Glittery Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes

Glittery Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes add a burst of flavor and vibrant color to your dessert table. Perfect for hosting a party, or celebrating a special occasion. This July 4th version adds plenty of sparkle in addition to flavor. However, the glittering cherry garnish is made with fresh cherries.

This Glittery Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes recipe is adapted from my favorite vanilla cupcake and buttercream recipes. I omitted the vanilla extract. Then, added chopped maraschino cherries and juice to the batter. I admit I am mesmerized by people glittering cherries on social media. Consequently, I knew I had to find an excuse to do it myself.

The July 4th holiday is always a good excuse to create dramatic desserts. However, outside of baking, it’s not that easy to create red, white & blue dishes. Believe me. I’ve tried. Baked goods are where one can really amp up the color drama.

Glittery Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes add drama:

Next comes the highlight of these Glittery Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes – the maraschino cherry-flavored buttercream. Begin by whipping softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of maraschino cherry.  Adjust the consistency with milk or more cherry juice until the buttercream is smooth and spreadable. Alternatively, you can add Kirsch or cherry extract.

Let the cupcakes cool completely. Then, use a piping bag or a spatula to generously apply the maraschino cherry-flavored buttercream. Finally, the most enchanting touch is the garnish. Edible glitter cherries. These cherries, coated in shimmering edible glitter, will create a mesmerizing effect that is sure to dazzle.

Creating glitter cherries is easy peasy. Simply wash and pat dry fresh cherries. Then, roll them in disco dust or edible glitter.

Glittery Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes are a treat for both the taste buds and the eyes. They combine the classic flavors of maraschino cherries with moist, fluffy cake. Who can resist a rich cherry buttercream frosting?  They are a visually stunning dessert with this added touch of glitter cherries.   Adapt this recipe to other holidays by changing the colors. Red and green would be gorgeous for Christmas.  Use a silver and gold combination to ring in the new year. Of course, a Valentine’s Day color scheme of red and pink would be adorable as well as eye-popping.

Check out this Marvelous Maraschino Cherry Vodka Martini:

Maraschino Cherry Martinis

Print

Glittery Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword Glitter Cherries, July 4th Cupcakes, maraschino cherries, maraschino cherry cupcakes, maraschino cherry recipes

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Servings 2 dozen

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups white granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup milk, room temperature
• 2 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice from the jar
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• fresh cherries with stem
• Red, blue, and silver disco dust or edible glitter

Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 6 to 8 cups confectioners' sugar
• ½ cup milk room temperature
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice from the jar or 1 teaspoon cherry extract

Instructions

Make the cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line two 12-cup cupcake tins with paper liners.

3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

4. Cream together the butter and sugar - about 3 minutes in your mixer.

5. Add eggs, one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next.

6. Whisk together the milk and maraschino cherry juice.

7. Add the flour mixture in three parts alternating with the milk mixture until combined.

8. Fold in the maraschino cherries.

9. Place the bag inside a tall water glass. Fold the edges over the top.

10. Load the pastry bag with the batter.

11. Pipe the batter to the baking tins filling up each well 3/4 of the way.

12. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

13. Let cool completely.

Make the Buttercream:

1. Cream together the butter, powdered sugar, milk, and maraschino cherry juice.

2. Add more milk and or sugar until you reach the desired consistency. The frosting should be stiff but pipe easily, like toothpaste.

3. Fit a pastry bag with the tip of your choice or none.

4. Place the bag inside a tall water glass. Fold the edges over the top.

5. Load the pastry bag with the frosting.

6. Swirl the frosting on top of the cupcakes.

Decorate with Glitter Cherries:

1. Wash the fresh cherries and pat dry.

2. Dip the cherries into the disco dust or edible glitter.

3. Arrange on top of the cupcakes, & serve.

More Red, White & Blue Recipes:

Red, White, and Blue Strudel

Red, White, & Blue Pinwheel Cookies

White Chocolate-Dipped Glitter Strawberries