These fresh cherry muffins are a tasty twist with the addition of olives and thyme! Sweet meets savory in every bite, making them perfect for brunch or a snack on-the-go.
Who knew cherries and olives could be best buds? You’ll love how easy they are to whip up. I can’t resist adding a bit of extra thyme for a fragrant touch—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your muffins. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free blend works well, but you may need to adjust the liquid.
Fresh Cherries: Sweet cherries are best for this recipe. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen cherries. Just let them thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
Black Olives: I prefer mild-flavored black olives for a gentle touch. If you want more zing, try kalamata olives, but remember they are saltier, so you might want to reduce other salt in the recipe.
Fresh Thyme: This herb adds a lovely aroma. If you can’t find fresh thyme, try 1 tsp of dried thyme instead, but fresh is always best for flavor!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 3/4 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This works great as a substitute!
How Do I Ensure My Muffins Rise Perfectly?
To get those beautiful, fluffy muffins, pay attention to how you combine your ingredients. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps with even mixing and better rise.
- Mix dry ingredients separately from wet ingredients before combining them. This helps to keep the baking powder active.
- Don’t overmix! Stir until just combined. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can make muffins tough.
- Fill the muffin cups to about 2/3 full. This allows space for them to rise without overflowing.
Following these tips will help you achieve a perfect batch of cherry muffins every time! Enjoy the baking process!
Fresh Cherry Muffins with Olives and Thyme
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruits and Flavors:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped (preferably mild-flavored variety)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
Optional Topping:
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20-22 minutes for baking. Perfect for a delightful treat that doesn’t take too long to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking. This is a simple step that ensures easy cleanup later!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mixing these together well helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This will create a smooth batter base.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently until just combined. Remember, a little lumpiness is okay—don’t overmix, as this can make your muffins tough!
5. Add the Special Ingredients:
Gently fold in the fresh cherries, chopped olives, and thyme leaves. These ingredients will bring delightful flavors and textures to your muffins!
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows them to rise without overflowing.
7. Add Topping (Optional):
If you like, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top of each muffin. This adds a sweet, crunchy topping that makes them even more delicious!
8. Bake:
Place your muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and their unique flavor combination is sure to impress!
Enjoy your savory-sweet cherry muffins! Happy baking!
FAQ for Fresh Cherry Muffins with Olives and Thyme
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. This will keep your muffins from becoming too soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
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 a month. Just remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag for best results!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Muffin Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like nuts (walnuts or almond slivers), or spices (like cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for heat). Just be mindful that altering the recipe might change the baking time slightly.
