Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

If you have a soft spot for sweet, tender treats loaded with fresh fruit and a velvety filling, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe. Imagine moist, slightly crumbly muffins bursting with juicy strawberries and hiding pockets of luscious cream cheese in every bite. These muffins are the perfect combination of fruity freshness and rich creaminess that will brighten your breakfast table or your afternoon snack. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just trying something new, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with a stunning result that tastes homemade and heavenly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is easy, but each plays a vital role in the texture, flavor, and appearance of your muffins. From the creamy richness of cream cheese to the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries, every component ensures these muffins bake up beautifully soft, moist, and bursting with flavor.

• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a luscious, tangy creaminess that makes the muffins irresistibly moist inside.
• Granulated sugar (2 tbsp + 2/3 cup + 3 tbsp): Sweetens both the muffin batter and the crumb topping for balance and caramelized crust.
• Large egg yolk (1): Enriches the cream cheese filling with silkiness and structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp total): Brings a warm, aromatic brightness to both the filling and the batter.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups + 1 tbsp + 1/3 cup): Forms the base of the muffins and helps coat the strawberries to prevent sinking.
• Baking powder (2 tsp) and baking soda (1/2 tsp): Give these muffins their perfect fluffy rise and tender crumb.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
• Large eggs (2): Provide moisture, binding, and lift to the batter.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the muffins moist and tender, complementing the oil for softness.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Ensures a moist and delicate crumb while keeping the muffin light.
• Fresh strawberries (1 1/4 cups, diced): The star ingredient, offering bright flavor and bursts of juiciness.
• Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, melted): Adds richness to the crumb topping, making it perfectly crisp.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and ready to receive those delightful muffins. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to make sure your muffins slide out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, the egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This creamy filling will sneak into the middle of the muffins, creating those little pockets of gooey goodness that take each bite to the next level.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix forms the batter’s foundation and ensures that each muffin has the perfect rise and a soft crumb texture.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This wet mix brings moisture to your batter and binds all the ingredients together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender—lumps are okay! This is the base of your muffin batter, ready for the star addition.

Step 6: Prepare and Fold in the Strawberries

Toss the diced fresh strawberries in 1 tablespoon of flour to gently coat them. This helps prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom during baking. Gently fold these into the batter, distributing their sweet, juicy flavor evenly.

Step 7: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, and the melted butter until crumbly. This topping adds a golden, crunchy contrast to the soft muffins, making each bite more exciting and texturally delightful.

Step 8: Assemble the Muffins

Spoon the batter halfway into each muffin cup, then dollop a spoonful of the cream cheese filling into the center. Cover this with the remaining batter, then sprinkle the crumb topping generously on each muffin. This layering creates a beautiful surprise with each bite.

Step 9: Bake

Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. When the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin portion (not the cream cheese) comes out clean, they are ready to be pulled out and enjoyed.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Let your muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting helps them set so the cream cheese stays wonderfully gooey inside rather than melting out.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of strawberry glaze can elevate these muffins for a special occasion. Fresh strawberry slices on top add vibrance and echo the flavors hidden inside, making your presentation pop.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a dollop of yogurt or a smear of homemade whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A cup of hot coffee or tea complements the sweet, creamy notes perfectly and makes breakfast or brunch feel extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth for a charming picnic. Alternatively, cut them in half and toast lightly for a warm, buttery snack or dessert base topped with fresh berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, refrigeration can extend their life up to a week, but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying to bring out their full flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe for longer storage. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy your favorite treat any time.

Reheating

Warm frozen muffins in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This restores their soft texture and helps bring out the cream cheese filling’s creamy richness like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just thaw and drain them well to reduce excess moisture that could affect the batter’s consistency.

Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan cream cheese and plant-based margarine. The texture might vary slightly, but the muffins will still be delicious!

How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom?

Coating the diced strawberries in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them evenly, preventing them from sinking during baking.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Absolutely! Mini muffins bake faster, so reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

What can I do if the cream cheese filling spills out during baking?

Make sure you don’t overfill the muffin cups when layering the batter and filling. Using a small spoon or piping bag for the cream cheese helps control the amount and placement for neat, contained pockets.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a muffin that feels both indulgent and fresh, I strongly encourage you to try this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of fruit, creamy filling, and crumbly topping that’s sure to become one of your favorites, whether for a lazy weekend breakfast or a sweet snack anytime. Baking these is truly a joy, and sharing them is even sweeter.

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