Introduction

Is there anything more delightful than a perfectly baked cupcake? These little cakes promise a moment of pure, uncomplicated joy, especially when they burst with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cherries. If you search for a stunning yet simple dessert that will wow a crowd, you found your next baking project. This incredible Cherry Cupcakes Recipe will become your new favorite because it delivers a moist, tender crumb and a spectacularly fruity flavor in every single bite.

This particular Cherry Cupcakes Recipe celebrates the fruit. We fold finely chopped fresh cherries right into the batter, which ensures a vibrant, natural cherry taste in the cupcake itself. While many recipes rely solely on extract or jam, this method gives you authentic fruit flavor and juicy pockets of cherry throughout. This approach aligns perfectly with our blog’s mission to create from-scratch desserts that feel special but remain approachable for bakers of any skill level. You will find the process straightforward and incredibly rewarding, much like our popular guide on baking tips for beginners. The final result is a bakery-quality treat perfect for summer picnics, birthday parties, or a sweet weekend indulgence. For another fantastic fruity dessert that uses a similar from-scratch philosophy, you must try our ultimate classic lemon tart.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this Cherry Cupcakes Recipe because it always brings back the happiest memories of baking with my grandmother. She taught me that the best desserts highlight natural ingredients, and these cupcakes do exactly that. I love how the bright red cherries speckle the batter and create such a beautiful, festive look. They are my go-to treat for holidays and celebrations, and they never fail to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Cherry Cupcakes

Print Recipe

Moist vanilla cupcakes studded with juicy cherries and topped with a sweet cherry buttercream frosting.

Author: Olivia Bennett
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 1x
Method: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp cherry juice or milk
1/4 cup finely chopped cherries (for frosting)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped cherries.
Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cherry juice, beating until smooth. Fold in chopped cherries. Frost cooled cupcakes.