Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcake

Name: Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup buttermilk; ¼ cup fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon lime zest; 1 cup sparkling water; 1 cup cherry pie filling, for topping; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon lime zest; 1-2 tablespoons milk, if needed for consistency

Highlighted under: Dreamy Dessert Lab

I absolutely love making these Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcakes! The combination of tart cherry and zesty lime creates a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whenever I serve them, the vibrant colors and fizzy flavor always get compliments. Baking them with sparkling water adds a light texture that makes these cupcakes delightful. I recommend using fresh lime juice for an authentic taste, and don’t skimp on the cherry topping – it really elevates the whole experience!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:45:27.640Z

When I first decided to try this Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcake recipe, I was curious about how the flavors would blend together. After several experiments, I discovered that letting the batter sit with the bubbling sparkling water truly made the cupcakes fluffier and added a unique texture. Each bite bursts with flavor!

Additionally, I found that adding lime zest into the icing not only enhanced the flavor profile, it also gave a beautiful, vibrant color. This is now a staple recipe in my baking repertoire, and I can't wait to share it with my friends at our next gathering.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:
The refreshing taste of cherry and lime that invigorates your palate
Light and fluffy texture thanks to the sparkling water
A fun, festive dessert that's perfect for parties and celebrations

The Role of Sparkling Water

One of the standout ingredients in these Cherry Limeade Sparkling Cupcakes is the sparkling water, which contributes to the light and airy texture that makes the cupcakes so delightful. The carbonation helps create tiny air pockets during baking, resulting in a tender crumb that’s not only pleasing to the palate but also visually appealing. When incorporating the sparkling water, be sure to add it slowly and mix until just combined to maintain this airy quality.

If you're looking to experiment, you can swap the sparkling water with a flavored soda such as lemon-lime or lemon soda for a different twist. Keep in mind that flavored sodas might add sweetness, so you might want to reduce the overall sugar in the batter slightly. Just remember to maintain the same volume, so your chocolate cupcakes turn out beautifully!

Perfecting the Limeade Frosting

Achieving the perfect limeade frosting is key to complementing the cupcakes with a zingy kick. When beating the softened butter, aim for a fluffy texture that feels airy and smooth, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This not only infuses your frosting with a lightness but also ensures it spreads easily on the cooled cupcakes. If you find the frosting too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Another useful tip is to let the frosting sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before application. This slight softening can make it easier to spread, creating a beautiful finish. For a unique twist, consider adding a touch of lemon or orange zest to the frosting for an extra layer of citrus delight that complements the cherry topping beautifully.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

After you bake and frost your cupcakes, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a particularly warm climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain the frosting's texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the un-frosted cupcakes for up to a month. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosted.

When it's time to serve your cupcakes, try garnishing them with fresh cherries or additional lime zest on top of the cherry pie filling for an extra pop of color and flavor. This not only adds aesthetic appeal but also enhances the overall cherry-lime theme. These cupcakes are excellent for birthday parties or summer picnics, where they are sure to stand out!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
¼ cup fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 cup sparkling water
1 cup cherry pie filling, for topping

For the Limeade Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
1-2 tablespoons milk, if needed for consistency

Instructions

Directions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Eggs

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs, buttermilk, lime juice, and lime zest, mixing until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sparkling water. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake the Cupcakes

Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. If frosting is too stiff, add milk a tablespoon at a time.

Frost and Serve

Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the limeade frosting and top with cherry pie filling.

Pro Tips

For an extra pop of citrus, try adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of the frosting before serving.

Baking Tips

Make sure to check the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda; this is crucial for the cupcakes to rise properly. An easy test for baking powder is to mix a teaspoon with hot water to see if it bubbles. For baking soda, a splash of vinegar will do the test. Outdated leavening agents can lead to dense cupcakes, so always ensure they're fresh before use.

When filling the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full is important to allow room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing. For an even bake, avoid opening the oven door too often during baking; this can cause the cakes to collapse if the heat escapes.

Flavor Variations

While the cherry topping is incredible, you can easily create variations by using different fruit fillings. Try swapping out the cherry pie filling for blueberry or raspberry for a similar zingy effect that pairs perfectly with the lime flavor. Just ensure that the fruit topping you choose complements the tartness of the limeade icing.

For a more adult version, consider adding a splash of cherry liqueur to the frosting or batter. This can add a fun twist, especially for celebrations where a little extra flavor is welcome. Just remember that using alcohol will give a different flavor profile, so adjust the sweetness accordingly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cherries for the topping?

Yes, frozen cherries work well, just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

→ How should I store the cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check the baking powder is gluten-free.

→ Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.