Cherry Limeade Cupcakes
Make bright and refreshing Cherry Limeade Cupcakes, a fruity dessert inspired by the classic drink. These soft cupcakes with cherry and lime flavor are perfect for parties, summer treats, and colorful celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cherry juice or maraschino cherry syrup
- Zest of 1 lime
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- Optional: red food coloring
- Frosting:
- 1 cup buttercream frosting
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice
- Zest of ½ lime
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract and lime zest.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the batter, alternating with cherry juice and milk.
- Mix until just combined.
- Fill liners two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Mix frosting ingredients and spread over cupcakes.
Notes
- Do not overmix to keep cupcakes soft.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Adjust cherry flavor with more juice if desired.
- Add food coloring for a brighter appearance.