These cherry muffins are the perfect quick treat! Made with fresh cherries, they’re fluffy, fruity, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!
Every bite is a burst of cherry goodness that makes me smile. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Who could say no to that? 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your muffins, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half of it with whole wheat flour, which adds a bit of nuttiness and fiber.
Granulated sugar: It sweetens the muffins beautifully. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for lower calories.
Fresh cherries: The star ingredient! If cherries aren’t in season, frozen cherries work too—just make sure to thaw and drain them first. Blueberries or raspberries are also great alternatives for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, but you can swap it for vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Milk: Whole milk offers richness, but any milk works, including almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Muffins Are Fluffy and Tender?
The key to fluffy muffins is not to overmix the batter. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy—this helps keep your muffins light!
- Mix dry ingredients separately from wet ingredients.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry using a spatula.
- Once combined, add in the cherries and fold carefully to keep the fruit intact.
- Fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
Following these tips will give you delightful, fluffy cherry muffins every time! Enjoy baking! 😊
Cherry Muffins (Fresh and Easy)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped (or halved whole cherries)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake, plus additional time for cooling. In total, you can have these delicious cherry muffins ready in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your muffins start baking right away! While the oven heats up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring your muffins rise perfectly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth mixture. This combination will add moisture and flavor to your muffins.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula. Remember, it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy—this will help keep your muffins fluffy, so avoid overmixing!
5. Add the Cherries:
Carefully fold in the fresh cherries, ensuring they’re mixed evenly throughout the batter. This step will make sure every bite has delicious cherry goodness!
6. Fill the Muffin Tins:
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows enough space for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
7. Add a Sugar Topping:
Sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar on top of each muffin. This will create a delightful crunchy sugar crust as the muffins bake!
8. Bake Your Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these fresh and easy cherry muffins warm or at room temperature—delicious!
Happy baking! 🍒
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can definitely use frozen cherries; just make sure to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent your muffins from becoming soggy.
How Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
To make the muffins gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture, or add a tablespoon if it doesn’t.
Can I Store Leftover Muffins?
Absolutely! Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
How Do I Know When the Muffins Are Done Baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready! The muffins should also have a golden top and feel springy to the touch.
