Cherry Coke Cupcakes

Cherry Coke cupcakes are a fun, nostalgic, and irresistibly flavorful dessert inspired by the classic soda fountain favorite. These moist, chocolatey cupcakes are infused with the fizzy sweetness of cherry cola and topped with a luscious cherry Coke buttercream, delivering bold flavor and eye-catching appeal in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a themed party, birthday celebration, or just as a playful twist on traditional cupcakes, this recipe is a delicious blend of retro charm and rich, indulgent taste.

The fizzy soda adds a soft, fluffy texture to the cupcakes while enhancing the cocoa flavor, and the cherry undertones bring a fruity brightness that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate base. Topped with a creamy buttercream swirled with cherry syrup and finished with maraschino cherries, these cupcakes are as stunning as they are delicious. This complete guide walks you through every step, offering expert tips, creative variations, and serving suggestions to make your cherry Coke cupcakes a show-stopping treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Inspired by a nostalgic soda shop classic
• Moist, fluffy cupcakes with a deep cocoa-cherry flavor
• Fun and festive presentation with bright cherry toppings
• Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients and soda
• Unique and memorable dessert for parties and holidays
• Perfect for themed events, birthdays, or bake sales
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with different sodas or fillings
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing in every bite

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 18 minutes
• Cooling and decorating time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes
• Serving Size: 1 cupcake

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 34g

Ingredients

For the cupcakes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cherry Coke (or any cherry cola soda)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
• ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries (optional)

For the cherry Coke buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cherry Coke
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: pink or red food coloring

Optional toppings

• Whole maraschino cherries with stems
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
• Paper straws (cut into halves for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper cupcake liners

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar
• Whisk to combine evenly and set aside

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together cherry Coke, oil, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and cherry juice
• Mix until well blended and slightly frothy

4. Make the Cupcake Batter

• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients
• Gently stir until just combined — do not overmix
• Fold in chopped maraschino cherries if using

5. Fill the Cupcake Liners

• Divide the batter evenly among the 12 liners, filling each about ¾ full
• Tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles

6. Bake the Cupcakes

• Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
• Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

7. Make the Buttercream Frosting

• In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth and fluffy
• Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition
• Add cherry Coke, cherry juice, and vanilla extract
• Beat for 3–4 minutes until light and creamy
• Add a drop of food coloring if desired for a more vibrant pink hue

8. Frost and Decorate

• Transfer buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip
• Frost cooled cupcakes in swirls or rosettes
• Top with a whole maraschino cherry and sprinkles or chocolate shavings
• Insert a mini paper straw for a soda-shop-inspired touch

Ingredient Background

Cherry cola has long been a favorite soda-shop flavor, and its incorporation into baked goods offers a playful and creative twist. The carbonation and acidity in the soda help tenderize the cupcake batter, resulting in a moist and fluffy crumb. Cocoa enhances the richness of the cake, while cherry juice and chopped cherries add bursts of fruity flavor and natural color. The buttercream pairs cherry Coke’s sweetness with the richness of butter and powdered sugar, giving the frosting a smooth, fluffy consistency and nostalgic soda fountain flavor.

Technique Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture
• Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes
• Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
• Use a piping bag and star tip for bakery-style presentation
• Add extra cherry juice to the frosting for deeper flavor, but adjust sugar to maintain consistency
• For a more intense cherry flavor, use cherry cola reduction (simmered until thickened) in the frosting

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Bake in vintage-style soda pop cupcake liners for a retro vibe
• Serve cupcakes on a cake stand with soda shop décor
• Use mini cupcake tins for bite-sized party treats
• Top with whipped cream frosting instead of buttercream for a lighter touch
• Decorate with cherry-flavored candies or cola-flavored gummies
• Pipe frosting in two-tone swirls using red and white for a fun visual effect

Additional Tips for Success

• Chop cherries finely to prevent large pieces from sinking during baking
• If you don’t have cherry Coke, mix cola with maraschino cherry juice as a substitute
• Adjust frosting sweetness by increasing or decreasing cherry juice or Coke
• Store cupcakes in a cool place if serving outdoors to prevent frosting from melting
• Add a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance sweetness
• Allow soda to flatten slightly if you’re concerned about too much fizz in the batter

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate cherry Coke cupcakes: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter
• Cherry Coke float cupcakes: Top with whipped cream and drizzle with cherry syrup
• Cherry cola cupcakes with ganache: Fill center of each cupcake with chocolate ganache
• Cream soda cherry cupcakes: Use cream soda instead of Coke and adjust flavor with cherry extract
• Cherry Coke poke cupcakes: Poke holes in cupcakes and pour cherry syrup inside before frosting
• Vegan cherry Coke cupcakes: Use plant-based milk and egg substitute (like flax egg) with vegan butter

Freezing and Storage

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days — bring to room temperature before serving
• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; thaw and frost before serving
• Buttercream can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week
• Avoid freezing frosted cupcakes as the texture may change after thawing

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber
• Substitute part of the oil with unsweetened applesauce
• Use a lower-sugar cherry cola and reduce sugar in the batter
• Make a light frosting with whipped cream and cherry puree
• Replace butter with avocado oil or plant-based spread for a heart-healthier option
• Add mashed banana or Greek yogurt for natural moisture

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Birthday parties: Decorate with sprinkles and serve with mini soda bottles
• Retro diner-themed events: Pair with sliders and milkshake-inspired desserts
• Summer picnics: Serve in cupcake boxes with cold drinks and fresh fruit
• Bake sales: Wrap individually with decorative cupcake sleeves and labels
• School events: Offer with fun straws and cherries for a kid-friendly presentation
• Holiday treats: Add themed sprinkles and liners for Valentine’s Day or summer holidays

Special Equipment

• 12-cup muffin pan
• Paper cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls and whisk
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Piping bag and decorative tips
• Cooling rack
• Ice cream scoop for even batter distribution

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular cola instead of cherry Coke?

• Yes, but add extra cherry juice or chopped cherries for flavor balance

2. What makes the cupcakes so moist?

• The soda and oil keep the cupcakes soft and fluffy with a tender crumb

3. Can I use cherry extract instead of maraschino juice?

• Yes, a few drops of cherry extract can replace juice — adjust sweetness accordingly

4. How do I prevent cherries from sinking in the batter?

• Toss chopped cherries in a little flour before folding into the batter

5. Can I use a different frosting?

• Absolutely — cream cheese, whipped cream, or chocolate frosting all pair well

6. Are these cupcakes kid-friendly?

• Yes, they’re fun and flavorful — just monitor the sugar content if needed

7. Can I make these gluten-free?

• Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal proportions

8. How do I get a stronger cherry flavor in the frosting?

• Add extra maraschino juice or use cherry extract for a bolder taste

Conclusion

Cherry Coke cupcakes are a playful, nostalgic dessert that brings the fizzy fun of soda shops into a rich, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing cupcake. With moist chocolate cake, fruity cherry notes, and a creamy buttercream swirl, they’re the perfect treat for celebrations, themed parties, or simply enjoying a sweet twist on classic flavors.

From their delightful presentation to their bold, soda-inspired flavor, these cupcakes are both fun to make and exciting to share. Whether you’re reminiscing over retro treats or creating new dessert traditions, cherry Coke cupcakes are a surefire way to bring a little joy and sparkle to any occasion.

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