Any fans of cherry flavored desserts out there? This cupcake recipe is for you!
Cherry Cupcakes
Believe it or not there are times when I want a cupcake that’s NOT chocolate. I know, I know. Who am I? 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.
I originally created these as a treat for a birthday party and they were a big hit with both the kids AND the grown ups. Topped with a pretty-in-pink cherry buttercream frosting, the cupcakes look extra adorable (if I do say so myself).
Almond Cupcakes
The hint of almond in these cupcakes comes from the almond extract in both the cupcakes and the frosting.
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.
Speaking of the frosting. . . . Oh. My. Word. This cherry buttercream frosting is DREAMY: smooth, fluffy and positively bursting with cherry!
How to Make Cherry Almond Cupcakes
You’re going to love how easy this cupcake recipe is! If you’re new to baking cupcakes, almond cupcakes are a great place to start. There’s very little prep time involved and you’ll be ready to eat these in well under an hour (including the time they need to cool!).
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!
Cherry Buttercream
For the cherry buttercream frosting, whip together softened butter with 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.
I love adding a few sprinkles to the top of each cupcake for garnish. A maraschino cherry poised on top would be cute, too! These are wonderful as a birthday treat, for Valentine’s Day or just about any occasion.
This frosting tastes so delicious that I think I’ll be making it for all kinds of desserts, not just almond cupcakes. I can’t wait to try it on a chocolate cupcake!
See? You knew I’d bring it back to chocolate eventually.
Storing Cherry Buttercream
If you want to make the frosting in advance (or make extra to use on other cakes later on), it keeps well covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Did you know you can freeze buttercream too? Transfer it to an airtight freezer safe container and you can keep it in the freezer for as long as 3 months.
Storing Almond Cupcakes
Keep these cupcakes covered and enjoy them within 3 days for best flavor. These also freeze well! I prefer to freeze the almond cupcakes un-frosted in a ziploc bag, then frost them after they’ve thawed.
Tips for Cherry Cupcakes
- 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.
Go ahead and make these Cherry Almond Cupcakes today and treat yourself–and your loved ones. You know you want to!
Cherry Almond Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (18.5oz) butter cake mix
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 Tbsp almond extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
- 6 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- In large mixing bowl, mix all the cake ingredients together. Line cupcake pan with paper wrappers. Fill cupcakes ½ full. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-17 minutes. Remove and cool completely. You can also make mini cupcakes if you prefer, baking for about 10 minutes.
- For the frosting, combine butter with powdered sugar, cherry juice and almond extract. When combined beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Fill decorating bag and using tip of your choice, frost each cupcake. Enjoy!
wow! so pretty love the pink cupcake, and it looks so easy to make so i just have to try it!
My husband is both a Cherry and an almond fiend… can’t wait to try these. I like to boozy bake, I’m thinking a bit of almond liqueur or maraschino liqueur would go great in these. 🙂
I think either would be delish. Grand Marnier cupcakes anyone?
Hi, I’m featuring these at “What’s New Wednesday” this week! Thanks so much for sharing them:)
I’d love for you to stop by Sweet & Simple Sunday and share these!!
http://cupsbykim.blogspot.com/2012/03/sweet-simple-sunday-2.html
What a beautiful birthday girl! Happy birthday too her. And these cupcakes are so pretty too, I want to eat my computer screen. 🙂
I adore the shimmering pale pink for early spring! A delightful birthday indeed!
your daughter AND these cupcakes are adorable!
Beautiful photos, those cupcakes look awesome! And happy birthday to your baby girl!
they look wonderful and the frosting is just PERFECT, Aimee!
Yum cherry almond sounds great!
Happy birthday! The cupcakes are beautiful!
Happy Birthday to your little cutie pie!!! I can definitely tell she has personality with that smile:-)
I hear ya on getting rid of the “baby” fat:-) My youngest is going to be 9 later this year…and I’m still carrying around some “weight” 🙂
Yummy cupcakes!!! They are diet right???