Introduction

There’s something incredibly special about the sweet, slightly tart flavor of cherries, especially when it’s baked into a delightful treat. If you’re searching for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting, you’ve found your perfect match. This Cherry Cupcakes Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser because it delivers moist, tender cupcakes bursting with real fruit flavor and topped with a gorgeous pink frosting. They are the ultimate bake for birthdays, holidays, or any day that needs a little extra sweetness.

So, what exactly is this Cherry Cupcakes Recipe? It’s a from-scratch vanilla cupcake base that gets its incredible moisture and flavor from a generous amount of chopped fresh cherries folded right into the batter. The real showstopper, however, is the lush cherry cream cheese frosting that crowns each one. This combination is truly unique because it uses real fruit instead of artificial extracts, giving you a flavor that’s bright and authentic. This approach to baking aligns perfectly with our blog’s mission to create easy desserts that don’t compromise on quality or taste. You don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve amazing results, although these cupcakes look and taste like they came from a high-end bakery. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your baking basics journey, this recipe provides clear, simple steps for a guaranteed successful outcome every single time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Cherry Cupcakes Recipe because it always reminds me of summer visits to my grandmother’s house. She had a giant cherry tree in her backyard, and we would spend afternoons pitting cherries for pies and cakes. This recipe captures that same joyful, homemade taste. I love how the cupcakes are so incredibly moist and how the cream cheese frosting provides the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet fruit. They never fail to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Cherry Cupcakes

Print Recipe

Moist vanilla cupcakes with sweet cherry chunks and a light cherry frosting, perfect for any celebration.

Author: Olivia Bennett
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 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 or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp cherry juice or milk
1/2 tsp almond extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 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. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped cherries.
Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cherry juice (or milk), and almond extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Frost cooled cupcakes and top with a cherry if desired.