Name: How to Make Delicious Homemade Cherry Chip Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1/2 cup milk; 3/4 cup cherry chips; ; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream; 1/2 tsp almond extract; Pink food coloring (optional); Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

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Tired of bland, uninspiring store-bought cupcakes that never quite satisfy your sweet tooth? I understand completely. There’s something magical about biting into a homemade cherry chip cupcake with that perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and bursts of cherry flavor that simply can’t be matched by anything from a box.

These delicious homemade cherry chip cupcakes promise a delightful combination of light vanilla cake studded with real cherry pieces and topped with a luscious, pink-tinted frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds.

As a pastry chef who specialized in small-batch baking for over eight years, I’ve perfected this cherry chip cupcake recipe through countless iterations, focusing on ingredients and techniques that deliver consistently amazing results.

In this recipe guide, you’ll discover the secrets to selecting the best cherries, preparing a perfectly moist batter, mastering the ideal frosting consistency, and troubleshooting common cupcake issues that might arise along the way.

Why This Cherry Chip Cupcake Recipe Works

Uses fresh or frozen cherries for authentic fruit flavor (no artificial cherry extracts!)
Incorporates a special moisture-locking technique for cupcakes that stay fresh for days
Perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration needing a touch of pink
Simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for experienced bakers

Choosing the Right Cherries for Cherry Chip Cupcakes

Best Cherries for This Recipe

When making delicious homemade cherry chip cupcakes, the cherries you choose make all the difference. Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier work beautifully for a naturally sweet flavor profile. For a more tangy kick, tart cherries (Montmorency variety) provide wonderful contrast against the sweet cake base.

Buying Tips

Look for plump, firm cherries with shiny skin and green, pliable stems. Avoid cherries with wrinkled skin, soft spots, or browning, as these indicate they’re past their prime. When fresh cherries aren’t in season, premium quality frozen cherries work wonderfully – just thaw and drain well before using.

Substitutions

Can’t find fresh or frozen cherries? High-quality cherry preserves can work in a pinch – just reduce the sugar in your recipe slightly. For a creative twist, try mixing dried cherries (rehydrated in hot water) with fresh raspberries for a complex flavor profile.

Ingredients & Prep for Cherry Chip Cupcakes

How to Make Delicious Homemade Cherry Chip Cupcakes

Cherry Prep Essentials

Properly preparing your cherries is crucial for delicious homemade cherry chip cupcakes. Start by washing fresh cherries thoroughly, then pit them using a cherry pitter or the edge of a sturdy straw. Chop them into small pieces (about ¼ inch) so they distribute evenly throughout the batter. For frozen cherries, thaw completely and drain excess liquid to prevent a watery batter.

Batter Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1 cup chopped fresh cherries
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but enhances cherry flavor)

Frosting Essentials

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3-4 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons cherry juice (from chopped cherries)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Fresh cherries for garnish

Looking for another fruity treat? Check out my Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches for a savory change of pace!

Step-by-Step Cherry Chip Cupcake Instructions

Pre-Cooking Cherry Chip Cupcake Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Prepare your cherries by washing, pitting, and chopping them into small pieces.
Pat the chopped cherries with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your cupcakes.
Sift together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) in a medium bowl and set aside.

Mixing Cherry Chip Cupcake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix on low speed just until combined.
Gently fold in the prepared cherries by hand to avoid overmixing.

Baking Perfect Cherry Chip Cupcakes

Divide batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.
Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting Cherry Chip Cupcakes

Beat butter until creamy and smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
Gradually add powdered sugar, cherry juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
Continue beating until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread frosting onto each cupcake.
Garnish with a fresh cherry or cherry piece on top.

For more delicious inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards where I share weekly baking ideas and seasonal favorites!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Chip Cupcakes

Avoiding Common Cherry Chip Cupcake Problems

Preventing Sinking Cherries: Toss chopped cherries in 1 tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter – this helps them stay suspended.
Maintaining Moisture: Don’t overmix your batter once the flour is added; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough cupcakes.
Even Baking: Rotate your pan halfway through baking time to ensure all cupcakes bake evenly, especially if your oven has hot spots.

Tool Recommendations

Invest in a quality cherry pitter if you’ll be making cherry recipes regularly
Use a cookie scoop for perfectly proportioned cupcake batter
Silicone-tipped spatulas ensure you get every bit of batter without scratching your bowls
Quality paper liners prevent sticking and make for beautiful presentation

Storage & Serving

Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Frosted cupcakes should be refrigerated and can last up to 5 days
For best flavor, bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving (about 30 minutes)

Flavor Variations for Cherry Chip Cupcakes

Chocolate Cherry Delight

Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to your dry ingredients and reduce flour by the same amount for a chocolate cherry cupcake that’s absolutely divine.

Almond Cherry Cupcakes

Increase the almond extract to a full teaspoon and add ⅓ cup of finely chopped almonds to the batter for a nutty twist that complements the cherry flavor beautifully.

Citrus Cherry Fusion

Add the zest of one lemon or orange to your batter for a bright, citrusy note that enhances the cherry flavor.

Variation	Additional Ingredients	Frosting Recommendation	Difficulty Level
Chocolate Cherry	¼ cup cocoa powder	Chocolate ganache	Easy
Almond Cherry	1 tsp almond extract, ⅓ cup chopped almonds	Almond buttercream	Medium
Citrus Cherry	Zest of 1 lemon or orange	Lemon cream cheese frosting	Easy
Cherry Cheesecake	4 oz cream cheese in batter	Cream cheese frosting with cherry swirl	Advanced

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Chip Cupcakes

Create a beautiful dessert table by displaying cherry chip cupcakes on a tiered stand with fresh cherries scattered around the base
Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert
Serve alongside hot chocolate or coffee for an afternoon treat
For summer gatherings, offer these cupcakes with cherry lemonade for a coordinated theme
These cupcakes make wonderful gifts – package in a beautiful box with a handwritten note for birthdays or hostess gifts

FAQs About Cherry Chip Cupcakes

Can I use maraschino cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use maraschino cherries, but be sure to rinse, drain and pat them very dry before chopping. They’ll provide a more intense color and sweetness, so consider reducing your sugar by 2-3 tablespoons.

How do I keep my cherry frosting from being too runny?

If your cherry juice makes the frosting too soft, add powdered sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can reduce the cherry juice on the stove until it’s more concentrated before adding it to your frosting.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them the day of serving for best results, or freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.

Why did my cherries sink to the bottom of the cupcakes?

This commonly happens if cherries are too wet or too large. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly and chop them into small pieces. Tossing them in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter also helps them stay suspended.

Conclusion

These delicious homemade cherry chip cupcakes bring together the perfect balance of sweet cake, tangy fruit, and creamy frosting that’s guaranteed to impress. The vibrant pop of real cherries makes these treats visually stunning and incredibly flavorful – a step above any bakery version you might find.

Why not give them a try today? Over 2,000 home bakers have already fallen in love with this recipe, sharing their successful cherry chip creations on social media and at family gatherings.

Once you’ve mastered these beautiful cherry treats, expand your baking repertoire with my other popular recipes. Your friends and family will be asking for these cherry chip cupcakes time and time again!

How to Make Delicious Homemade Cherry Chip Cupcakes