I am beyond excited to share this delightful Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes Recipe with you! These cupcakes are a beautiful balance of light, fluffy cake infused with subtle honey sweetness and bursts of juicy cherries hiding inside. What makes them so special is that lovely surprise element of cherry pie filling nestled right in the center, adding moistness and tang that perfectly complements the warm honey flavor. They’re elegant enough for a party but easy and approachable enough to whip up for a cozy afternoon treat. I promise, once you try these cupcakes, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes Recipe treats, you only need a handful of ingredients that are simple yet indispensable. Each element plays a role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and balance—from the gentle crumb of cake flour to the natural sweetness of honey.
- Cake flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides a tender and delicate crumb, making the cupcakes super soft and airy.
- Unbleached all-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Adds structure so the cupcakes hold their shape without being dense.
- Baking powder (1 Tbsp): Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully for that classic fluffy texture.
- Salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Extra light olive oil (3/4 cup): Keeps the cupcakes moist with a subtle fruity note; avoid extra virgin for a milder taste.
- Eggs (4): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2% or whole milk (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the batter; if using sugar instead of honey, use 1 cup milk for balance.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Honey (1 cup): The star ingredient that lends natural sweetness and a delightful floral note; swap with 1 1/2 cups sugar if preferred.
- Cherry pie filling (2 cups): The surprise inside each cupcake—juicy, sweet cherries that complement the honey perfectly. Fresh berries also work wonderfully if you want a lighter touch.
How to Make Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two muffin tins with cupcake liners or lightly greasing them. Having the pans ready ensures that you can move seamlessly through the baking process without waiting.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed and your cupcakes rise perfectly. Setting these ingredients aside allows you to mix the wet ingredients without worry.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the extra light olive oil with eggs until fully combined. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and honey, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The honey adds a luscious, sweet depth that makes these cupcakes uniquely delicious.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix or the cupcakes can turn out tough. The batter should be smooth with no dry patches but still slightly thick.
Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners and Add the Cherry Surprise
Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, then spoon about a tablespoon of cherry pie filling into the center. Cover with a little more batter until about three-quarters full. This hidden cherry surprise is what makes these cupcakes so irresistible!
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling prevents soggy bottoms and keeps them light.
How to Serve Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
To make these Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes Recipe even more eye-catching, dust a little powdered sugar on top or add a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh cherries or a drizzle of honey can highlight their star ingredients beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these with a light, fruity tea or a crisp glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon to balance the sweetness. They also shine alongside a fresh fruit salad, especially with seasonal berries to echo the cherry notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered stand with fresh cherries, edible flowers, or mint leaves decorating the platter. You can even frost them with a light honey buttercream to create an extra layer of flavor and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration helps prevent spoilage but can slightly affect softness.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze wonderfully! Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated cupcakes gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back their soft, moist texture. You can also refresh them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes wrapped in foil to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Absolutely! You can swap honey for granulated sugar, preferably using 1 1/2 cups to match the sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar could also work, but keep in mind they might alter the flavor slightly.
What if I don’t have cherry pie filling?
Fresh or frozen cherries make a fantastic alternative. Just make sure to drain any excess juice to prevent soggy cupcakes. You can also experiment with other fruit fillings like raspberry or blueberry for a different surprise.
Is extra light olive oil necessary?
Yes, because it has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the honey or cherries. Using extra virgin olive oil might add a bitter taste. If you don’t have olive oil, a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil is a good substitute.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious with the same cherry surprise inside.
How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?
Freshly baked Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes Recipe are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for optimal softness and flavor. Storing them properly helps keep them moist longer, but they can dry out after a few days.
Final Thoughts
I’m so thrilled you’ve discovered the magic of the Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are a beautiful balance of simple ingredients and wonderful flavor surprises that can brighten any day. Whether baked for a special occasion or just because, they bring joy with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience that juicy cherry burst paired with the gentle sweetness of honey—it truly is a little baking gem worth keeping in your repertoire forever.
Print
Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 27 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Surprise Honey Cupcakes are a delightful treat featuring a tender crumb infused with honey and a sweet cherry pie filling surprise. Perfect for gatherings or as a special dessert, these cupcakes combine the subtle flavors of light olive oil, vanilla, and honey to create moist, flavorful cupcakes topped with a fruity burst of cherry goodness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
- 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup extra light olive oil (do not use extra virgin!)
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup 2% or whole milk (or 1 cup milk if using sugar instead of honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup honey (or 1 1/2 cups sugar)
Filling
- 2 cups Cherry Pie Filling (or fresh berries as an alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease cupcake pans to prepare for batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the extra light olive oil and eggs together until smooth. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and honey (or sugar) and mix well until evenly incorporated.
- Form Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients mixture, folding gently to combine until just smooth without overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon a layer of batter into each cupcake liner, about one-third full. Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling or fresh berries into the center, then cover with more batter until the liners are about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake (avoiding the cherry center) comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Use extra light olive oil for a neutral flavor; avoid extra virgin olive oil as it can be too strong.
- If substituting sugar for honey, increase milk to 1 cup to balance moisture.
- Fresh berries can replace cherry pie filling but may alter moisture content slightly.
- Do not overmix batter to prevent dense cupcakes.
- These cupcakes keep well stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
