Cherry Heart Cut Out Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care, and what better way to do that than with homemade cupcakes that are both delicious and adorable? Cherry Heart Cut Out Cupcakes are a sweet, festive treat that combines the rich flavor of cherry with a heart-shaped twist. These cupcakes are soft, moist, and filled with a delightful cherry surprise at the center. Topped with a creamy frosting and a cute heart cutout, these cupcakes are sure to impress your Valentine and bring smiles to everyone at the celebration. Whether you’re baking for a romantic partner, family, or friends, these cupcakes will make the day extra special.

These cupcakes are not only beautiful but also easy to make. The combination of fluffy vanilla or cherry-flavored cake with a juicy cherry filling makes each bite a sweet treat. The heart-shaped cutout is perfect for Valentine’s Day and adds a fun, creative touch to a classic dessert. Let’s dive into how you can create these charming and delicious cupcakes that are sure to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Valentine’s Day

The heart-shaped cutout and cherry filling make these cupcakes the ideal treat for celebrating love and affection.

2. Bursting with Cherry Flavor

The cherry filling inside each cupcake adds a juicy, fruity surprise that perfectly complements the soft cake.

3. Fun and Creative Decoration

The heart-shaped cutout in the center adds a playful and decorative touch that will impress your Valentine and guests.

4. Customizable Frosting

You can easily customize the frosting by using your favorite flavors, such as vanilla, cream cheese, or even a light pink buttercream to match the holiday’s theme.

5. Simple to Make

Despite their adorable appearance, these cupcakes are easy to prepare and don’t require advanced baking skills, making them perfect for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)

For the Frosting:

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream or milk
• Vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (optional)

For the Cherry Filling:

• Maraschino cherries (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Water

Variations

• Different Fruit Fillings: While cherries are perfect for Valentine’s Day, you can swap them for raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a different twist.
• Chocolate Cake Version: Instead of a vanilla cupcake, use a chocolate cake recipe for an extra indulgent treat.
• Gluten-Free Version: You can make these cupcakes gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer to make the cupcakes vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cherries (or maraschino cherries), sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.

Step 3: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 of the way full. Gently press a small spoonful of the cooled cherry filling into the center of each cupcake, making a small indentation. Top with a little more batter to cover the cherry filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring (if using), and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Cut Out the Heart Shape

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter or knife to carefully cut a heart shape from the center of each cupcake. Be sure to leave the edges intact to create a well for the cherry filling.

Step 7: Fill the Cupcakes

Spoon some additional cherry filling into the heart-shaped cutout of each cupcake, filling it generously.

Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes

Frost each cupcake with a generous amount of the prepared frosting. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top, or pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes for a more decorative finish.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cupcakes as a sweet Valentine’s Day treat, and enjoy the delicious combination of cake, frosting, and cherry goodness in every bite!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
• Check for Doneness Early: Cupcake baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 17 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting.
• Chill the Cherry Filling: If you make the cherry filling ahead of time, be sure to let it cool before filling the cupcakes to prevent it from melting the batter.

How to Serve

These Cherry Heart Cut Out Cupcakes are best served fresh, but they can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They’re perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner, classroom parties, or a sweet snack to enjoy with your loved ones. For extra flair, serve them on a decorative plate with fresh cherries or small heart-shaped candies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a warm climate, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and then frost and fill with the cherry filling.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cupcakes warm, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries for the filling?

Yes! You can use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit and chop them before cooking the filling. Sweet cherries or tart cherries work well for this recipe.

2. Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cupcakes and prepare the cherry filling a day ahead. Just assemble and frost them when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a box cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a box cake mix and add a bit of cherry extract to the batter for extra flavor.

4. How can I make the frosting more fluffy?

To achieve a fluffier frosting, make sure to beat the butter well before adding the powdered sugar, and add a little more cream or milk if needed.

5. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting. Wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Frost when you’re ready to serve.

6. How do I make the heart cutout?

Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter or a knife to carefully cut a heart from the center of each cooled cupcake.

7. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Just make sure the cherry filling ingredients are also gluten-free.

8. Can I make a different filling for the cupcakes?

Certainly! You can fill the cupcakes with other fruit fillings, such as raspberry, strawberry, or even a chocolate ganache, for a different flavor.

9. How do I avoid the cupcakes sinking when adding the cherry filling?

Be sure to let the cherry filling cool before adding it to the cupcakes. Hot filling could cause the cupcakes to deflate or sink.

10. Can I use a different frosting flavor?

Yes! Feel free to use cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or any other frosting flavor you love. Just make sure it complements the cherry filling.

Conclusion

Cherry Heart Cut Out Cupcakes are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day. With their moist cupcake base, luscious cherry filling, and festive heart-shaped cutout, these cupcakes are as adorable as they are delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with your significant other, friends, or family, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles and add a touch of love to any celebration. Happy baking!

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