slight tang.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes tender.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a stronger cherry flavor, add a few finely chopped cherries inside the batter before baking.
