Cherry Chip Cupcakes: A Sweet and Nostalgic Treat

Cherry chip cupcakes are a delightful combination of fluffy vanilla cake, bursts of cherry flavor, and bits of sweet cherry chips in every bite. These cupcakes bring back memories of old-fashioned bakeries and childhood birthday parties. Their light pink hue, rich cherry aroma, and soft texture make them a charming addition to any dessert table.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cherry chip cupcakes are incredibly easy to make. They have the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, thanks to real maraschino cherries blended into the batter. Topped with a silky cherry buttercream, these cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Let’s dive into this classic recipe and create a batch of irresistibly moist and flavorful cherry chip cupcakes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cherry chip cupcakes:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Baking powder	2 ½ teaspoons
Salt	½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar	1 ¼ cups
Eggs	3 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Almond extract (optional)	½ teaspoon
Whole milk	1 cup
Maraschino cherries, chopped	¾ cup
Cherry juice (from jar)	¼ cup
Cherry chips (or mini white chocolate chips)	½ cup
Pink food coloring (optional)	A few drops

For the Cherry Buttercream Frosting:

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter, softened	1 cup (2 sticks)
Powdered sugar	4 cups
Maraschino cherry juice	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Almond extract (optional)	½ teaspoon
Heavy cream or milk	2-3 tablespoons
Pink food coloring (optional)	A few drops

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the cupcake batter and frosting.
• Electric Mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugar and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Cupcake Liners & Muffin Tin: Essential for baking evenly shaped cupcakes.
• Spatula: For folding in cherries and scraping down the bowl.
• Cooling Rack: Ensures cupcakes cool properly before frosting.
• Piping Bag & Star Tip (optional): For beautifully frosted cupcakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extract.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and cherry juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to ensure even mixing. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and cherry chips. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring to enhance the color.

2. Baking the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Making the Cherry Buttercream Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. Pour in the maraschino cherry juice, vanilla, and almond extract, then mix until smooth. Add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If needed, add pink food coloring for a more vibrant shade.

4. Frosting the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the cherry buttercream on top. Garnish with extra cherry chips, a drizzle of cherry juice, or a whole maraschino cherry on top for a perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Variations

• Substitutions: If you don’t have cherry chips, use white chocolate chips or finely chopped dried cherries.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and a flaxseed egg substitute.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Cherry Flavor: Add a teaspoon of cherry extract for a stronger taste.
• For a Layer Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two 8-inch cake pans for a cherry chip layer cake.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes pair beautifully with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Serve them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

For a fun party presentation, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand and garnish with fresh cherries and edible glitter.

Pairings

• Drinks: Enjoy these cupcakes with a cherry-flavored soda, a vanilla milkshake, or a light rosé wine.
• Coffee Pairing: A cup of mocha latte or vanilla bean coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Cocktail Option: A cherry-infused martini or amaretto sour complements the almond and cherry flavors.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	45g
Protein	3g
Fat	15g
Sugar	30g
Saturated Fat	8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Cherry chip cupcakes are the perfect combination of nostalgia and indulgence, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Their moist, fluffy texture, combined with bursts of cherry bits and a smooth cherry buttercream, makes them a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. The soft pink hue and classic cherry flavor make them as beautiful as they are delicious.

With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of customization options, this recipe is great for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Try adding your own twist, whether it’s a unique frosting variation or a special garnish, and make them truly your own. If you bake a batch, don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—or treat yourself to a little extra sweetness. Let us know how your cupcakes turned out in the comments, and happy baking!