These cherry muffins are bursting with fresh cherries and are super easy to whip up. They make a sweet breakfast or snack that everyone will love!
Whenever I bake these muffins, my kitchen smells amazing, and my taste buds dance. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or just on their own when you want something sweet. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the muffins. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum for the best results.
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar works perfectly here, but you could use coconut sugar or honey if you prefer a more natural sweetener. Keep in mind that honey may change the texture a bit.
Fresh cherries: Fresh is best, but frozen cherries can also work. Just thaw and drain them well before adding. Diced strawberries or blueberries can be a delicious swap if cherries aren’t available.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix 1 cup of regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Muffins Turn Out Fluffy and Not Dense?
One key to light and fluffy muffins is how you mix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins because it develops gluten in the flour. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your dry ingredients separately from your wet ingredients.
- Combine them gently with a spatula until just mixed. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy!
- Fold in the cherries carefully, using a light hand to avoid breaking them down.
Following these steps will help you achieve muffins that are tender and fluffy, making every bite a delight!
Cherry Muffins (Fresh and Easy)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- Optional topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, plus a bit of cooling time. So, in just about 40 minutes, you can have delicious cherry muffins ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing the cups. This will help prevent the muffins from sticking later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together well. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, making your muffins rise perfectly!
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter has cooled a bit before adding the eggs to avoid scrambling them! Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
5. Add the Cherries:
Next, gently fold in the chopped fresh cherries. This will give each muffin a delightful surprise of fruity goodness! Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows space for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
7. Add the Topping:
If you want a little extra sweetness and crunch on top, sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar over the batter in each muffin cup. It creates a lovely crispy topping when baked!
8. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
9. Cool the Muffins:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. This makes them easier to remove without falling apart. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your cherry muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even dessert. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain excess moisture. This helps prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
Can I Make These Muffins Healthier?
Absolutely! You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that it might affect the texture slightly.
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 refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Serve With These Muffins?
These cherry muffins are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for a fun twist. A cup of tea or coffee pairs wonderfully too!
