These White Claw Black Cherry Cupcakes are an irresistible combination of fluffy cake, light cherry flavor, and a fizzy twist. The frosting is silky and sweet with just the right amount of cherry essence from the White Claw hard seltzer.
This dessert is ideal for any occasion where you want something easy but show-stopping. Whether you’re hosting a party, baking for a picnic, or simply craving something sweet, these cupcakes will add a fun and fizzy flair to your spread. The cherry on top isn’t just for looks—it gives each bite an extra burst of flavor, making this treat a crowd favorite!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 box of yellow cake mix
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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3 large eggs
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1 cup White Claw black cherry hard seltzer
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon almond extract
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1 cup butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons heavy cream
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1/2 cup White Claw black cherry hard seltzer
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Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
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In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, White Claw black cherry seltzer, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
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Gradually add in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix until smooth. Add in the heavy cream and White Claw black cherry seltzer and continue mixing until the frosting is fluffy and light.
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Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe the frosting onto each cupcake.
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Garnish with fresh cherries, if desired, and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes
The Allure of White Claw in Baking:
Baking with alcohol is nothing new, but using hard seltzer like White Claw in a cupcake recipe is an innovative approach. Hard seltzers like White Claw bring a subtle effervescence and depth of flavor that traditional ingredients can’t replicate. The alcohol content evaporates during baking, leaving behind the distinctive taste that elevates the flavor profile of the dessert. For this particular recipe, the Black Cherry flavor of White Claw lends a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, complementing the vanilla cake base without overpowering it. The fizz from the seltzer also helps in making the cake light and airy, giving it a slightly moist and fluffy texture that makes every bite a delight.
Why White Claw Black Cherry Cupcakes Stand Out:
These cupcakes stand out for several reasons, from their creative use of hard seltzer to the delightful combination of flavors. The black cherry flavor is versatile and adds a unique twist to the traditional cupcake. The sweetness of the cake is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the seltzer, resulting in a dessert that is neither too rich nor too light, but just right. Additionally, the frosting made with White Claw Black Cherry hard seltzer adds another layer of flavor and indulgence, with a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the lightness of the cake. This cupcake recipe is a modern take on classic flavors, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual dessert offerings.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
White Claw Black Cherry Cupcakes are ideal for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re preparing for a summer party, a birthday celebration, a casual get-together, or even a holiday dinner, these cupcakes are a fun and festive addition to any dessert table. Their playful combination of alcohol and sweetness makes them appealing to adults, while their bright and vibrant color adds a pop of visual appeal. Because they are easy to prepare and don’t require specialized ingredients, they are also a convenient option for last-minute baking or when you’re craving something special. With their delicate balance of flavor and a touch of fizz, they can be enjoyed year-round, adding an element of surprise and fun to any gathering.
A Fun Twist on Traditional Cupcakes:
Traditional cupcakes are already a popular dessert, but they can often feel a little predictable. White Claw Black Cherry Cupcakes add an element of excitement and novelty that takes them to the next level. The use of hard seltzer in the batter gives them a modern, adult twist, perfect for those looking to try something new in their baking adventures. The cupcakes maintain all the qualities of a traditional treat—soft, sweet, and perfectly frosted—while introducing a fresh and trendy element with the addition of White Claw. This creative twist allows for endless possibilities in the kitchen and encourages bakers to experiment with other seltzer flavors to create unique variations of the recipe.
Creative Tips and Variations:
While the classic White Claw Black Cherry Cupcakes are undeniably delicious, you can always get creative with the recipe and try different variations. Here are a few ways to customize and experiment with the recipe:
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Flavor Swap: If you’re not a fan of black cherry or want to experiment with other flavors, White Claw offers a wide variety of fruity options. Swap the black cherry for other flavors such as mango, lime, or raspberry to create a new and exciting cupcake flavor profile.
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Cupcake Toppings: You can elevate your cupcakes further by adding different toppings. Consider garnishing the cupcakes with fresh berries, crushed graham crackers, or even a sprig of mint. These toppings will not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful visual element to your cupcakes.
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Frosting Variations: The frosting recipe can be adapted to suit your personal taste. You can add more or less heavy cream depending on your desired frosting consistency. If you want to make the frosting extra indulgent, you can include a touch of cream cheese for a tangy twist. You could even infuse the frosting with a different flavor of White Claw for a more pronounced taste.
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Cupcake Filling: For an added surprise, you could fill your cupcakes with a fruit jam or cream filling. Cherry preserves or a lemon curd would complement the black cherry flavor and add an extra layer of sweetness and texture to each bite.
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Non-Alcoholic Version: If you’re baking for a family-friendly gathering or want a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the White Claw with sparkling water and cherry extract. This will still give you a fizzy and fruity flavor, though it will be alcohol-free.
Benefits of Baking with White Claw:
Baking with White Claw or other hard seltzers comes with a few unique benefits. First, the carbonation in the seltzer helps create a lighter, fluffier texture in your baked goods. The bubbles cause the batter to rise more easily, resulting in cupcakes that are tender and airy. This fizzy lift can be especially helpful when making cupcakes or cakes that need a delicate crumb.
Secondly, White Claw brings a refreshing flavor that you wouldn’t get from using regular soda or water. The subtlety of the fruit flavors and the crisp finish makes it an excellent ingredient for a modern twist on traditional desserts. Plus, the hard seltzer is lower in sugar than many sodas, which helps prevent your cupcakes from becoming overly sweet while still providing a fruity zing.
Why These Cupcakes Are a Must-Try:
White Claw Black Cherry Cupcakes are not just a fun recipe—they’re also a delicious one. The combination of flavors, the lightness of the cake, and the fizzy, refreshing twist make them a must-try for any dessert lover. They’re perfect for occasions where you want to impress guests with something a little different, and they offer a great way to showcase your creativity in the kitchen. These cupcakes are a unique, modern dessert that bridges the gap between traditional baked goods and new-age, fun recipes.
Conclusion:
White Claw Black Cherry Cupcakes are an inventive and delicious dessert that brings a bit of fun and sparkle to any event. With their unique flavor, light texture, and creative use of hard seltzer, they’re sure to become a crowd favorite at your next party or gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice looking to try something new, these cupcakes are easy to make and offer endless possibilities for customization. By combining the crisp, fruity flavors of White Claw with traditional baking techniques, you create a dessert that is both trendy and timeless. So, grab a can of White Claw, get baking, and treat your taste buds to a whole new cupcake experience!