Cherry Cola Cupcakes - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 (10 oz) jars maraschino cherries with stems, drained, 24 cherries reserved with stems, remaining stems removed and cherries minced
1 (16.5 oz) box devil's food cake mix
1 (12 oz) can cherry cola
2 cups whipped topping, like Cool Whip
1 1/2 cups chocolate almond frosting, like Betty Crocker Almond Joy or milk chocolate frosting

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F. Line 2 - 12-cup cupcake pans with paper liners.
Prepare cake mix according to package directions, substituting cherry cola for water, eggs and oil. Stir in chopped cherries. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 15-17 mins, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool.
Dollop each cupcake with 1 1/2 tbsp whipped topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt frosting then spoon over whipped topping. Top with reserved cherries.