Jul. 09, 2021

Rainier Cherry Cupcakes

Yield: 12 cupcakes

Skill level: Moderate

These Rainier cherry cupcakes are made with fresh cherry purée, creating a soft texture and a lightly sweet flavor throughout. The matching cherry frosting adds a smooth, fruity finish that pairs with subtle notes of almond and vanilla. Easy to prepare and visually vibrant, this recipe works well for seasonal baking, celebrations, or a simple homemade dessert.

Soft cupcakes made with Rainier cherries and topped with cherry frosting

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup Rainier cherries, stems removed and pitted
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Frosting

  • ¼ cup puréed Rainier cherries
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup dairy-free butter (must be cold)
  • ½ teaspoon almost extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Slivered almonds for topping

Directions

Cupcakes

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners. Set aside.
  2. Add pitted cherries to a food processor and purée. Set aside.
  3. Add all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt to a bowl and mix together.
  4. Add the cherry purée, almond extract, vanilla oil, and apple cider vinegar to the batter. Do not overmix; it will seem a little thick and chunky, which is okay.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes. Insert a toothpick to test when done; it should come out clean.
  6. Let the cupcakes cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

  1. Place the butter in a mixing bowl; make sure it is very cold.
  2. Cream the butter until it just starts to break apart.
  3. Add in half of the powdered sugar and beat again.
  4. Add in cherry purée, almond, and vanilla extract, and beat again.
  5. Add in the remaining powdered sugar and blend again until well combined.
  6. Use to frost cupcakes right away or store in an air-tight container in the fridge.

After frosting the cupcakes, sprinkle them with slivered almonds and add a Rainier cherry on top.

Recipe created by Azure Farm for Superfresh Growers.

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