Freshly baked cherry muffins with cherries on a rustic wooden table

Cherry Muffins

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why make this recipe

Cherry muffins are a delightful treat that combines the sweet, tart flavor of fresh cherries with a soft and fluffy muffin base. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. By making these muffins, you can enjoy the deliciousness of cherries while also creating a warm, homemade snack that everyone will love. They are easy to make and great for sharing, making them a hit at family gatherings or brunch.

how to make Cherry Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 ¼ cup fresh cherries

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with 8 paper liners or lightly grease 8 cups.
  2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, milk, egg, and almond extract until well combined.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk just until combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the cherries. The batter will be thick to help suspend the cherries throughout the muffins.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the 8 prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

how to serve Cherry Muffins

Cherry muffins are best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or with a spread of butter. For a fun twist, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for dessert. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread.

how to store Cherry Muffins

To store cherry muffins, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them in the oven or microwave.

tips to make Cherry Muffins

  • Make sure to use fresh cherries for the best flavor.
  • If you want sweeter muffins, consider adding a little extra sugar.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter; this helps keep the muffins light and fluffy.
  • You can sprinkle some sugar on top before baking for a sweet crust.

variation

You can easily customize cherry muffins by adding other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, or mixing in chocolate chips for a richer flavor. For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use honey instead of granulated sugar.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the muffin batter.

2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the baking powder used is also gluten-free.

3. How long do cherry muffins last?
Cherry muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.