Cherry Almond Cupcakes

Cherry Almond Cupcakes have a rich almond flavor and are topped with fluffy cherry buttercream frosting! Take a break from the chocolate desserts and give these cherry almond cupcakes a try instead.

Any fans of cherry flavored desserts out there? This cupcake recipe is for you! You might also love our cherry chip cheeseball recipe and our cherry chip brownies. SO good and perfect for holidays too.

Why Make Cherry Cupcakes

Sometimes you might not be craving homemade chocolate cupcakes. I know. Don’t worry, I’m still baking my fair share of chocolate treats, but these Cherry Almond Cupcakes made a nice change from the norm.

• Start with a box of cake mix for an easy cupcake base.
• Add almond extract for rich, nutty flavor.
• Swirl homemade cherry buttercream on top, made with maraschino cherry juice.
• Add a maraschino cherry or sliced almonds for garnish.

You’ve probably noticed by now that almond extract actually smells like maraschino cherries. That’s because maraschino cherries are infused with almond extract! Adding a bit of additional almond extract to the batter enhances the cherry flavor in the frosting.

Ingredient Notes

• Butter Cake Mix- if you can’t find the butter flavored mix, just use white cake or yellow cake instead.
• Butter- you’ll need some for the cake mix and some for the frosting. I use unsalted butter in all my baking unless otherwise noted.
• Almond Extract- adding a Tablespoon gives the cake batter a rich, nutty almond flavor. Feel free to use less if desired. You’ll also add some to the frosting!
• Cherry Juice- grab that jar of maraschino cherries and use some of that juice.

How to Make Cherry Almond Cupcakes

You’re going to love how easy this cupcake recipe is to make!

For the batter:

This cupcake recipe starts with a simple box of butter cake mix. Add it to a bowl with some butter, eggs, water and almond extract and you have a fool proof batter ready to get baked into cupcakes.

To bake the cupcakes: 

Line your cupcake pan with paper liners and fill them half way up with the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted to the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely while you make the frosting!

For the frosting:

Whip together softened butter and powdered sugar with a little maraschino cherry juice and another spoonful of almond extract.

Electric beaters or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment work best for getting the buttercream nice and fluffy!

How to frost cherry cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, scoop the frosting into your decorating bag with the tip of your choice. Decorate each cupcake with as much frosting as desired.

A maraschino cherry poised on top is the perfect garnish. You could also add a pinch of sliced almonds if desired!

These are wonderful as a birthday treat, for Valentine’s Day or just about any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

Tips and Tricks

• If you don’t have a frosting bag: You can use a spatula to spread a layer of frosting; they won’t look as “finished” but they still taste great. You can also use a ziploc bag. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag and pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes as desired.
• For mini cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly into your mini muffin pan and bake for about 10 minutes.

More Easy Cupcake Recipes

• Pumpkin Cupcakes
• Yellow Cupcake Recipe
• Tiramisu Cupcakes
• Lemon Cupcakes
• Lemon Coconut Cupcakes

Go ahead and make these Cherry Almond Cupcakes today and treat yourself–and your loved ones. You know you want to!