Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat – Cherry Almond Cupcakes! These little delights burst with flavor, thanks to the sweet, juicy cherries and the rich aroma of almond extract. Every bite is a delightful mix of moist texture and scrumptious sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. I remember the first time I made these cupcakes; it was a sunny afternoon, and I had a bunch of fresh cherries just begging to be used. I couldn’t resist whipping up a batch, and the aroma that filled my kitchen was simply heavenly! These cupcakes not only satisfied my sweet tooth but also turned my kitchen into a cozy haven that day. Trust me, once you try making Cherry Almond Cupcakes, you’ll find yourself baking them over and over again!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Cherry Almond Cupcakes
Making Cherry Almond Cupcakes is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Let’s get started, shall we?
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and rise beautifully. While the oven warms up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a sturdy wooden spoon can do the trick too! Mix it until it’s light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes should do. You’re looking for a pale yellow color that makes you think of sunshine!
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is where the magic happens! Each egg helps create that moist texture we all love. Once that’s done, stir in the almond extract and milk until everything is combined. The scent of almond will start to envelop you, and trust me, it’s heavenly.
Now, in another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because it helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, alternating with the milk mixture. This helps to keep the batter smooth and lump-free. Just mix until you see no more flour streaks – don’t overdo it!
Finally, it’s time to gently fold in those beautiful chopped cherries. I can’t stress enough how important this step is; you want to keep their shape and avoid breaking them up too much. Once they’re evenly distributed, line your cupcake pan with liners and fill each one about two-thirds full with batter. This ensures they have room to rise without overflowing.
Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before you even think about frosting or serving. The waiting is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it!
And there you have it! Your Cherry Almond Cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed. Just picture the moist, sweet bites paired with the burst of cherries – I can’t wait for you to try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can dive straight into the deliciousness of these Cherry Almond Cupcakes!
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet burst of cherries combined with the nutty aroma of almond makes every bite a heavenly experience.
- Easy Baking Process: Even if you’re a beginner, these cupcakes are simple to make and hard to mess up – perfect for all skill levels!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these cupcakes are a delightful treat that everyone will love.
- Moist and Scrumptious: Thanks to the careful mixing and the addition of cherries, you’ll enjoy a wonderfully moist texture that keeps these treats fresh longer!
Tips for Success with Cherry Almond Cupcakes
Getting your Cherry Almond Cupcakes just right is easier than you might think! Here are some handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
First off, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. It should be at room temperature, which makes creaming it with sugar a breeze. If it’s too warm, your batter might end up too runny, and we don’t want that!
When it comes to the cherries, I highly recommend using fresh ones if possible. They give the best flavor and moisture. If you’re using frozen cherries, be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in the batter. Also, chop them into bite-sized pieces for an even distribution throughout the cupcakes.
Don’t overmix the batter! Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until you see no more dry flour. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the light and fluffy texture we all crave.
Lastly, let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting or serving. If you rush this step, the frosting might melt right off! Trust me, the wait is worth it for that perfect presentation and taste!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in these Cherry Almond Cupcakes, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Each cupcake is approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 3g
These values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of what you’re treating yourself to. With a delightful mix of sweetness and flavor, these cupcakes are a guilt-free indulgence that won’t derail your day!
FAQ About Cherry Almond Cupcakes
Got questions about making the best Cherry Almond Cupcakes? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up.
Q1: Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can definitely experiment with almond flour, but keep in mind that it may change the texture. I recommend using a mix of almond flour and all-purpose flour for the best results, especially if you want to keep that light, fluffy texture!
Q2: What’s the best way to store leftover cupcakes?
To keep your Cherry Almond Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Q3: Can I substitute the cherries with another fruit?
Absolutely! While cherries are the star of this recipe, you can switch them out for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you’re using a tart fruit!
Q4: How can I make these cupcakes more festive?
You could top them with a simple cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of sliced almonds for that extra flair! Adding a cherry on top not only looks pretty but also adds a delicious finishing touch.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips while baking your Cherry Almond Cupcakes!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Cherry Almond Cupcakes is super simple, and I promise they’ll stay delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving – it really brings out the flavors!
If you find yourself with leftover cupcakes and want to enjoy them warm, I recommend reheating them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This little tip makes them feel fresh out of the oven again! Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a cupcake that’s too warm to handle. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Almond Cupcakes
To elevate your Cherry Almond Cupcakes even further, consider serving them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the moist cupcakes and enhances their delightful flavors. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top or drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and almond milk. You could also serve them alongside a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Trust me, these additions will take your dessert experience to a whole new level!
For more delightful dessert ideas, check out this Pinterest page!
Print
Cherry Almond Cupcakes: 5 Ways to Savor This Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry almond cupcakes with a moist texture and sweet flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the almond extract and milk.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chopped cherries.
- Fill cupcake liners with batter and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let them cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries.
- Top with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cherry Almond Cupcakes, cupcakes, dessert, baking