Vanilla Cherry Filled Cupcakes

Vanilla Cherry Filled Cupcakes

 Cherry Filling

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cherries (fresh or canned, pitted)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release juices.
3. Lightly mash some of the cherries.
4. Let the mixture cool completely (it will thicken as it cools).

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 Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then add vanilla.
5. Add dry ingredients gradually, alternating with milk.
6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cupcakes cool completely.

 Filling the Cupcakes

1. Use a knife or cupcake corer to remove a small center from each cupcake.
2. Spoon in the cooled cherry filling.
3. Place a small piece of the removed cake back on top (optional).

Optional Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually.
3. Mix in milk and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pipe or spread over cupcakes.

Tip: Add a whole cherry on top for a beautiful finish