Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances creamy, fruity, and sweet all in one bite, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is a must-try. These muffins burst with fresh strawberry flavor woven throughout a tender crumb, complemented by pockets of smooth cream cheese filling and a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. They’re a perfect blend of moist texture, subtle sweetness, and visual charm that make every bite feel like a comforting little celebration. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a lovely dessert, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these irresistible treats, and the beauty lies in their simplicity. Each component plays a vital role—flour gives structure, strawberries provide vibrant color and freshness, cream cheese adds luscious creaminess, and the sugary crumb topping brings that perfect crunch.

• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Ensures a rich, velvety filling that melts into the muffin.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons + 2/3 cup + 3 tablespoons, divided): Sweetens the filling, batter, and crumb topping just right.
• Large egg yolk (1): Adds richness to the cream cheese mixture.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons, divided): Brings a warm, fragrant note enhancing all flavors.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups + 1 tablespoon + 1/3 cup, divided): Builds the muffin body and helps coat the strawberries to prevent sogginess.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Provides the essential lift to keep muffins light.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with leavening and browning for a beautiful golden crust.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and contribute to a tender crumb.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture without weighing down the batter.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps muffins moist and soft, perfect for days after baking.
• Fresh strawberries (1 1/4 cups, diced): The star ingredient that adds juicy bursts of flavor and stunning red flecks.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Creates the crumb topping’s rich and buttery crunch.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily once ready.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will surprise your taste buds with its silky texture hidden inside each muffin.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 2/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of the rising agents and seasoning, which prevents dense spots in your muffins.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended. This moist mixture will marry with the dry ingredients to form a tender muffin base.

Step 5: Make the Muffin Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your muffins light and fluffy instead of tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Strawberries

Toss the diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This little trick prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom and keeps the muffins moist without sogginess.

Step 7: Create the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly. This topping will bake into a golden, buttery crust that adds a delightful texture contrast.

Step 8: Assemble the Muffins

Spoon enough batter into each muffin cup to fill halfway. Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling on top, then cover with the remaining batter. Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin for that irresistible crunch.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean. The aroma of fresh strawberries and baked vanilla will fill your kitchen, signaling that these beauties are almost ready!

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling time lets the muffins set perfectly and keeps the crumb topping crisp.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a fresh strawberry slice perched on top takes these muffins from everyday to elegant in seconds. A small dollop of whipped cream can also enhance the cream cheese flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. For a brunch spread, try serving alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful party, arrange the muffins on a tiered dessert stand, decorated with fresh strawberry leaves or edible flowers. You can even slice muffins and layer them with whipped cream and strawberry compote for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week to keep the cream cheese filling fresh and safe.

Freezing

To enjoy these muffins later, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For an almost-fresh-baked experience, warm the muffins in a microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the tender texture and revives the crumb topping’s crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are best for texture and burst of freshness, you can use frozen berries if you toss them in flour and thaw properly to reduce excess moisture. This helps prevent a soggy muffin.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or a mild-flavored oil like canola. Keep the quantity the same to maintain the moistness of the muffins.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and substitute milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. The texture might shift slightly, but the flavor will still shine.

Why do I toss the strawberries in flour?

Tossing diced strawberries in a bit of flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking and helps absorb some moisture, keeping the muffins evenly textured and not soggy.

Can I double this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients carefully and bake in batches. Make sure to check muffin doneness as oven temperatures can vary.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is truly one of those delightful baking projects that reward you with beautiful, tasty results every time. From the bright strawberry bursts to the creamy, luscious filling and crumbly topping, it’s a treat that feels special but is easy enough for any day. I honestly can’t wait for you to try it and see how these muffins become a beloved part of your kitchen favorites, just like they are in mine!

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