1 ½cupfresh whole cherries(plus extra for decorating if desired)
1tablespoonsugar
1lime(plus ½ lime for decorating if desired)
1 ¾cupall purpose flour(sift before measuring)
1cupsugar
2 ½teaspoonsbaking powder
½teaspoonsalt
⅓cupbutter(softened)
1cupmilk(divided use)
1largeegg
1teaspoonvanilla
Icing
½cupbutter(softened)
4cupspowdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line cupcake pan with wrappers
Pit and finely chop cherries. Reserve ¼ cup for the icing. Place remaining cherries in a small bowl.
Zest lime. Add about ¼ of the zest to the cherries reserved for the icing. Add the rest to the small bowl of cherries.
Stir in 1 tablespoon sugar to the larger amount of cherries and lime zest.
In a large mixing bowl, add flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk a few seconds until fluffy and combined.
Add ⅓ cup butter and ⅔ cup of milk and beat on medium for 2 minutes.
Add egg, vanilla, and larger amount of cherries/lime zest (including the syrup). Mix for 2 more minutes thinning with the remaining milk as needed.
Fill cupcake wrappers ¾ full and bake at 375 degrees until cooked in the center, about 15 minutes.
In a mixing bowl beat ½ cup butter until fluffy, add powdered sugar and the smaller amount of cherries and lime zest. Juice ½ of the lime and add. Beat mixture, thinning with additional lime juice and/or a small amount of milk as needed.
Frost cupcakes when cool. Decorate with cherries and thinly sliced lime wedges if desired.