Cherry Surprises
Delightful tiny muffins filled with chopped pecans and sweet cherries, featuring rich flavors and a tender crumb, perfect for parties, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease tiny muffin tins and sprinkle chopped pecans in the bottom of each tin.
- Cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until smooth.
- Add well-beaten egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Sift together cake flour and baking powder, then gradually add to the mixture, blending well.
- Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites until just combined.
- Place 1 teaspoon of batter into each muffin cup over the pecans.
- Press a whole maraschino cherry into the center of each batter-filled cup.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- While still warm, roll the muffins in confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the muffin tins. If you're short on cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour instead, but the texture may vary slightly. Ensure your egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form for the best rise. If you prefer a sweeter touch, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cherry Surprises warm, dusted with confectioners' sugar for a delightful presentation. They make a wonderful dessert alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Pair them with coffee or a sweet dessert wine for a perfect finish to your meal. These treats also make a lovely addition to any gathering, alongside recipes like Richard'S Easy Asparagus(Microwave) for a balanced spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Surprises in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Surprises contains roughly 361 calories, with 16g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. At about 361 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit them first. Fresh cherries will offer a different flavor profile and texture. Consider adding a bit of sugar to the batter to balance the tartness of fresh cherries compared to the sweetness of maraschinos.
How can I make these Cherry Surprises gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, such as baking powder, are also gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy these treats without compromising on taste or texture.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It's best to bake the batter immediately after preparation, as the beaten egg whites can lose their volume over time. However, you can prepare the other components, like the pecans and batter base, and then combine them just before baking for optimal results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).