Sumptuous Vanilla Cupcakes with Cherry Jam and White Chocolate Buttercream

These delightful Vanilla Cupcakes are a perfect symphony of flavors, featuring a soft and fluffy base, a heart of tangy cherry jam, and a luxurious white chocolate buttercream topping. Every component of this recipe contributes to a gourmet experience, from the moisture-rich sour cream in the batter to the rich burst of cherries and the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate frosting.

Why You’ll Love This: These cupcakes offer an exquisite blend of textures and flavors. The vanilla cupcakes themselves are light and airy, providing a perfect canvas for the bold, fruity cherry jam and the decadently smooth white. This combination not only pleases the palate but also makes for an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive celebration. These cupcakes are also great for seasonal events, especially when fresh cherries are in abundance. Whether it’s a sophisticated dessert for a dinner party or a treat for a casual get-together, these cupcakes will fit the bill beautifully.

Decoration Tips:

1. Garnish the frosted cupcakes with a fresh cherry or a sprinkle of grated white chocolate for an elegant finish.
2. Use a fine dusting of powdered sugar over the frosted cupcakes to add a touch of sophistication.
3. If available, add edible flowers for a springtime or garden-themed party to enhance the visual appeal.
4. Serve the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand draped with a decorative napkin or floral accents to elevate the presentation.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla Cupcakes:
  • 90g all-purpose flour (¾ cup)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 100g granulated sugar (½ cup)
  • 41g unsalted butter, cubed, room temperature (3 tbsp)
  • 32g vegetable oil (2 ½ tbsp)
  • 1 egg white, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 45g sour cream, room temperature (3 tbsp)
  • 55g whole milk, room temperature (¼ cup)
• Cherry Jam:
  • 160g dark sweet cherries, washed and pitted (1 cup)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tsp corn starch
  • 1 tbsp water
• White Chocolate Buttercream:
  • 113g white chocolate (⅔ cup)
  • 140g unsalted butter, room temperature (½ cup + 2 tbsp)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 160g powdered sugar (1 ⅓ cups)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 6 parchment liners.
   • Mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and butter using a hand or stand mixer until smooth and lump-free.
   • Incorporate oil, egg white, vanilla, sour cream, and milk, mixing just until smooth.
   • Distribute batter evenly among liners and bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Make the Cherry Jam:
   • Cook cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat, mashing slightly.
   • Mix cornstarch and water, then whisk into the cherry mixture until thickened, about 1 minute.
   • Cool the jam in the fridge.
3. White Chocolate Buttercream:
   • Melt white chocolate; set aside to cool.
   • Whip butter and salt, gradually add powdered sugar, then the melted chocolate, until fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cupcakes:
   • Once cooled, make a divot in each cupcake and fill with cherry jam.
   • Pipe the buttercream frosting generously over the top.
   • Garnish with extra cherries if desired.

Enjoy these luxurious Vanilla Cupcakes, where the classic flavor of vanilla meets the zest of cherry jam topped with a silky white chocolate buttercream, creating a truly gourmet dessert.