Shirley Temple Pink Cherry Cake Mix Cupcakes with Creamy Cherry Frosting Recipe

These delightful Shirley Temple Pink Cherry Cake Mix Cupcakes with Creamy Cherry Frosting Recipe are an instant crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of nostalgic soda-inspired flavor and luscious, creamy frosting. Imagine tender pink cupcakes infused with the sweet zing of Shirley Temple soda and real cherry gelatin, topped with a dreamy cherry cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you bake these for a party, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because you deserve something special, these cupcakes sweep you away on a delightful flavor journey that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple yet transformative each ingredient is. Every component plays a key role in crafting cupcakes that are moist, flavorful, and visually inviting. From the white cake mix providing a tender crumb to the Shirley Temple soda and cherry gelatin lending that unmistakable pink color and cherry essence, each item is essential to create these charming cupcakes.

• White cake mix: A convenient base that ensures your cupcakes stay soft and fluffy.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist without weighing them down.
• Egg whites: Adds structure and lightness to the batter.
• Shirley Temple soda: Brings that classic sweet cherry flavor and effervescence that makes these cupcakes unique.
• Cherry-flavored gelatin powder (Jell-O): Infuses authentic cherry taste and gives the batter its lovely rosy hue.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and depth to the frosting.
• Cream cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy texture that perfectly complements the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness in the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Provides the frosting’s silky sweetness.
• Half-and-half or whole milk: Helps to achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
• Red food coloring (optional): To intensify the cupcake’s pink shade if you want a bolder look.
• Maraschino cherries (optional): Ideal for finishing each cupcake with a classic Shirley Temple charm.

How to Make Shirley Temple Pink Cherry Cake Mix Cupcakes with Creamy Cherry Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your standard muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This simple prep step ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out looking perfect every time.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, and egg whites along with the star ingredient—the Shirley Temple soda. Use an electric mixer to blend everything until you have a smooth, velvety batter. The soda adds delightful bubbles and a hint of sweetness, making these cupcakes unique.

Step 3: Add Cherry Flavor

Next, stir in half to three-quarters of the cherry gelatin powder. This step locks in that authentic cherry flavor and gives your cupcakes their pretty pink tint. It’s a little magical addition that takes this simple cake mix up several notches.

Step 4: Bake

Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to leave room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—when it comes out clean, you’re good to go.

Step 5: Cool

Set your cupcakes on a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting. Patience here is key because warm cupcakes cause the frosting to melt, and we want those gorgeous creamy swirls to hold perfectly.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

While the cupcakes cool, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—around 2 minutes. This creates the base for a frosting that’s irresistibly creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Add Flavorings

Add vanilla extract and salt to the butter and cream cheese mixture. These simple ingredients deepen the flavor, balancing out the sweetness and adding a warm undertone to the frosting.

Step 8: Stir Liquid Mixture

In a small cup, combine half-and-half (or whole milk) with Shirley Temple soda, then slowly stir in the remaining cherry gelatin. This liquid mixture brings moisture, cherry flavor, and color to the frosting, making each bite a creamy cherry delight.

Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar into the frosting bowl, alternating with small additions of the liquid mixture. Beat until you get a thick, creamy frosting that holds stiff peaks. If you’d love a more vibrant pink, add a few drops of red food coloring. The result is a frosting that’s luscious and visually stunning.

Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes

Fill a piping bag with your frosting or simply spread it on with a spatula, decorating each cooled cupcake generously. This creamy cherry frosting is the icing on the literally sweet cake, making every cupcake a showstopper.

Step 11: Finishing Touch

For a classic Shirley Temple finish, top each cupcake with a bright red maraschino cherry. It’s the perfect pop of color and flavor that completes this delightful dessert.

How to Serve Shirley Temple Pink Cherry Cake Mix Cupcakes with Creamy Cherry Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the signature maraschino cherry, fresh mint leaves or tiny edible flowers make charming garnishes that add a pop of color and freshness. Sprinkling a touch of finely crushed pink sugar crystals can also add sparkle and texture, elevating the presentation to something truly special.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a light, tart side to offset their sweetness. Think fresh strawberries, a tangy citrus salad, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. A simple chilled glass of milk or a fruity punch complements the flavors beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand and place decorative Shirley Temple soda bottles nearby for a nostalgic touch. You could also serve these in cupcake wrappers with fun, colorful prints, or line them up with little cocktail umbrellas for a playful vibe. These cupcakes not only taste incredible but also bring festive charm to any event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the frosting fresh and prevent the cupcakes from drying out. Make sure they’re well covered to avoid absorbing any odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cupcakes before frosting by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting. Alternatively, freeze frosted cupcakes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container to keep their shape intact.

Reheating

Because these cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, gently warming them is not typically recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly warmed cupcake, remove the frosting and microwave the cupcake alone in 10-second intervals until just warm, then reapply the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use regular cake mix instead of white cake mix?

Yes, you can! Using regular yellow or vanilla cake mix will change the cupcake’s color and slightly alter the flavor, but the Shirley Temple soda and cherry gelatin will still shine through wonderfully.

What if I don’t have Shirley Temple soda? Can I substitute it?

If Shirley Temple soda isn’t available, a lemon-lime soda combined with grenadine syrup works well as a substitute. This combination recreates the sweet cherry flavor and effervescence essential for the recipe.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese. Also, choose a dairy-free half-and-half or milk substitute. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still be delightful.

Why use egg whites instead of whole eggs?

Egg whites lighten the batter, resulting in a more delicate cupcake crumb. They also help maintain the bright pink color without the yellow tint that yolks can bring.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting on warm cupcakes?

The key is to allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. Warm cupcakes cause the butter and cream cheese in the frosting to soften and melt, so giving them plenty of cooling time ensures beautiful, stable frosting swirls.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough that you give this Shirley Temple Pink Cherry Cake Mix Cupcakes with Creamy Cherry Frosting Recipe a try. It’s a charming, nostalgic treat that brings joy with every bite and is surprisingly simple to make. Once you experience those soft, pink cupcakes bursting with cherry flavor topped by that silky frosting, you’ll find it hard not to share them with everyone you love. So grab your ingredients, invite a friend over, and start baking—happiness is just a cupcake away!

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