If you are looking for a delightful treat that celebrates the delicate sweetness of cherry blossoms in every bite, this Cherry Blossom Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes are beautifully light, bursting with cherry flavor, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting crowned by a fresh or maraschino cherry. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your afternoon tea, this recipe combines softness, sweetness, and a floral hint that feels like springtime on your palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Cherry Blossom Cupcakes Recipe lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each carefully chosen to bring that perfect texture, flavor, and color to your cupcakes, these pantry staples make the baking experience both accessible and rewarding.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tenderness for the cupcakes.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder: This leavening agent ensures your cupcakes rise with a nice fluffy crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly while helping with moisture retention.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a subtle creaminess to the texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and contribute to the moist crumb.
- ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk): Moisturizes the batter and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tsp cherry extract: The star flavor that infuses a true cherry blossom essence.
- 8 oz cream cheese (for frosting): Delivers a tangy, smooth frosting that complements the cupcake perfectly.
- Fresh or maraschino cherries (for topping): Finishing touch to give that iconic cherry blossom look and a burst of fruity charm.
How to Make Cherry Blossom Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cupcake Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners. This crucial step ensures even baking and easy cupcake removal, setting you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sugar. This blend provides the foundation for your cupcakes’ texture and sweetness, and mixing these first distributes the baking powder evenly so your cupcakes rise uniformly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process aerates the batter, giving your cupcakes a tender crumb and a delicate bite.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Cherry Extract
Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Then stir in the cherry extract, which imparts that unmistakable fruity floral note, making the cherry flavor truly shine through without overpowering the cupcake.
Step 5: Alternate Incorporating Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, gently fold in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk. Start with a portion of the dry mix, then some milk, repeating until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes light and airy.
Step 6: Bake Your Cupcakes to Perfection
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter to allow room for rising. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cupcakes turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This sweet oven aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling heavenly!
Step 7: Cool Completely and Add Frosting
Once baked, let the cupcakes cool thoroughly on a wire rack before applying the cream cheese frosting. Topping each cupcake with a fresh or maraschino cherry instantly transforms these treats into elegant delights worthy of any celebration.
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic cherry on top is always charming, why not elevate these cupcakes with delicate edible flower petals or a light dusting of powdered sugar? These simple garnishes celebrate the cherry blossom theme and add a whimsical touch to the presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cherry Blossom Cupcakes Recipe with a cup of fragrant green tea or a delicate jasmine tea to complement the cupcake’s floral notes. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad also make lovely light accompaniments that don’t overshadow the cupcakes’ flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving these cupcakes in pretty pastel-colored cupcake stands or vintage tea sets to enhance their springtime appeal. Wrapping each cupcake in a floral-printed cupcake liner makes for a delightful presentation at parties or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cupcakes left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping the frosting intact and moist is essential, so avoid refrigerating unless you live in a particularly hot climate.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw completely before frosting and enjoying their fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
Reheat cupcakes gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their softness without drying them out. Avoid overheating, especially if frosted, as the cream cheese frosting can melt and lose its texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute cherry extract with fresh cherries?
While fresh cherries add natural flavor and texture, cherry extract provides a concentrated and consistent cherry blossom essence that is essential for the signature taste of this recipe. You could incorporate finely chopped cherries for texture but keep the extract for that authentic flavor.
Is it possible to make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with plant-based milk alternatives and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes to make the cupcakes suitable for dairy-free diets without sacrificing too much flavor or texture.
How do I make the cream cheese frosting less tangy?
If you prefer a milder frosting, try adding a little extra powdered sugar or a splash of vanilla extract to balance out the tanginess, creating a sweeter and more rounded flavor.
Can I use frozen cherries for topping?
Frozen cherries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before topping to avoid extra moisture that might make the frosting run. Fresh or maraschino cherries are preferred for their firmness and visual appeal.
How long will the cupcakes stay fresh in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, these cupcakes will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
These Cherry Blossom Cupcakes Recipe are such a joyful way to brighten any day or occasion with their beautiful flavor and charming presentation. There’s something truly special about baking a batch and sharing them with loved ones who appreciate the tender notes of cherry and the creamy frosting. I absolutely encourage you to give this recipe a try — it might just become your new favorite go-to cupcake to celebrate life’s sweetest moments.
Print
Cherry Blossom Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cherry Blossom Cupcakes, a charming treat featuring a soft, fluffy cake infused with cherry extract and topped with creamy frosting and a cherry garnish. Perfect for spring gatherings or any time you want a burst of cherry flavor in a classic cupcake form.
Ingredients
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 ensuring they are well combined for even texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy, then gradually add sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then stir in the cherry extract to infuse flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the milk into the butter mixture, gently mixing after each addition until just combined to keep the batter light.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until the cupcakes turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting with cream cheese frosting. Top each cupcake with a fresh or maraschino cherry for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother batter.
- Buttermilk can be substituted for whole milk for a tender crumb and slight tanginess.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter as it can make the cupcakes dense.
- Chilling the cream cheese before frosting helps achieve a better texture.
- You can use either fresh cherries or maraschino cherries for topping depending on taste preference and availability.
