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Cherry Muffins with Streusel Recipe

4.9 from 53 reviews

These Cherry Muffins with Streusel are moist, flavorful treats perfect for breakfast or a snack. Fresh or frozen cherries are mixed into a tender muffin batter, then topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel that adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Baked to golden perfection, these muffins offer a perfect balance of fruity and spicy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Muffin Batter

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, chopped

Streusel Topping

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Mix wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix to keep muffins tender.
  5. Fold in cherries. Carefully fold the chopped cherries into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Fill muffin tin. Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Divide the batter evenly among the cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  7. Add streusel topping. Sprinkle the prepared streusel evenly over the tops of the batter in each muffin cup.
  8. Bake. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake muffins in the center rack for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
  9. Cool and serve. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.

Notes

  • You can use fresh or frozen cherries; if frozen, do not thaw to prevent extra moisture in the batter.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Cherry muffins, streusel topping, cinnamon muffin, baked cherry dessert, breakfast muffins