Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful combination of soft, fluffy muffins and creamy, tangy filling. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these muffins bring together the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the richness of cream cheese. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself, these muffins are a must-try!

What Are Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins?

These muffins feature a tender crumb base infused with fresh strawberries, complemented by a luscious cream cheese filling baked right into the center. They strike the perfect balance between fruity and creamy flavors, making them a versatile and indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with flavor: Sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese create an irresistible combination.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile: Enjoy these muffins as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert.
• Make-ahead friendly: These muffins store well, so you can prepare them in advance for busy mornings or gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 ½ cups (225 g) fresh strawberries, diced

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, mixing until smooth.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, mixing until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

Making the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Muffins

1. Spoon a layer of muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling about halfway.
2. Add a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each cup.
3. Cover the cream cheese with more muffin batter, filling each cup about ¾ full.

Baking

1. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese) comes out clean.
2. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these muffins warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-like experience.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Low-sugar: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.
• Berry mix: Replace strawberries with a mix of berries like blueberries and raspberries.
• Lemon twist: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy kick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?
Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds.

Can I skip the cream cheese filling?
Absolutely! The muffins will still be delicious, just less creamy.

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect combination of fruity sweetness and creamy indulgence. With their soft texture and vibrant flavor, they’re bound to become a household favorite. Try them today and let us know how they turned out—your next favorite treat awaits!

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