Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet, moist, and utterly delightful treat, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten your day. These muffins boast a tender crumb, bursting with juicy diced strawberries and a luscious cream cheese center that melts into every bite. The balance of fluffy muffin texture and creamy filling makes this recipe an absolute favorite for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack anytime. Trust me, once you try these strawberry cream cheese muffins, they will quickly become your go-to comfort bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet carefully selected to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color in your muffins. Each one plays a special role in making these muffins fluffy, moist, and full of fresh strawberry goodness with a creamy surprise inside.

• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides the rich and creamy filling that makes these muffins so irresistibly moist.
• Granulated sugar (2/3 cup plus 5 tablespoons total): Sweetens the batter and crumbly topping perfectly without overpowering the berries.
• Egg yolk (1 large) and eggs (2 large): Adds structure and richness to the muffin batter and cream cheese filling.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons total): Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups plus 1 1/4 and 1 tablespoon): The base that holds everything together and helps the muffins rise beautifully.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Leavening agents that ensure your muffins become tall and fluffy.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enriches the overall flavor.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the muffins moist and soft without heaviness.
• Diced fresh strawberries (1 1/4 cups): The star ingredient delivering bursts of juicy freshness throughout each muffin.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Combines with flour and sugar to form the buttery crumb topping that adds delightful texture.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to make sure your muffins come out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, one egg yolk, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will make every bite a delightful surprise.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and texture of the muffins are perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs with milk, vegetable oil, and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated. This mixture will bring moisture and tenderness to your batter.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your muffins light and fluffy.

Step 6: Incorporate the Strawberries

Toss the diced fresh strawberries gently in 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Then carefully fold the strawberries into the batter, distributing their sweet bursts evenly.

Step 7: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. This crumb topping will add a buttery crispy layer that makes these muffins extra special.

Step 8: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon the muffin batter into each prepared cup, filling them about halfway. Add a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling to the center of each, then cover with the remaining batter and sprinkle the crumb topping on top for that irresistible crunch.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The oven’s heat transforms the batter into stunningly soft, fluffy muffins, complete with a creamy core and crisp topping.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly and makes handling easier, though they’re tempting enough to eat warm right out of the oven!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey adds an elegant touch that enhances the muffin’s natural sweetness. Fresh strawberry slices on top also make for a visually stunning presentation and a fresh burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy yogurt parfait for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or breakfasts with friends, try slicing the muffins horizontally and spreading a thin layer of strawberry jam or whipped cream cheese between the halves for an indulgent sandwich. You can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as an unexpected dessert treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins keep well for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps their crumb moist and topping crisp without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these muffins easily by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to three months, making them a convenient make-ahead breakfast or snack.

Reheating

To enjoy muffins as fresh as when baked, reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15–20 seconds until warm. This helps revive the cream cheese center’s creaminess and the crumb topping’s crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are best for maintaining texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if you thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the batter too wet.

Do I have to make the crumb topping?

The crumb topping adds a wonderful buttery crunch and contrast to the soft muffin, but you can skip it if you prefer a smoother muffin surface. The muffins will still be delicious without it.

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

You can try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese as a substitute for cream cheese, which will give a slightly different but still creamy and delicious filling.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing before baking?

It’s best to bake the muffins first and then freeze them. Freezing the batter or assembled unbaked muffins may affect texture and rising.

How do I ensure the cream cheese filling stays in the center?

Filling the muffin cups halfway with batter, adding the cream cheese dollop, then covering with remaining batter ensures the filling bakes neatly in the center rather than sinking to the bottom.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe that makes every morning feel brighter and every snack time more joyful. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of these muffins that bring warmth, sweetness, and that creamy center you’ll want again and again. So grab your mixing bowls and fresh strawberries and dive into this delightful treat—you won’t regret it!

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