Cherry Malt Milkshake Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that tastes like your favorite retro treat with a twist, these Cherry Malt Milkshake Cupcakes are exactly what you need. Imagine biting into a soft, moist cupcake infused with luscious cherry juice, a touch of malt powder, and creamy vanilla notes—all crowned with fluffy buttercream swirled with cherry brandy essence and topped with a bright maraschino cherry. These cupcakes capture the nostalgic flavors of a malted cherry milkshake in every delightful bite, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving them at a party or craving a special homemade dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward but each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the cake’s tender crumb, adding bursts of cherry flavor, or creating that perfect silky smooth frosting. Here’s what you’ll need to nail these Cherry Malt Milkshake Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The backbone that gives your cupcakes structure and softness.
• Caster sugar (1 1/4 cups): Superfine sugar dissolves easily, sweetening and tenderizing the cake.
• Baking powder (3 tsp): Ensures your cupcakes rise light and fluffy every time.
• Fine salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and moisture.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and add depth to the crumb.
• Whole milk (3/4 cup): Contributes to the cupcake’s tender texture.
• Cherry juice from canned cherries (2/3 cup): Delivers that juicy cherry essence that permeates the cake.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cupcakes moist and soft for days.
• Greek yoghurt or sour cream (2 tbsp): Adds tang and helps keep the crumb tender.
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 tsp): Rounds out flavors with warm vanilla notes.
• Canned cherries (250 g): The surprise burst of cherry goodness inside each cupcake.
• Chocolate sauce: For drizzling, adding a touch of indulgence on top.
• Maraschino cherries: Classic garnish that seals the nostalgic vibe.
• Pink and purple food gel (2 drops and 1 drop): For that fun, playful color echoing a milkshake’s swirl.
• Cherry brandy essence (1/2 tsp): Amplifies cherry flavor with subtle sophistication.
• Malt powder (4 tbsp): The secret ingredient that delivers that unmistakable malted milkshake depth.
• Fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting (1 batch): Light, airy, and the perfect crowning glory.

How to Make Cherry Malt Milkshake Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C fan-forced or 180°C for conventional. Line your cupcake tin with cute liners that won’t stick to our batter. In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine your flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt—mixing gently to blend. Adding the softened butter now creates that lovely sandy texture that will turn into a moist cupcake crumb.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large jug, whisk together cherry juice, milk, eggs, Greek yoghurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. This mix will infuse the cupcakes with vibrant flavors and keep them moist. When combined with malt powder and cherry brandy essence, it brings that malt milkshake magic alive.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing just until there’s no flour hiding. Then stir in drops of the pink and purple food gel for the fun milkshake-like blush color that makes these cupcakes as visually delightful as they are tasty.

Step 4: Fill Cupcake Liners with Batter and Cherries

Place about four canned cherries at the base of each cupcake liner, then scoop batter over them so the cupcakes are three-quarters filled. Using an ice cream scoop makes this process quick and mess-free.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, signaling they’re perfectly baked. Cooling completely on a wire rack is an important step before frosting, otherwise the buttercream will melt into a gooey mess.

Step 6: Prepare and Pipe Frosting

Mix your fluffy vanilla buttercream with the purple food dye and cherry brandy essence to tint it a playful shade and infuse it with cherry warmth. Pipe a swirl with a star tip, drizzle chocolate sauce, add another swirl with a different tip, and top each cupcake with a maraschino cherry—the iconic finishing touch!

How to Serve Cherry Malt Milkshake Cupcakes

Garnishes

Besides the classic maraschino cherry, consider topping your cupcakes with a light dusting of malt powder or a drizzle of extra chocolate sauce. These simple garnishes enhance the nostalgic vibe and add that extra lick of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair your cupcakes with a tall glass of cold milk or even a malted milkshake to complement those malt flavors. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can add a refreshing counterpoint without overpowering the cupcake’s rich cherry notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dessert table, serve your Cherry Malt Milkshake Cupcakes in mini milkshake glasses or mason jars topped with the cupcake and a striped straw. You can also assemble them on a tiered stand decorated with vintage soda shop signs to recreate that classic milkshake experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cupcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crumb tender and the frosting soft, making them just as wonderful the next day.

Freezing

If you want to make these cupcakes ahead for a big event, freeze them without frosting for up to two months. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

Reheating

Since these cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, avoid reheating. If you prefer a warm cupcake, remove the frosting and warm the cupcake itself for about 10 seconds in the microwave, then let it cool slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cherry juice with fresh cherries?

Fresh cherries provide excellent flavor, but cherry juice delivers concentrated taste and moisture. You can blend fresh cherries and strain to substitute, but the juice ensures consistent moisture for the cupcakes.

Is malt powder necessary for this recipe?

The malt powder is what gives these cupcakes that distinctive malted milkshake flavor, so it’s highly recommended. If you can’t find it, you might substitute with a small amount of malted milk powder or skip it, but the unique taste won’t be as pronounced.

Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! While the vanilla buttercream complements the cupcake perfectly, cream cheese frosting or whipped frosting can also work well depending on your preference.

How do the food gels affect the cupcakes?

The pink and purple food gels add fun, vibrant color reminiscent of a cherry malt milkshake. They don’t affect flavor but make the cupcakes visually playful and more appealing.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, eggs with flax or chia eggs, milk with plant-based milk, and use a suitable vegan yogurt and frosting. The texture and flavor will vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so joyful about these Cherry Malt Milkshake Cupcakes that brings smiles and a touch of nostalgia to any gathering. They’re perfect for anyone who loves retro flavors reinvented with a modern twist. So grab those ingredients, invite some friends over, and treat yourselves to these wonderfully flavorful cupcakes—you won’t regret it!