Almond Cupcakes with Fresh Cherry Frosting: Your Perfect Summer Indulgence

Discover the ultimate summer dessert! Our moist and tender almond cupcakes, baked from scratch, are crowned with a light, fluffy, and intensely flavorful cherry frosting made with real fresh cherries. A delightful combination you won’t want to miss.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a homemade cupcake. It’s a small parcel of joy, perfect for any occasion – from a casual family treat to a celebratory gathering. Here at our kitchen, we are undeniably huge fans of cupcakes! If you’re eager to explore more delightful cupcake creations, be sure to try our classic Carrot Cake Cupcakes or these whimsically fun Circus Animal Cookie Cupcakes. But today, we’re diving into a seasonal sensation that truly captures the essence of summer.

The Sweet Harmony of Almond and Cherry

Few flavor pairings are as elegant and complementary as almond and cherry. The subtle nuttiness of almond provides a perfect counterpoint to the bright, sweet, and slightly tart notes of fresh cherries. This combination isn’t just delicious; it evokes a feeling of warmth, sunshine, and carefree summer days. That’s precisely why these Almond Cupcakes with Fresh Cherry Frosting became an instant obsession in my kitchen – a recipe born out of a desire to harness the peak flavors of the season.

My approach to recipe development is usually quite structured. I typically plan recipes weeks in advance, allowing ample time for testing, photographing, and writing before they ever see the light of day on the blog. This organized method provides a sense of calm and ensures that every recipe shared is thoroughly vetted and perfected. However, every now and then, a recipe comes along that simply demands immediate attention, breaking all my usual routines.

A Spontaneous Culinary Creation

These almond cupcakes with cherry frosting are a testament to that spontaneity. Cherry season, as we all know, is fleeting. Those beautiful, plump, juicy red gems appear for such a short window, and when they do, you simply have to make the most of them! I had managed to snag a large bag of fresh cherries on sale, and their vibrant color and irresistible aroma were a clear call to action. I knew I had to create something special before their prime passed.

The idea of a fresh cherry frosting immediately captivated me. But what cake base would best showcase its unique flavor? The classic pairing of almond and cherry quickly came to mind. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, promising a sophisticated yet comforting dessert. So, breaking from my usual schedule, I embarked on a baking marathon. I spent a significant part of my day yesterday solely dedicated to perfecting these cupcakes. It’s rare for me to try multiple versions of a recipe in a single day, but I was determined to get it just right. And after the very first bite, I knew waiting to share this recipe was simply not an option. You absolutely need to experience these before fresh cherries vanish from our markets!

Crafting the Perfect Almond Cupcake Base

The foundation of this extraordinary dessert lies in the almond cupcakes themselves. They are wonderfully simple yet yield a perfect result: cakes that are exceptionally tender, incredibly moist, and infused with just the right amount of delicate almond flavor. The secret to their delightful texture lies in a careful balance of ingredients and a specific mixing technique that ensures a light and airy crumb. Using good quality almond extract is crucial here, as it truly elevates the flavor without being overpowering, allowing the cherry to shine later.

The Star: Fresh Cherry Frosting

And then there’s the frosting – the true star of the show. This creamy, light, and wonderfully fresh cherry buttercream is pure bliss. My initial concern was whether the vibrant cherry flavor would truly come through, especially when incorporated into a buttercream. To ensure an intense, natural cherry taste, I opted for a generous full cup of fresh cherries, which proved to be the absolute perfect amount. Each cherry is carefully pitted and then finely chopped before being folded into the buttercream. This preparation ensures that every bite offers delightful bursts of real cherry, rather than just a subtle hint.

When piping this frosting, remember that the small chunks of fresh cherry are part of its charm. Make sure to use a piping tip with a wide enough opening to accommodate these delicious pieces. You’ll find this frosting so incredibly good, you’ll be tempted to eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• **Unforgettable Flavor Combination:** The marriage of sweet almond and tart fresh cherry is a match made in heaven, offering a sophisticated and refreshing taste.
• **Perfect Texture:** Expect incredibly moist cupcakes and a light, airy, and creamy frosting.
• **Seasonal Delight:** This recipe celebrates the peak of cherry season, allowing you to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors.
• **Homemade Goodness:** Baking from scratch means superior flavor and satisfaction, without artificial ingredients.
• **Showstopper Dessert:** These beautiful cupcakes are sure to impress at any gathering, from backyard BBQs to elegant summer parties.

Tips for Success

• **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your butter and eggs for both the cupcakes and frosting are at room temperature. This helps them cream together smoothly, creating a light and airy batter and a silky frosting.
• **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the cupcake batter can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• **Perfect Cherries:** Choose ripe, firm, and bright red cherries. Pitting them can be a bit tedious, but a cherry pitter makes the job quick and easy. Finely chop them to ensure even distribution in the frosting and easy piping.
• **Frosting Consistency:** If your frosting seems a little loose after adding the cherries, don’t panic! Continue beating on medium-high speed. The agitation can help the buttercream come back together and become fluffy. If it still needs help, a trick is to gently warm the outside of the bowl with a warm towel while beating.
• **Piping Tip Choice:** As mentioned, use a piping tip with a slightly wider opening (like a star tip with larger teeth or a round tip) to allow the chopped cherry pieces to pass through easily.

Serving and Storage

These Almond Cupcakes with Fresh Cherry Frosting are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the day they are made, or the day after. The vibrant flavor of the fresh cherries really shines when the frosting is at its peak. Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure the frosting is creamy and the cake is tender.

Variations to Explore

• **Add a Touch of Amaretto:** For an even richer almond flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of amaretto liqueur to the cupcake batter or a few drops to the frosting.
• **Chocolate Drizzle:** A delicate drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the frosted cupcakes would create an exquisite flavor contrast.
• **Nut-Free Version:** If almond is not an option, you can replace almond extract with vanilla extract for a delicious vanilla cupcake base, still topped with the incredible cherry frosting.

Almond Cupcakes with Fresh Cherry Frosting

5 from 3 votes

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
18 minutes

Cooling Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
58 minutes

Servings:
18 cupcakes

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

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Moist almond cupcakes made from scratch are topped with a light and fluffy cherry buttercream, made from fresh cherries.

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter at room temperature

• 2 eggs

• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

Fresh Cherry Frosting:

• 1 cup butter at room temperature

• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

• 1 cup fresh cherries pitted and finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175°C). Line 18-muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk briefly to combine.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl between additions. Beat in the almond extract. Gradually add one-third of the flour mixture, beat until just combined, then add half of the buttermilk. Repeat with another one-third of the flour, the remaining buttermilk, and finally the remaining flour. Beat just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
5. For the Fresh Cherry Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until completely combined and smooth after each addition. Beat in the salt and almond extract. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for about 2 more minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add the finely chopped cherries and any accumulated juices. Beat on low speed until just combined, then turn to medium-high and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, creamy, and smooth. (See notes below regarding frosting consistency.)
6. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe the cherry frosting generously on top. Garnish with an additional fresh cherry, if desired, for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Notes:

The fresh cherries in the frosting can sometimes cause the buttercream to look curdled or “break.” If this happens, don’t worry! Continue beating the buttercream on medium-high speed. The air incorporation will usually bring it back together into a smooth, creamy consistency. If it’s still resistant, try holding a kitchen towel soaked in hot water around the outside of the mixer bowl for a minute while beating – the gentle warmth can help emulsify the butter and liquid.

Keywords:
almond cupcakes, fresh cherry frosting, summer cupcakes, homemade cupcakes, cherry dessert

More Fruity Cupcake Delights

If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of fruit in your desserts, you’ll definitely want to check out these other irresistible cupcake recipes:

• Peach Cupcakes
• Caramel Banana Cupcakes
• Key Lime Cupcakes
• Lemon Sunshine Cupcakes
• Coconut Cherry Cupcakes
• Raspberry Coconut Cupcakes

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