Cherry Limeade Cupcakes: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

If you love the refreshing taste of cherry limeade, you’re going to adore these Cherry Limeade Cupcakes! These cupcakes bring the perfect balance of sweet cherries and zesty lime in a soft, fluffy cake topped with a luscious cherry-lime buttercream frosting. Every bite is a delightful burst of fruity goodness, making them a fantastic treat for summer gatherings, birthdays, or simply when you’re craving something bright and refreshing.

This recipe is inspired by the classic cherry limeade drink, known for its vibrant flavors and thirst-quenching appeal. The combination of tart lime and sweet maraschino cherries creates an irresistible cupcake that’s both visually stunning and deliciously tangy. Whether you’re a cupcake lover or a citrus enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites!

Ingredients

Cupcakes	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ teaspoons
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Fresh lime zest	1 tablespoon
Fresh lime juice	¼ cup
Buttermilk	½ cup
Maraschino cherry juice	2 tablespoons
Chopped maraschino cherries	½ cup

Cherry-Lime Buttercream	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup (2 sticks)
Powdered sugar	3 ½ cups
Maraschino cherry juice	3 tablespoons
Fresh lime juice	1 tablespoon
Lime zest	1 teaspoon
Heavy cream (if needed)	1-2 tablespoons
Maraschino cherries (for garnish)	12 (with stems)
Lime slices (for garnish)	As needed

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Feel free to use fresh cherries instead of maraschino for a natural cherry flavor, though it will alter the sweetness.
• Swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly caramelized taste.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric mixer – Helps achieve a smooth batter and fluffy buttercream.
• Cupcake liners & muffin tin – Essential for shaping your cupcakes.
• Zester & juicer – For fresh lime zest and juice.
• Piping bag & star tip – For beautifully frosting your cupcakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract, lime zest, and fresh lime juice.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in the maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries until evenly mixed.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

2. Making the Cherry-Lime Buttercream

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low to prevent a sugar cloud.
3. Pour in maraschino cherry juice, lime juice, and zest, then increase speed to beat until fluffy.
4. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream until the desired consistency is reached.

3. Decorating the Cupcakes

1. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a star tip and swirl onto cooled cupcakes.
2. Garnish with maraschino cherries (with stems) and fresh lime slices for a fun and festive look.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Make them extra citrusy: Add an extra ½ teaspoon of lime zest for a more intense lime flavor.
• Vegan option: Replace butter with vegan butter, eggs with applesauce, and buttermilk with almond milk + vinegar.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Stuff them! Hollow out a small section in the center and fill it with cherry preserves for an extra surprise!

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are perfect for summer parties, bridal showers, or birthdays. Serve them chilled for a refreshing bite!

Pair them with a homemade cherry limeade drink or a tart raspberry lemonade to enhance the citrusy flavors. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a luxurious dessert pairing.

Pairings

For an adult twist, serve these cupcakes with:

• Margaritas – The tangy lime pairs beautifully with the tequila.
• Rosé wine – Light and fruity, complementing the cherry and citrus notes.
• Sparkling water with a lime wedge – A refreshing, non-alcoholic pairing.

Storage and Reheating

• Room temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days, but let them come to room temperature before eating.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.

Nutritional Information

Per cupcake (approximate):

• Calories: 320
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 35g

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

Conclusion

Cherry Limeade Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of sweet and tangy flavors, bringing together the nostalgia of a classic cherry limeade drink in a soft, fluffy, and beautifully frosted treat. The zesty lime adds a refreshing citrus punch, while the maraschino cherries provide a delightful sweetness that balances the tartness. Whether you’re baking these for a summer picnic, a birthday celebration, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. Their vibrant colors and bold flavors make them just as fun to look at as they are to eat!

If you love experimenting with flavors, you can easily customize these cupcakes to suit your taste—whether it’s adding a cherry-filled center, making them gluten-free, or pairing them with a refreshing cocktail. With their light and airy texture, decadent buttercream, and eye-catching garnish, these cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience. Try the recipe today, and don’t forget to share your results—we’d love to see how your Cherry Limeade Cupcakes turn out!