If you are looking for a fun, nostalgic, and absolutely delightful treat, you will adore this Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes capture the sparkling sweetness of the classic Shirley Temple drink, combined with the rich, moist texture of homemade cupcakes and topped with luscious cherry frosting. The marriage of maraschino cherries, lemon-lime soda, and a touch of almond extract gives each bite a burst of vibrant flavor, making this recipe a standout for celebrations or any day you need a cheerful pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to cherry dessert that everyone raves about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes Recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together wonderfully to create a perfectly balanced cupcake. Each component plays an essential role in the cupcake’s beautiful texture, flavor, and color — from the tender crumb to the bright cherry notes and fluffy frosting.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cupcake batter, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (for batter): Adds richness and moisture for a soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Almond extract: Adds an aromatic cherry-like hint that complements the maraschino cherries beautifully.
- Lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite): Adds carbonation that lightens the batter and adds citrusy brightness.
- Whole milk: Provides moisture and richness.
- Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses authentic cherry flavor into the batter and frosting.
- Finely chopped maraschino cherries: Small bursts of sweet, colorful cherry pieces that elevate taste and appearance.
- Unsalted butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy and luscious base for the cherry frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Maraschino cherry juice (for frosting): Adds additional cherry flavor and natural coloring.
- Heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting texture to be light and fluffy.
- Whole maraschino cherries (for garnish): A classic finishing touch to truly capture the spirit of the Shirley Temple.
How to Make Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This simple preparation sets you up for baking success and makes cleanup easier. Then, grab a medium bowl to whisk together your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, and salt — evenly distributing everything for that perfect rise and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes and is crucial for incorporating air into your batter, leading to those soft, tender cupcakes you love.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
One at a time, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for that signature Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes Recipe flavor — the almond extract especially complements the cherry components perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
In a small bowl, mix together the lemon-lime soda, milk, and maraschino cherry juice. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and this soda mixture to the butter mixture in two additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This technique keeps the batter tender and prevents overmixing. Once combined, gently fold in the dried, chopped maraschino cherries that add bursts of chewy sweetness throughout the cupcakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow your cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely — this prevents any sogginess and ensures the perfect texture to hold your frosting.
Step 6: Make the Cherry Frosting
For the frosting, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then stir in the maraschino cherry juice. Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you achieve a light, fluffy frosting perfect for spreading. The cherry juice not only flavors the frosting but adds a subtle rosy tint that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost each generously with your cherry frosting. Finish by topping with a whole maraschino cherry — the hallmark of this Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes Recipe and a bright, sweet invitation to indulge.
How to Serve Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
The classic garnish is a single whole maraschino cherry perched atop each cupcake. But you can also add a small sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of edible glitter for extra whimsy and festiveness when serving to guests. These little touches make the cupcakes not only taste amazing but look stunningly inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside a simple vanilla or cherry-flavored iced tea to amplify the nostalgic vibe. For parties, pairing them with a fruit salad or a light bowl of fresh berries complements the cherry flavor perfectly and adds a fresh contrast to the rich cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange the Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes Recipe on a tiered stand for an elegant display. Alternatively, turn the cupcakes into mini dessert parfaits by layering crumbled cupcake pieces, cherry pie filling, and whipped cream in clear glasses — a fun twist that family and friends will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make these cupcakes ahead of time or save some for later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each frosted cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To refresh thawed Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes, warm them for about 10 seconds in the microwave. This brings back that fresh-baked softness without melting the frosting too much. Enjoy them as though they were just baked!
FAQs
Can I use a different soda if I don’t have lemon-lime?
Absolutely! While lemon-lime soda is traditional and adds a nice citrus balance, you can experiment with other clear sodas like club soda for less sweetness or a mild ginger ale for a slight spicy twist. Just keep in mind that darker sodas might affect the color and flavor differently.
Is there an alternative to maraschino cherries?
If you want to skip maraschino cherries, fresh or frozen sweet cherries can work, but they won’t provide the same vibrant color or syrupy juice to infuse into the batter and frosting. If possible, try to get good-quality maraschino cherries for that authentic Shirley Temple flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just make sure to use a frosting recipe that also fits your dietary needs or try a simple glaze instead of buttercream.
What’s the best way to ensure moist cupcakes?
The key is not to overmix once the flour goes in and to be precise with your soda and milk measurements. Also, patting the chopped cherries dry prevents extra moisture that can make the batter too wet. Baking just until a toothpick comes out clean keeps the cupcakes tender and moist.
Can I add cherry extract to make the recipe even more cherry-flavored?
Yes! Adding about a teaspoon of cherry extract to the batter or frosting can intensify the cherry aroma and taste. Be cautious with the amount since extracts are potent; a little goes a long way in enhancing your Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delightful Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes Recipe in your baking arsenal, I highly encourage you to try it out and share it with your loved ones. It’s a recipe that brightens any gathering, evokes wonderful memories, and tastes absolutely incredible. Every bite is a celebration of cherry sweetness and classic fun, so get baking and enjoy the smiles it brings to the table!
