Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that perfectly balances fruity freshness with creamy indulgence, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a moist muffin bursting with juicy strawberry pieces and a luscious cream cheese center, topped with a buttery crumb that adds just the right amount of crunch. These muffins bring the best of breakfast and dessert together in one scrumptious package that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe plays a vital role, from the fluffy all-purpose flour to the vibrant fresh strawberries that brighten every bite. Each element comes together to create muffin magic that’s tender, flavorful, and irresistibly rich.

• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): This adds the creamy, tangy filling that makes these muffins stand out.
• Granulated sugar (several portions): Sweetness is balanced perfectly in both the batter and the cream cheese filling.
• Large egg yolk: Incorporates richness and helps bind the cream cheese filling smoothly.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons total): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups plus additional for tossing strawberries and crumb topping): The main structure of the muffins and helps juicy strawberries stay evenly distributed.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): These leavening agents ensure your muffins rise perfectly light and fluffy.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• Large eggs (2): Soften the batter and contribute to moisture and structure.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Adds tenderness and moisture to the batter.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the muffins moist and soft for days.
• Diced fresh strawberries (1 1/4 cups): These juicy gems provide bright bursts of natural sweetness and lovely color in every bite.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Key to making the irresistible crumb topping.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This prep ensures your muffins won’t stick and they’ll come out perfectly shaped every time.

Step 2: Cream Cheese Filling Magic

In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is the surprise center that makes these muffins truly special.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix forms the muffin base, and making sure these are well whisked together helps your muffins have an even rise and soft crumb.

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and the remaining vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. This mixture adds moisture, richness, and tenderness to your muffins.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your muffins tender.

Step 6: Add the Strawberries

Toss the diced fresh strawberries in 1 tablespoon of flour to coat. This step prevents the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the batter and balances moisture distribution when baked. Gently fold the coated strawberries into the muffin batter.

Step 7: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the 1/3 cup of flour, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter until crumbly. This topping will create a delightful crunch to crown your muffins.

Step 8: Assemble the Muffins

Spoon the muffin batter evenly into each cup of your prepared muffin tin, filling halfway. Then, add a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each. Cover the filling with the remaining batter and sprinkle the crumb topping generously on each muffin.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your muffins in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean. This step ensures they are perfectly cooked through without drying out.

Step 10: Let Them Cool

Allow your Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling allows the muffins to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and even more delicious to eat.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your muffins by lightly dusting them with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, or add a few fresh strawberry slices on top to highlight their fruity goodness. A tiny dollop of whipped cream also adds a luxurious finish when you’re serving them for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

These muffins shine brightest alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. They also make an excellent companion to a fresh fruit salad or even a cheese platter for a brunch that impresses with minimal effort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the muffins on a tiered cake stand surrounded by fresh strawberries and edible flowers. You could also slice them in half and turn them into an indulgent mini sandwich with a spread of jam or nut butter for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigeration helps maintain freshness for up to a week, just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

Freeze leftover muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed inside a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to two months, making these muffins an excellent option for preparing ahead for busy mornings or spontaneous snack cravings.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins warm, simply microwave for about 20 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their freshly baked softness and revives that amazing cream cheese center.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if you drain them well and toss them in flour before adding to the batter to minimize extra moisture.

Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk. The texture might be slightly different, but the muffins will still taste delicious.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

They should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) should come out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to have enough muffin tins or bake in batches. Doubling the recipe means more delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins to share or freeze for later enjoyment.

What’s the best way to dice strawberries for this recipe?

Use ripe but firm strawberries and dice them into roughly 1/4-inch pieces. This size helps distribute the berries evenly without turning the batter pink or making it too wet.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines the freshness of strawberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake filling all wrapped up in a moist, tender muffin. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a cozy afternoon treat, or a casual get-together, these muffins will quickly become a beloved staple. Don’t wait to try them out—you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding homemade baked goodies can be!

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