Name: Cherry Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved; 1 tbsp flour (for tossing cherries)

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Cherry Muffins are tender, bakery-style muffins bursting with juicy cherries and topped with a delicate crumb for added sweetness and texture. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, offering a delightful balance of fruity freshness and soft, buttery crumb.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are wonderfully moist, full of cherry flavor, and incredibly simple to prepare. The crumb topping adds a pleasing crunch, while the cherries provide natural sweetness and vibrant color. Whether made with fresh, frozen, or jarred cherries, the recipe yields consistently delicious results. They store well, travel well, and make an excellent choice for gatherings, lunchboxes, or weekend baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the muffins:

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter, melted
eggs
milk or buttermilk
vanilla extract
cherries (fresh, frozen, or jarred), pitted and halved

For the crumb topping:

granulated sugar
flour
cold butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the cherries gently to avoid overmixing.
In a small bowl, combine topping ingredients until crumbly.
Fill muffin liners about two-thirds full with batter.
Sprinkle crumb mixture over the tops.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

Makes: 12 muffins
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: approximately 30–35 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Chip Cherry Muffins: Add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Almond Cherry Muffins: Add almond extract and sliced almonds.
Lemon Cherry Muffins: Add lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
Streusel Upgrade: Add cinnamon or brown sugar to the crumb topping.
Mixed Berry Muffins: Combine cherries with raspberries or blueberries.

Storage/Reheating

Store muffins at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for extended freshness.
Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, add them straight from the freezer without thawing.

Why are my muffins dense?

Overmixing the batter can cause density; mix just until combined.

Can I replace butter with oil?

Yes, vegetable or canola oil works and will make the muffins slightly softer.

Can I use sour cherries?

Yes—they offer tartness; increase sugar slightly if desired.

Why did my muffins turn blue?

Cherry juice reacts with baking powder; this is harmless.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds pair beautifully with cherries.

Can I use whole cherries?

Yes, but chopping them ensures more even distribution.

Why did my muffins stick to the liners?

Allow muffins to cool fully before removing.

How can I make them bakery-style tall?

Fill liners to the top and bake at a higher temperature for the first 5 minutes (425°F), then reduce heat.

Can I make a loaf instead?

Yes—bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes.

Conclusion

Cherry Muffins offer a bright, fruity, and comforting baked treat perfect for any time of the day. With their soft texture, sweet crumb topping, and juicy cherry bursts, these muffins are both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. Ideal for brunch, snacking, or gifting, they are a delightful addition to any baker’s recipe collection.