Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon almond extract
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 jar maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
Equipment Needed
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer (or whisk)
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Rubber spatula
– Cupcake pan
– Liners for the cupcake pan
– Frosting piping bag (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake pan with colorful liners—it really sets the mood for these cherry delights! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I love how the sweet aroma fills my kitchen at this stage, and trust me, it only gets better from here. Once it’s fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined. (See the next page below to continue steps…)