These cherry muffins are fresh, fluffy, and bursting with sweet cherry goodness! Simple to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack, they bring a smile with every bite.
Baking these is super easy, and your kitchen will smell amazing. I always love to add a pinch of cinnamon for a little extra warmth. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure in muffins. If you need a gluten-free version, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend can work well.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the muffins. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or honey (reduce the liquid slightly if using honey).
Vegetable Oil/Melted Butter: Both add moisture. I personally prefer melted butter for its flavor, but oil is lighter. Common swaps include coconut oil or applesauce for a lower-fat option.
Fresh Cherries: These are the star of the muffins! If cherries aren’t available, blueberries or raspberries make excellent substitutes.
Cinnamon: This is optional but adds warmth. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it, or try nutmeg for a different flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Fold in Fresh Cherries?
Folding in the cherries is a delicate task to keep the muffins light and airy. Here’s how to do it:
- Once your batter is mixed, add the cherries directly to the bowl.
- Use a spatula to gently scoop down from the bottom and around the sides, turning the batter over the cherries. Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent breaking them.
- Continue folding until the cherries are evenly distributed without mashing them. This keeps the muffins nicely textured!
Taking it slow will enhance the muffin’s flavor and texture, creating delightful cherry pockets in each bite. Happy baking!
Cherry Muffins (Fresh and Easy)
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 1¼ cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a warm touch)
- Optional: Extra sugar for sprinkling on top
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need roughly 30 minutes before your delicious cherry muffins are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners. This will make it easier to remove the muffins later!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. This will help to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevent clumping.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg and add the milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined and frothy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine—overmixing can make your muffins tough!
5. Fold in the Cherries:
Carefully add the pitted and halved cherries to your batter. Use a spatula to gently fold them in, making sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them too much. You want to maintain those lovely cherry pieces!
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin cups, filling each one about two-thirds full. If you’d like a little extra sweetness, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of each muffin.
7. Bake:
Bake the muffins in your preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes. They’re ready when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them fresh for breakfast or as a delightful snack!
These muffins are sure to impress with their beautiful golden tops and juicy cherry bursts. Enjoy every fluffy bite!
Can I Substitute Frozen Cherries for Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen cherries and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. This prevents your muffins from becoming too soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener Besides Granulated Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly if you’re using liquid sweeteners.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Consider adding ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor, or fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for additional texture and taste! Just be careful not to overwhelm the delicate cherry flavor.
