These cherry muffins are bright, fluffy, and bursting with fresh cherry goodness! They’re super easy to whip up and make a sweet treat for breakfast or snack time.
What’s great is how the cherries pop with flavor in every bite. I love enjoying them warm with a little butter on top. You can never have just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your muffins. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend. It’s a great way to keep the texture similar while accommodating dietary needs.
Granulated Sugar: This gives sweetness and moisture. You can switch it out for brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or a sugar substitute if you’re cutting back on sugar.
Cherries: Fresh cherries are the star here, but frozen cherries work too! Just thaw and drain them before adding. If cherries aren’t available, blueberries or diced strawberries can be a tasty alternative.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds flavor. Coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used if you want a dairy-free option. The texture might change a bit but won’t compromise the muffins overall.
How Do I Mix Ingredients Without Overmixing?
Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins. To keep them light and fluffy, gently combine the dry and wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Follow these tips:
- After adding the wet ingredients to the dry, use a spatula to mix just until you see no dry flour. Lumps are okay!
- When folding in the cherries, be even gentler to avoid mashing them.
- Set a timer for yourself! Mixing should only take about 30 seconds to a minute.
How to Make Sweet Cherry Muffins?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
Optional Topping:
- Coarse sugar for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 18-22 minutes to bake. After letting the muffins cool for a bit, you’re ready to enjoy them! In total, you can have freshly baked muffins ready in about 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a muffin tin with paper liners or give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined and set this bowl aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix everything together well until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the mixture of wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing can make the muffins tough.
5. Add the Cherries:
Carefully fold in the chopped cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds that sweet cherry goodness to each muffin!
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Using a spoon or a scoop, divide the batter equally among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. If you want a touch of extra sweetness and crunch, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top of each muffin.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your sweet cherry muffins warm or at room temperature!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the frozen cherries and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. Patting them dry with paper towels can help ensure your muffins don’t get too watery.
How Can I Make These Muffins Dairy-Free?
You can easily substitute the unsalted butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives! Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter for the melted butter, and almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk in place of regular milk to keep the muffins delicious and moist.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts to the Muffins?
Sure! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra texture. Just keep in mind the total amount of added ingredients should remain about the same (around 1 ½ cups) to maintain the muffins’ consistency.
