Description
Delight in these Cherry Blossom Cupcakes, a charming treat featuring a tender vanilla base infused with cherry extract and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and fresh cherries. Perfect for spring celebrations or anytime you crave a fruity, elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake 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 prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar to evenly distribute the leavening agent and prevent clumps.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Extract: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the cherry extract to infuse the batter with a delicate cherry flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. This prevents overworking the batter which can cause toughness.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full. 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. Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting and garnish each cupcake with fresh or maraschino cherries for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Using buttermilk instead of whole milk will add extra tenderness and slight tang to the cupcakes.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain cupcake fluffiness.
- Fresh cherries provide a more natural taste while maraschino cherries add a sweeter, decorative touch.
- The cream cheese frosting can be sweetened with powdered sugar and a little vanilla extract for added flavor.
