Cherry Almond Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Tips for Perfect Cherry Almond Cupcakes

To ensure that your cherry almond cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, it s essential to pay attention to a few key factors. First, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately; even a slight variation can affect the texture and flavor of your cupcakes. Using a kitchen scale can help achieve precision, especially for flour and sugar. Next, when incorporating the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to prevent overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes. Lastly, always check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Every oven is different, so a toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when the cupcakes are ready.

Variations to Explore

If you re looking to switch things up with your cherry almond cupcakes, consider experimenting with different flavor combinations and additions. For example, you might try adding a splash of almond extract to the frosting for an extra burst of flavor or incorporating a touch of lemon zest into the batter to balance the sweetness. You could also swap the cherries for other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, each bringing its unique taste profile. For an added texture, try folding in mini chocolate chips or using a layer of fruit preserves between the cupcake and frosting. These variations can elevate your cupcakes and make them even more delightful.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry almond cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for various occasions. For a casual gathering, serve them on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh cherries or mint leaves to enhance their presentation. If you re hosting a more formal event, consider pairing the cupcakes with a complementary dessert table featuring an assortment of treats, like chocolate-covered strawberries or almond biscotti. Additionally, these cupcakes can be a fantastic addition to birthday parties, bridal showers, or holiday celebrations, showcasing a beautiful array of flavors that guests will love.

Storage and Shelf Life

To keep your cherry almond cupcakes fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. However, if you want to preserve their best texture and flavor, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cooled cupcakes in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.

Why You ll Love This Recipe

This cherry almond cupcake recipe is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that will impress anyone who tries them. The moistness of the cupcakes paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible treat that is both comforting and elegant. Additionally, the use of fresh and canned cherries allows for a delightful burst of fruitiness in every bite, while the almond extract adds a unique depth of flavor that sets these cupcakes apart from standard vanilla or chocolate options. Whether you re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is approachable and rewarding, making it a must-try for your dessert repertoire.

Indulge in these moist and elegant cherry almond cupcakes topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and crunchy slivered almonds!

Ingredients

• 1 cup soy milk or regular milk (no higher than 2%)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• ¾ cup sugar (adjust based on cherry sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ tsp almond extract
• 8 oz canned dark cherries, drained and halved
• 8 oz fresh sweet cherries, pitted and quartered

Frosting

• 1 Tbsp room temperature butter
• 1 Tbsp room temperature cream cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for texture)
• 1 Tbsp skin-on slivered almonds (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a measuring cup, whisk together soy milk and vinegar, then let it sit until curdled.
3. In a large bowl, mix the soy milk mixture, oil, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Sift in flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth.
5. Gently fold in the cherries.
6. Fill cupcake liners halfway and bake for 20-22 minutes. Cool on a rack before frosting.

Frosting Instructions

1. Using a mixer, beat together butter and cream cheese until creamy.
2. Add vanilla and almond extract, mixing well.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until desired texture is reached.

Assembly

1. Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with cream cheese frosting.
2. Dip the frosted cupcakes into slivered almonds for a crunchy topping.
3. If using fresh cherries, add about 2 tablespoons of sugar if needed for sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving:

• Calories: 307
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 173mg
• Potassium: 125mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 43g