Cherry Cupcakes

Ingredients (23)

• Cupcakes:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 8 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter softened
• 11/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 egg whites room temperature
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 to 2 drops red food color
• 21 ounces cherry pie filling
• Cherry Frosting:
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 8 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 4 to 6 tablespoons half and half
• 4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 24 maraschino cherries with stems optional garnish