Name: Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes with Pink Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 4 egg whites (room temperature); 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups cake flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 cups buttermilk; 3 tablespoons reserved cherry syrup (from jar of cherries); 1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries (finely chopped); 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese (room temperature); 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, room temperature); 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry syrup (reserved, from jar); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 1/2 – 6 cups powdered sugar; 4-8 drops red food coloring; 1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries (with stems, for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 83 reviews

If you’re ready to indulge in a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, then the Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes with Pink Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is calling your name. This recipe brings together moist, fluffy cupcakes bursting with sweet maraschino cherries and topped with a luscious, pink-hued cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly smooth and tangy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, these cupcakes deliver a memorable cherry-infused experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of various baking ingredients placed neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center is a white bowl filled with fine white sugar, next to it on the right are two small clear glass bowls with yellow oil. Below is a white bowl filled with white flour, and beside it on the right is a jar with maraschino cherries, red in color and labeled. To the left of the bowls, there is a small white spoon with amber-colored vanilla extract, and above it a blue plate holding three small mounds of white powder, representing baking powder, baking soda, and salt. At the top left corner is a clear glass measuring cup filled with milk. The arrangement is clean and bright, showing the ingredients clearly for a baking recipe photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance of flavor and texture starts with some simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the tender crumb of the cake to the creamy, colorful frosting that crowns each cupcake.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist without overpowering the cherry flavor.
Egg whites (room temperature): Provide structure and lift for a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors without stealing the spotlight.
Cake flour: Creates a soft, delicate cupcake base.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to lighten and leaven the batter perfectly.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the cherry flavor.
Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tang that complements the frosting.
Reserved cherry syrup: Brings concentrated cherry goodness to the batter and frosting.
Maraschino cherries (finely chopped): Folded into the batter for bursts of juicy sweetness.
Cream cheese (room temperature): Forms the rich, tangy base of the frosting.
Butter (room temperature): Adds silkiness and helps the frosting hold shape.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
Red food coloring: Gives the frosting its vibrant, playful pink hue.
Maraschino cherries (with stems): The perfect finishing touch for each cupcake.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes with Pink Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with paper liners and set them aside. This ensures the cupcakes bake evenly and release easily after baking.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Oil, Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, use a stand or hand mixer on low speed to cream together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until fluffy. Gradually add the room temperature egg whites one at a time, keeping the mixer on low. Finally, pour in the vanilla extract and mix just until combined — this gentle mixing helps maintain a light texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients form the foundation of your cupcakes, so make sure they are well mixed to ensure even rising.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while keeping the mixer on low speed. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring no pockets of flour remain. The batter should be smooth, creamy, and ready for the next delicious addition.

Step 5: Mix Buttermilk and Cherry Syrup, Add to Batter

Combine the buttermilk and reserved cherry syrup in a measuring cup, stirring to blend. While the mixer runs on low, gradually pour this cherry-kissed buttermilk into the batter, adding moisture and a subtle fruitiness that makes these cupcakes truly special.

Step 6: Fold in Chopped Maraschino Cherries

Using a rubber scraper, gently fold the finely chopped maraschino cherries into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want the cherries evenly dispersed without breaking them up too much.

Step 7: Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake

Ladle the batter into the lined cupcake pans, filling each cup about three-quarters full for that perfect dome shape. Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center — it should come out clean and crumb free. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Pink Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cupcakes cool, it’s time to make that luscious frosting. In a clean bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add in the reserved cherry syrup and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in powdered sugar one cup at a time. Keep scraping the sides to ensure all ingredients combine into a thick, creamy frosting.

Step 9: Add Color to Your Frosting

A few drops of red food coloring transform your cream cheese frosting into a pretty pink shade perfect for these cherry cupcakes. Add more drops if you’d like a deeper hue, mixing thoroughly to get an even color throughout.

Step 10: Frost and Garnish the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them using a knife or a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip. Finish each cupcake by placing a stemmed maraschino cherry on top as the cherry on the cake — quite literally!

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes with Pink Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows six small cupcakes with bright pink frosting swirled in a smooth spiral on top, all placed on a light wooden surface. To the left, there is a white piping bag filled with the same pink frosting, lying flat. At the top, a large shiny metal bowl contains more pink frosting with an orange spatula resting inside it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Besides the classic stemmed maraschino cherry, feel free to sprinkle some edible glitter or finely chopped pistachios for a bit of sparkle and crunch. These simple touches elevate presentation and add delightful textures complementary to the sweet frosting and tender cake.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a light, fruity tea or sparkling lemonade to enhance the cherry flavors. Fresh berries or a simple mixed fruit salad also make bright, refreshing companions that balance the cupcakes’ richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes with Pink Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a tiered cupcake stand for an eye-catching display at parties. Wrapping each cupcake liner with delicate ribbon or placing cupcakes in decorative paper cups can add a festive flair that gets guests excited even before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and prevent drying out. They will stay delicious for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy these sweet treats without rush.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost as usual. This method helps maintain that just-baked texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warm, gently heat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before frosting. Avoid heating after frosting to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting or becoming too soft.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

For this recipe, egg whites are preferred to keep the texture light and fluffy. Using whole eggs may result in a denser cupcake, but you can experiment if needed.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can try using mascarpone cheese for a milder taste or a combination of butter and heavy cream, but cream cheese provides the perfect tang and texture in this frosting.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

You can make a cake flour substitute by replacing two tablespoons of all-purpose flour with two tablespoons of cornstarch for every cup of flour used. This helps achieve that tender crumb.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

This recipe uses dairy and egg products, so making it fully vegan would require several substitutions that affect texture. However, with careful ingredient swaps like flax eggs and vegan cream cheese, an adapted version might be possible.

How do I keep the frosting from melting in warm weather?

Keep the cupcakes refrigerated until serving time and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat. Using a stabilized frosting with a bit more powdered sugar and chilling before serving also helps maintain the frosting’s shape.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes with Pink Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—it’s a celebration of color, texture, and flavor all in one bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and enjoy sharing these pretty, delicious cupcakes with your loved ones. Once you’ve tasted the perfect balance of sweet cherries and tangy frosting, you’ll understand why they’re an instant favorite.