Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, tender muffin bursting with the sweetness of fresh fruit and a luscious cream cheese center, which is why this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to bake and share. This recipe effortlessly combines soft, crumbly muffin texture with juicy diced strawberries and a rich, creamy filling that surprises you in every bite. Whether you’re serving these for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they always make moments a little brighter and cozier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on familiar ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering perfect flavor, texture, and that irresistible strawberry aroma. Every component is thoughtfully chosen to bring balance and richness to this unforgettable muffin experience.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your muffins, providing structure for a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to each bite.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents to make your muffins rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates a silky, tender texture and adds richness.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the strawberries.
• Eggs: Give structure and help the muffins hold together nicely.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Fresh strawberries (hulled and diced): The star of the recipe, infusing freshness and lovely bursts of fruity sweetness.
• Cream cheese (softened): For a luscious, creamy filling that makes these muffins truly special.
• Additional sugar for the cream cheese filling: Sweetens and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Egg yolk for the cream cheese filling: Adds richness and helps create a smooth filling.
• Flour, sugars, cinnamon, and cold butter for streusel topping: Optional but highly recommended for a delightful crunchy finish that contrasts perfectly with the soft muffins.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by beating softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, incorporate the egg yolk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat again until the mixture is silky and well combined. Set this luscious filling aside—it’s what will give your muffins that incredible surprise center.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping (Optional)

Mix together the flour, granulated and brown sugars, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cold butter cubes and cut them in with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping adds a wonderful crunchy texture and a hint of warmth from the cinnamon, which makes these muffins even more irresistible. If you like, refrigerate it until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, cut the cold butter into this dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs—this creates the delicate crumb texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, careful not to overmix—small lumps are perfectly fine. This careful mixing ensures tender muffins instead of dense ones.

Step 5: Fold in the Fresh Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries. They add bursts of juicy freshness and vibrant color to every muffin, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter. Then, spoon approximately one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each. Top each muffin with remaining batter nearly to the top, and if using, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each one. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean and the tops are beautifully golden. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar immediately before serving adds a delicate touch of sweetness and makes the muffins look downright irresistible. Fresh strawberry slices or a small sprig of mint on top can also brighten the presentation and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of vanilla yogurt for a balanced breakfast. If serving at brunch, fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with nuts and citrus vinaigrette complements the sweet richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these muffins into a festive treat by layering sliced strawberries and cream cheese filling in a glass for a decadent parfait. Or create mini sandwich-style delights by splitting muffins and adding extra cream cheese or strawberry jam for a bite that’s easy to share and hard to forget.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their freshness, avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the muffins, but if your room is warm, refrigerate and let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the muffins wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.

Reheating

Warm your muffins gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and makes the creamy center even more delightful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe?

While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that might affect the muffin batter.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk, or can I substitute it?

Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps with the muffin’s tender crumb, but you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup for similar results.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy cream cheese and milk. Keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly, but the muffins will remain delicious.

What makes this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe different from regular strawberry muffins?

The addition of the creamy, tangy cream cheese center and optional streusel topping make these muffins stand out with extra richness and a delightful texture contrast.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just make sure your muffin tins and oven capacity can handle the quantity. Baking times may stay similar, but keep an eye on the muffins as every oven is a bit different.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug straight from the oven—sweet, comforting, and delightfully memorable. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these muffins are straightforward to prepare yet impress everyone lucky enough to taste them. I can’t recommend trying them enough; once you do, they just might become your go-to recipe for sharing a little sweetness any day of the week.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x

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Description

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins combine moist, tender muffin batter with a luscious cream cheese filling and a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. Perfectly sweet with fresh strawberries folded into the batter, these muffins are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack.

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Ingredients

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Muffin Batter

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Streusel Topping (Optional)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, then beat again until well combined. Set aside or refrigerate.
2. Make the Streusel Topping (Optional): In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside or refrigerate.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Cut Butter into Dry Ingredients: Add cold cubed butter to the dry mixture and cut it in with a pastry blender or fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing; some lumps are fine.
8. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in diced fresh strawberries to distribute evenly.
9. Assemble Muffins – Bottom Layer: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter.
10. Add Cream Cheese Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin cup.
11. Top with Remaining Batter: Cover the cream cheese filling with remaining batter, filling each cup nearly to the top.
12. Add Streusel Topping: If using, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the muffin tops.
13. Bake Muffins: Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Muffin tops should be golden and streusel browned.
14. Cool Muffins: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Use cold butter for both the muffin batter and streusel to achieve a crumbly texture.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and moist.
• The cream cheese filling can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
• The streusel topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch and cinnamon flavor.
• Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor; if unavailable, frozen (thawed and drained) can be substituted.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American