Description
These Christmas Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes are festive, moist, and packed with sweet cherries and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cupcakes combine the classic flavors of vanilla and cherry in a soft, fluffy bite that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the cupcakes.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the batter.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract for a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the cherries perfectly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. This gentle mixing helps create a smooth batter without overworking the gluten.
- Fold in Cherries: Carefully fold in the chopped cherries to evenly distribute them without crushing, so the cupcakes maintain bursts of cherry flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the cupcake batter into lined cupcake tins, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cupcakes are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or frosting.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are pitted and chopped to prevent any discomfort while eating.
- For extra festive flair, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or vanilla buttercream frosting on top.
- Do not overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Check cupcakes 5 minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess juice before folding in.
