There is something about cherry limeade cupcakes that remind me of summer as a kid. As a matter of fact, if I close my eyes, I can imagine hanging out with my friends, drinking cherry limeades right now! Of course I always asked for an extra lime squeezed into my limeade! Not only do these cherry limeade cupcakes have an extra dose of lime with the zest, they also are brushed with lime simple syrup that soaks in! Coupled with cherry butter cream frosting, and a cherry on top, these treats deliver a flavor punch!

Cherry Limeade Cupcakes are a delightful blend of tangy lime and sweet cherry flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a refreshing treat. Here’s how to make them:

What you will need to make these Cherry Limeade Cupcakes:

Ingredients and Their Importance in Cherry Limeade Cupcakes

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and stability to the cupcakes.
Cake flour: Ensures a lighter, tender crumb, balancing the density of all-purpose flour.
Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
Baking soda: Enhances the leavening process, especially in combination with the acidic lime juice.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and contributes to a moist texture when creamed with butter.
Lime zest: Adds a vibrant, tangy lime aroma and flavor, essential for the limeade taste.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender texture, while allowing control over the salt content.
Eggs: Contribute structure, moisture, and richness to the batter.
Egg whites: Lighten the batter, adding fluffiness and a delicate crumb.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet undertone that complements the lime and cherry flavors.
Buttermilk: Ensures the cupcakes stay moist and tender, with a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
Fresh lime juice: Delivers a bright, tangy lime flavor essential to the recipe.
Almond extract: Adds a nutty, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor.
Confectioners’ sugar: Used in the frosting for a smooth, creamy texture and sweetness.
Cherry extract: Intensifies the cherry flavor in the frosting, highlighting the “cherry limeade” theme.
Maraschino cherry juice: Adds a sweet, fruity flavor to the frosting and a touch of color.
Red food coloring (optional): Creates a visually appealing pink hue for the frosting, reminiscent of cherry limeade drinks.
Maraschino cherries (for garnish): A decorative and flavorful topper, tying the visual and taste elements together.

How to make these Cherry Limeade Cupcakes:

Prepare the Oven and Pans:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line muffin tins with cupcake liners and lightly spray them with non-stick spray.

Make the Cupcake Batter:

- In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a food processor, pulse granulated sugar and lime zest until finely ground.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the lime-sugar mixture with softened butter until fluffy.
- Add eggs and egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine buttermilk and fresh lime juice.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes:

- Use an ice cream scoop or ¼ cup measuring cup to fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Prepare the Lime Simple Syrup:

- In a small saucepan, bring equal parts granulated sugar and fresh lime juice to a boil.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and let cool until warm.
- While cupcakes are still slightly warm, brush the tops with the lime simple syrup.

Make the Cherry Buttercream Frosting:

- In a mixing bowl, whip softened butter until fluffy.
- Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Add cherry extract and maraschino cherry juice; mix until smooth.
- If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a pink hue.
- Continue to whip until light and fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes:

- Once cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip to frost the cupcakes, or apply frosting with a butter knife.
- Top each cupcake with a maraschino cherry for garnish.

Three Reasons You’ll Love these Cherry Limeade Cupcakes:

Flavor Combination: The tangy lime and sweet cherry flavors create a nostalgic taste reminiscent of classic cherry limeade drinks.
Moist and Tender Texture: The use of buttermilk and lime simple syrup ensures each cupcake is moist and flavorful.
Visually Appealing: The pink-tinted cherry frosting and maraschino cherry garnish make these cupcakes as attractive as they are delicious.

How to store these Cherry Limeade Cupcakes:

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Once frosted, place the cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving.

Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful Cherry Limeade Cupcakes!