Whimsical Cherry Blossom Cupcakes: A Delicate Treat to Delight!

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the essence of spring, these Cherry Blossom Cupcakes are just what you need. Light, fluffy, and adorned with delicate cherry blossoms, these cupcakes are perfect for tea parties or special occasions. They not only taste delightful but also look stunning on any dessert table.

These cupcakes boast a subtle almond flavor that blends beautifully with the sweet cherry frosting. Each bite is like a gentle breeze on a warm day, making them a favorite for celebrating the beauty of nature’s blooms.

Cherry Blossom Cupcakes: A Perfect Springtime Treat

These Cherry Blossom Cupcakes are light and airy, featuring a moist almond-flavored base topped with a luscious cherry frosting. The taste is a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle floral notes, making them a refreshing dessert option.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cherry preserves
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
• Edible cherry blossoms for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk until just combined.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, cherry preserves, and powdered sugar until well combined. Add milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.
7. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cherry frosting and top with edible cherry blossoms. Serve and enjoy!

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 38g

Cherry Blossom Crème Fraîche Frosting Recipe

Indulge in the delicate flavors of cherry blossoms with this Cherry Blossom Crème Fraîche Frosting, a perfect complement to your Whimsical Cherry Blossom Cupcakes. This frosting offers a light, creamy texture infused with the subtle floral notes of cherry blossoms.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 grams) Crème Fraîche (see end of recipe for substitution options)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons cherry blossom simple syrup (see instructions below)

For the Cherry Blossom Simple Syrup:

• ½ cup fresh cherry blossom petals (ensure they are clean and free from pesticides)
• ½ cup (125 milliliters) water
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cherry Blossom Simple Syrup:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes syrupy.
   • Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cherry blossom petals to the syrup. Allow the petals to steep as the syrup cools to room temperature. For a more intense flavor, you can let the petals steep overnight in the refrigerator.
   • Once cooled, strain the syrup to remove the petals, transferring the infused syrup into a clean container. This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months and can be used in various recipes or beverages.
2. Prepare the Cherry Blossom Crème Fraîche Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the Crème Fraîche, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and 2–3 tablespoons of the prepared cherry blossom simple syrup.
   • Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a hand mixer, whisk the mixture on medium speed until it becomes fluffy and holds soft peaks. This should take about 1–2 minutes. Be cautious not to overwhip, as the mixture can become too stiff.
   • Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or cherry blossom flavor by adding more powdered sugar or simple syrup as desired.
3. Frost the Cupcakes:
   • Once your cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip or a spatula to frost them with the Cherry Blossom Crème Fraîche Frosting.
   • Consider garnishing the cupcakes with crystallized cherry blossoms or a light dusting of pink sanding sugar for an added decorative touch.

Tips:

• Crème Fraîche: If Crème Fraîche is not readily available, you can substitute it with a mixture of equal parts sour cream and heavy cream. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
• Cherry Blossom Petals: Ensure that the cherry blossom petals used are edible and free from pesticides. If fresh petals are unavailable, you can use food-grade dried cherry blossoms found in specialty stores or online.
• Storage: Due to the dairy content, storing any frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator is best if not consumed within a few hours. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

This Cherry Blossom Crème Fraîche Frosting provides a delicate and elegant flavor profile, making your Whimsical Cherry Blossom Cupcakes a delightful treat for any occasion.

Crème fraîche is a rich, cultured dairy product known for its creamy texture and subtle tang. If you need a substitute, consider the following options:

1. Sour Cream: Sour cream is the most common substitute for crème fraîche, as both have a slightly tart taste and are cultured. You can substitute an equal amount of sour cream for crème fraîche in most recipes.
2. Greek Yogurt (Full-Fat): Full-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, offering a similar tangy flavor. However, it has a lower fat content, which may result in a lighter texture.
3. Mascarpone Cheese: Mascarpone is a rich Italian cream cheese with a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute. It has a higher fat content and a less tangy taste than crème fraîche.
4. Mexican Crema: Mexican crema has a similar tangy taste to crème fraîche but is thinner in consistency and slightly sweeter.

When choosing a substitute, consider the specific requirements of your recipe, such as fat content, consistency, and flavor profile, to ensure the best results.

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