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
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 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.
