Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes

Get ready to bake the most delightful Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes with our easy-to-follow recipe! This recipe offers a beautiful fusion of classic red velvet flavor with the bright, sweet essence of cherries, making it perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ½ cup maraschino cherry juice (from maraschino cherries, drained)
• ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• Optional: A few drops of red food coloring

How to Make Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes

These Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes are surprisingly simple to whip up, delivering an incredibly moist crumb and a burst of delightful cherry flavor. The process is straightforward, making them perfect for bakers of all levels. This recipe yields about 12-15 cupcakes and takes approximately 25 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking time, plus cooling and frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease and flour each cup.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking soda, and unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until pale and creamy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients (Part 1): Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Red Velvet Mixture: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, red food coloring, and white vinegar. The vinegar will react with the buttermilk, enhancing the red color.
6. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk mixture in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Incorporate Cherry Flavor: Gently fold in the maraschino cherry juice and the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The batter will be a vibrant red with speckles of cherry.
8. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
9. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
10. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are entirely cool before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

11. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
12. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
13. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency – it should be smooth, spreadable, and hold its shape. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring for a matching hue.
14. Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting generously over the tops. Garnish with extra chopped cherries or a drizzle of cherry syrup if you like.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes

You’ll absolutely adore these Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes for their irresistible, moist texture and the delightful surprise of sweet, tart cherries nestled within that classic red velvet embrace. Unlike traditional red velvet, the addition of cherry juice and real cherries infuses a brighter, fruitier dimension that’s simply captivating, making it a unique treat that stands out from the usual. The creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect counterpoint, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Beyond their stunning appearance and incredible taste, these homemade Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes offer fantastic cost savings compared to store-bought versions, allowing you to indulge in a gourmet experience without breaking the bank. They are surprisingly easy to make, proving that you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create something truly special for birthdays, holidays, or just because. So why not ditch the bakery line and whip up a batch of these delightful Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes today? Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frosted cupcakes are best stored in the refrigerator.
• Refrigeration: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The frosting will firm up in the fridge, so it’s sometimes nice to let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, unwrap them and let them come to room temperature on a wire rack. You can frost them once completely thawed.
• Reheating: These cupcakes are best served at room temperature. If you need to reheat them (though it’s usually not necessary for cupcakes), do so very gently in a microwave for a few seconds, but be aware this can sometimes affect the texture.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes are a truly delightful twist on a beloved classic, offering a beautiful balance of rich cocoa and sweet cherry flavors. We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends!