Shirley Temple Cherry Cupcakes are playful, sweet cupcakes inspired by the classic non-alcoholic Shirley Temple drink — a fizzy cherry-flavored soda garnished with a maraschino cherry. These cupcakes combine Shirley Temple soda and cherry gelatin in both the batter and the frosting to create moist, pink cupcakes with a bright cherry taste. They’re perfect for birthdays, parties, baby showers, or any celebration where you want something cheerful and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 white cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 egg whites
- 1¼ to 1¾ cups Shirley Temple soda
- Cherry-flavored gelatin powder (Jell-O), divided
For the Frosting
- 2 sticks (about 1 cup) salted butter, softened
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon half-and-half or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Shirley Temple soda
- Remaining cherry gelatin (Jell-O)
- Red food coloring (optional)
These ingredients give you sweet, pink cupcakes with a creamy, cherry-flavored frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly spray with non-stick spray.
2. Make the Cupcake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, egg whites, and the Shirley Temple soda. Beat with an electric mixer until the batter is smooth.
3. Add Cherry Flavor
Stir in 1/2 to 3/4 of the cherry gelatin powder until blended. This adds authentic cherry flavor and the rosy color.
4. Bake
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool
Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt.
Frosting Instructions
6. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a clean bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and softened cream cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 2 minutes.
7. Add Flavorings
Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
8. Stir Liquid Mixture
In a small cup, combine the half-and-half (or milk) with the Shirley Temple soda. Slowly add in the remaining cherry gelatin for extra color and flavor.
9. Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the frosting bowl, alternating with small amounts of the liquid mixture. Beat until the frosting is creamy and holds stiff peaks. If you want a deeper pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring.
10. Frost the Cupcakes
Fill a piping bag or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
11. Finishing Touch
Optionally top each cupcake with a maraschino cherry for a classic Shirley Temple look.
Tips and Serving
- Let the cupcakes cool fully before frosting or the frosting may melt.
- Use the full range of soda (between 1¼ and 1¾ cups) depending on how moist and fluffy you want the batter.
- These cupcakes pair perfectly with actual Shirley Temple drinks for a themed dessert table.
Quick Tips
- Cool the cupcakes fully before frosting or the frosting may melt.
- For a deeper cherry flavor, use more Jell-O or add extra cherry soda.
- You can also pair them with actual Shirley Temple drinks for a themed dessert table.