Cherry Amish Friendship Bread Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients and Weight:

• Amish Friendship Bread Starter: 1 cup
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup
• Eggs: 2 large
• Maraschino cherries, chopped: 1 cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup
• Cream cheese, softened: 4 ounces
• Heavy cream: 1/4 cup
• Powdered sugar: 3 cups
• Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, cherries, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fill the prepared muffin cups about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, and beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine.

To Assemble:

1. Spread or pipe the buttercream frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
2. Decorate with additional cherries or sprinkles as desired.

Nutritional Information (per cupcake):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Moist and fluffy
• Sweet and tangy with the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg
• Creamy and rich buttercream frosting
• Perfectly portioned for a single serving

User Comments:

• "These cupcakes are absolutely delicious! The flavors are perfectly balanced and the frosting is to die for."
• "I've never had Amish Friendship Bread before, but these cupcakes have made me a believer. They're so unique and flavorful."
• "I love that these cupcakes are relatively easy to make. They're perfect for a special occasion or just a sweet treat."
• "The cherry adds a great pop of color and flavor to these cupcakes."
• "These cupcakes are a perfect way to end a meal or enjoy as an afternoon snack."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting them, or the frosting will melt.
• If you don't have Amish Friendship Bread Starter, you can substitute 1 cup of plain yogurt.
• For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of cherries.
• To make these cupcakes gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and baking powder.
• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.