Vanilla Cherry Filled Cupcakes are soft, fluffy vanilla cupcakes with a sweet surprise inside—juicy cherry filling. Topped with creamy frosting, they’re elegant, fruity, and perfect for parties, birthdays, or anytime you want a bakery-style treat at home.
Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes
- Soft and fluffy vanilla base
- Sweet, slightly tart cherry filling
- Beautiful and impressive presentation
- Perfect balance of creamy and fruity
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: about 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Cherry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cherries (fresh or canned, pitted)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
Frosting:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Vanilla Cherry Filled Cupcakes
Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
In one bowl:
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt
In another:
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time
- Mix in vanilla
Alternate adding:
- Dry ingredients and milk
Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Cool completely.
Step 2: Make Cherry Filling
In a saucepan:
- Cook cherries, sugar, and lemon juice until soft
- Add cornstarch mixture and cook until thick
Let cool completely.
Step 3: Core the Cupcakes
- Use a knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake
Step 4: Fill
- Spoon cherry filling into each cupcake
Step 5: Make Frosting
- Beat butter until smooth
- Add powdered sugar and milk
- Mix until fluffy
- Add vanilla
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
- Pipe frosting on top
- Garnish with cherries if desired
Tips for Best Results
- Cool cupcakes completely before filling
- Do not overfill to avoid leaking
- Use ripe cherries for best flavor
- Chill filling before using for easier handling
Variations
- Use cherry jam for a quicker option
- Add almond extract for a classic cherry-almond flavor
- Use cream cheese frosting instead
- Dip tops in chocolate for a black forest twist
Storage
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 1 month
Calories (Approximate)
- Per cupcake (based on 12): 250–320 calories
Final Thoughts
Vanilla Cherry Filled Cupcakes are a delightful combination of soft cake, fruity filling, and creamy frosting. They’re simple to make but look and taste like something from a bakery.