Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcake

Name: Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon lime zest; 2 tablespoons lime juice; ½ cup chopped cherries; ½ cup sparkling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon lime zest; 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream; Maraschino cherries for decoration

Highlighted under: Dessert Recipe Collection

I absolutely love experimenting with flavors, and one of my favorite combinations is cherry and lime. The Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcake is a celebration of those two bright flavors that come together in such a delightful way. Each bite offers a burst of tartness from the lime paired with the sweet, juicy notes of cherries. The sparkling element adds a fun fizz that makes these cupcakes perfect for any festive occasion. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:10:27.696Z

When creating the Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcake, I wanted to capture the vibrant essence of a summer drink in dessert form. I experimented with adding sparkling water to the batter, which not only lightens the texture but also enhances the flavor profile. The result? A cupcake that's fluffy and refreshingly zesty!

During testing, I discovered that using fresh lime juice and zest adds an invigorating brightness. Pairing that with cherry pieces not only delivers on flavor but also creates a visually appealing treat. These cupcakes are sure to wow your guests at any gathering!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet cherries and zesty lime
A light and fluffy texture that feels like a treat
Ideal for summer parties or special celebrations

The Key to Fluffy Cupcakes

The texture of the Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcake is crucial for its success. To achieve a light and fluffy result, ensure that your butter is at room temperature before creaming. This process aerates the butter, creating tiny air pockets that expand during baking. Aim for a creamy, pale yellow color, which indicates it is well-aerated. Avoid overmixing when adding the dry ingredients; just combine until the flour is barely incorporated to prevent dense cupcakes.

Another tip for fluffy cupcakes is to incorporate the eggs one at a time. This helps develop a stable structure as the egg proteins bind together. Additionally, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as they are the leavening agents that create lift. If you’re unsure, test your baking powder by adding a teaspoon to hot water—if it bubbles vigorously, it’s good to go!

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in flavor and structure. The addition of lime juice and zest not only complements the richness of the butter and sugar but also adds acidity, which balances the sweetness of the cherries. This acidity helps create a tender crumb. Using whole milk contributes to the moisture content, making the cupcakes soft and flavorful, while chopped cherries bring juicy bursts of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the tangy lime.

For those looking to make modifications, consider substituting the cherries with another berry, like raspberries or blueberries. However, be mindful that different fruits have varying water contents, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your batter to maintain the right consistency. If you're aiming for a lighter cupcake, you can replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce, which will keep the cupcakes moist while reducing the fat content.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. However, if you want to preserve their freshness longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving, as this restores their light, fluffy texture. If you have leftover cupcakes, they freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

When it comes to serving, these cupcakes shine at parties and gatherings. For an added touch, consider drizzling a homemade lime glaze over the frosting just before serving for an extra zing. You can also experiment by adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish for a refreshing twist. These elements will enhance both presentation and flavor, making your cupcakes even more delightful.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
½ cup chopped cherries
½ cup sparkling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
Maraschino cherries for decoration

Instructions

Make the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Gradually add the milk, lime zest, and lime juice. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in the chopped cherries and sparkling water.

Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag to frost them with the lime frosting. Top each cupcake with a maraschino cherry for a festive touch.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, soak the cherries in a bit of lime juice before adding them to the batter. This will enhance their zestiness and give your cupcakes an added layer of flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your cupcakes sinking in the middle, it could be due to overmixing, which causes air pockets to collapse during baking. Another common problem is cupcakes that stick to the liners; to prevent this, ensure you use non-stick liners or lightly grease them with a bit of butter or cooking spray before adding the batter.

Sometimes, you might notice a dome on top of your cupcakes instead of a flat surface. This can be addressed by ensuring that your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer, and by not overfilling the cupcake liners—two-thirds full is ideal. Additionally, opening the oven door frequently during baking can disrupt the heat and cause uneven batter rise.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

This cupcake recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings, but ensure you have the correct size baking pans on hand. If scaling down, you can make mini cupcakes—just reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick, as mini versions usually bake quicker than standard sizes.

When adjusting the number of cupcakes, keeping an eye on the temperature is vital. If you're using multiple pans at once, you may need to rotate them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. This can be especially important when baking in a conventional oven, where heat distribution can vary.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits besides cherries?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Is there a gluten-free version of this cupcake?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.