Cherry Muffins
Introduction
About these cherry muffins
If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of tartness, cherry muffins should be at the top of your list. These soft, fluffy muffins are studded with juicy cherries and are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. This recipe is simple to prepare and creates muffins that are moist, tender, and packed with cherry goodness. Let’s take a closer look at how these muffins come together.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
All-purpose flour
This recipe uses 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour to provide the base.
Baking powder
You’ll need 2 teaspoons to help your muffins rise.
Salt
1/4 teaspoon of salt enhances flavor without overpowering.
Granulated sugar
3/4 cup of granulated sugar adds the right level of sweetness to the muffins.
Egg
Use 1 large egg for binding and structure.
Milk
1/2 cup of milk brings moisture to the batter.
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup adds tenderness to the muffins.
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the muffins.
Pitted cherries
You’ll need 1 1/4 cups of fresh or frozen cherries. These form the heart of the recipe, giving bursts of flavor in every bite.
Prep Time
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure to measure all the ingredients accurately. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, setting the mixture aside. In another bowl, combine sugar, egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Baking and Results
The muffins bake for around 22 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before enjoying them.
Total Preparation Time
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 35 to 40 minutes, including prep and baking time. It yields approximately 12 muffins, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Enjoy these cherry muffins—they’re a tasty, easy-to-make treat that everyone will love!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the oven and pans
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, yogurt, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Combine dry and wet ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold them together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense muffins.
Prepare the cherries
Wash the cherries, remove the pits, and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Gently fold the prepared cherries into the batter.
Fill the muffin tins
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about three-quarters full. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added texture and sweetness.
Bake the muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool the muffins
Remove the muffin tray from the oven. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Measure flour correctly
When measuring flour, use the spoon and level method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife to avoid packing too much flour into the cup.
Substitute for yogurt
If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream or buttermilk. These options will maintain the right consistency and moisture for the muffins.
Use fresh cherries
For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe cherries. Frozen cherries can also be used, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before adding them to the batter.
Avoid overmixing
Only mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense or tough-textured muffins.
Storing muffins
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating muffins
To enjoy muffins warm, reheat them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes.
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Cook Techniques
How to prevent muffins from sticking to the pan
Line the muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking. Alternatively, grease the cavities of the muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
How to fold cherries into the batter
Gently fold the cherries into the batter with a spatula to prevent them from bursting or crushing. This ensures an even distribution of cherries throughout the muffins.
How to test if muffins are done baking
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, the muffins are done baking.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries instead of fresh. Be sure to thaw the cherries and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
Can I substitute another fruit for cherries?
Yes, you can substitute another fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries for the cherries.
How should I store cherry muffins?
Store cherry muffins at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze cherry muffins?
Yes, cherry muffins freeze well. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Why are my muffins dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure fluffy muffins.
Can I make smaller muffins, like mini muffins?
Yes, you can make mini muffins by using a mini muffin pan. Reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes and test for doneness with a toothpick.
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Conclusion
Cherry muffins are a delectable treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with the moist and fluffy texture of a delightful muffin. These muffins make for a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert option that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Their simplicity in preparation and the burst of fruity flavor make them a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Blueberry Muffins
Switch out the cherries for blueberries to create a similarly juicy and sweet muffin variety. Fresh or frozen blueberries work wonderfully in muffin recipes.
Chocolate Chip Cherry Muffins
Add chocolate chips along with the cherries for a chocolatey twist that balances out the tartness of the cherries with sweetness.
Mixed Berry Muffins
Combine cherries with other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries to create a mixed berry muffin packed with flavor.
Almond Cherry Muffins
Incorporate almond extract or slivers of almonds into the batter for a nutty and aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Cherry Lemon Muffins
Include a splash of fresh lemon juice or zest to brighten the flavor of the muffins and give them a tangy, refreshing twist.
