Description
These Cherry Heart Cut Out Cupcakes are a delightful and festive treat perfect for Valentine’s Day. Featuring a tender vanilla crumb with a charming cherry jam heart baked right in, they combine the perfect balance of sweet cherry and classic vanilla flavors. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, these cupcakes are customizable, visually stunning, and perfect for sharing with loved ones during your celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Filling and Topping
- Cherry jam or preserves (about 1/4 cup for filling)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting or frosting)
- Red food coloring (optional, to intensify cherry heart color)
- Optional garnishes: fresh cherries, mint leaves, edible rose petals, red sanding sugar
- Optional frosting: vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Prepare Your Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with liners. Cream the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time to form a smooth base. In a separate bowl, combine vanilla extract with milk.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove lumps and aerate. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined to ensure tender cupcakes.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Create the Cherry Heart Cut Outs: Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to gently remove the center from the top of each cooled cupcake. Fill the hollow with cherry jam, pressing lightly to secure the filling.
- Final Touches: Dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar or frost with vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting. For added flair, garnish with a fresh cherry, sprinkle red sanding sugar around the heart, or add mint leaves or edible rose petals.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk for a smoother batter.
- Mix the batter just until combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Choose thick, flavorful cherry preserves to ensure the filling holds its shape.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheat frozen cupcakes gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore softness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Valentine's Day, cherry cupcakes, heart cut out, cherry jam, vanilla cupcakes, festive desserts, homemade cupcakes
