Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Who doesn’t love a delicious, freshly-baked muffin? Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins combine the tangy sweetness of strawberries with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese, all topped off with a delightful streusel crumb. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, these muffins are sure to become a favorite. Read on to discover how to make these delectable treats from scratch and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

What are Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins?

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are a type of baked good that combines a moist and fluffy muffin base with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling. The muffins are infused with fresh strawberries, giving them a burst of fruity flavor in every bite. Topped with a buttery streusel crumb and finished with a sweet glaze, these muffins offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

To make these delightful muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Streusel Crumb Topping:

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Strawberry Muffins:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 6 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon corn starch

Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ – 2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream

Substitutions and Variations

If you need to make adjustments based on dietary restrictions or ingredient availability, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Greek Yogurt: Use sour cream or plain yogurt if Greek yogurt is unavailable.
• Vegetable Oil: Swap with melted coconut oil or melted butter for a different flavor.
• Strawberries: Replace with other berries such as blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
• Cream Cheese: For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Streusel Crumb Topping:
   • In a medium bowl, mix ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
   • Add ¼ cup melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   • In a separate bowl, beat 6 oz. cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon corn starch. Mix until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Muffin Batter:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
   • In another bowl, combine ¼ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well.
   • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Gently fold in ½ cup Greek yogurt and 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries until incorporated.
4. Assemble the Muffins:
   • Fill each muffin cup with a small spoonful of muffin batter.
   • Add a dollop of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter.
   • Cover the cream cheese filling with another spoonful of muffin batter, filling each cup about ¾ full.
   • Sprinkle the streusel crumb topping generously over each muffin.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, mix ¾ cup powdered sugar with 1 ½ – 2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream until smooth and pourable.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: This can result in tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Filling Muffin Cups Too Full: Overfilled cups can cause muffins to overflow. Aim for about ¾ full.
• Not Letting Ingredients Come to Room Temperature: Cold ingredients can affect the texture and mixing process. Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. For an extra special touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh strawberries.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

• Platter Presentation: Arrange the muffins on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.
• Basket Display: Place muffins in a lined basket for a rustic, homey look, perfect for brunch gatherings.
• Gift Idea: Wrap muffins individually in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe Tips

• Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Even Filling: Ensure even layers of batter and cream cheese filling for a uniform look and taste.
• Cooling Time: Allow muffins to cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the muffins from becoming too moist.

How Do I Store These Muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I Make Mini Muffins with This Recipe?

Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes for mini muffins.

What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt?

Sour cream or plain yogurt can be used as substitutes for Greek yogurt.

Can I Omit the Streusel Topping?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler muffin, you can omit the streusel topping.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of fresh strawberries and creamy cheese, all topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to bake these delicious muffins with ease. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them at a brunch, these muffins are sure to impress. Happy baking!

Print