Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

These strawberry cream cheese muffins offer a delightful balance of sweet berries and a luscious creamy center wrapped in tender, moist muffin crumb with a crisp golden topping. Perfect for breakfast or anytime you crave a comforting homemade treat, this recipe brings fresh fruit and rich cream cheese into an easy to make bake that brightens up any morning.

My first batch came about when I needed a quick treat for a brunch and now these muffins are a household favorite. The kids beg for them and I love making them because they are just as good warm from the oven as they are later in the day.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Granulated sugar for sweetness that balances the tang of the cream cheese: Use fine pure cane sugar for the best texture and flavor
• Egg yolk enriches the cream cheese mixture to give it a smooth, silky texture: Farm fresh eggs really make a difference here
• All-purpose flour provides structure to both the muffins and crumb topping: Opt for unbleached flour for a tender crumb
• Salt amplifies the flavors: Use fine sea salt and only a small pinch to avoid overpowering the sweetness
• Milk adds moisture and tenderness: Whole milk is ideal for richness but any milk will work
• Vegetable oil keeps the muffins soft and moist: Choose a neutral oil like sunflower or canola for a clean flavor
• Extra flour for tossing diced strawberries: This is a small but key step to prevent the berries from sinking
• Unsalted butter melted to create the crisp, golden crumb topping: Use high-quality sweet cream butter for the best taste

How to Make It

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s fully heated when you are ready to bake. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup so the muffins release easily after baking.

Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:

In a small bowl combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir with a fork or small spatula until smooth and creamy. It is normal for this mixture to be a bit soft—set it aside while preparing the batter.

Mix Dry Ingredients for Muffins:

In a large bowl whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Spend a minute making sure these ingredients are evenly combined so your muffins rise uniformly and have consistent flavor.

Blend Wet Ingredients:

In a medium bowl beat the large eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks glossy and smooth. This thorough mixing ensures even distribution of moisture and richness throughout the batter.

Toss Strawberries in Flour:

Gently coat diced fresh or well-drained thawed strawberries with a tablespoon of flour. This simple step suspends the berries evenly in the batter instead of letting them sink to the bottom of the muffins.

Make the Crumb Topping:

In a small bowl stir together flour and granulated sugar. Drizzle in melted unsalted butter and mix with a fork until you get moist crumbs about the size of peas. These will bake into a crisp, buttery topping for your muffins.

Assemble Muffins:

Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into the prepared tin cups. Add a dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center, then cover with more batter until each cup is about two-thirds full. Sprinkle crumb topping generously over each muffin.

Bake and Cool:

Bake for about 25 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted near the edge (avoiding the cream center) comes out clean. Let the muffins cool on a wire rack before eating to allow the cream cheese center to set properly for the best texture.

I adore that surprise burst of creamy filling hidden in the middle of these muffins. They remind me of cozy weekend mornings when my family gathers around coffee and fresh baked goods. Every bite feels like a special treat but these remain a simple recipe that fits into busy schedules.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store completely cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them covered to prevent drying out. They freeze beautifully when wrapped individually, allowing you to defrost a muffin or two as needed for quick breakfasts. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven to revive the crisp crumb topping—microwaving tends to soften it.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are lovely served slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple elegant finish. Pair them with a mug of coffee or cold milk to balance the sweetness. They shine on brunch platters alongside fresh fruit or mini quiches and are perfect for picnics or an afternoon snack.

Creative Twists

Ingredient Substitutions If you don’t have cream cheese or want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt for a tangy filling. Frozen strawberries can replace fresh ones but be sure they are fully thawed and drained before tossing in flour to avoid excess moisture. For a dairy-free version, swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil and try almond extract in place of vanilla for a bakery-style twist.

These muffins are a perfect blend of simple ingredients and surprising creaminess that makes them an instant favorite. Enjoy each bite fresh or reheated with a crisp crumb topping.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I keep strawberries from sinking?

Toss diced strawberries with flour before folding them into the batter to suspend the fruit evenly and prevent sinking during baking.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture, then coat with flour before adding to the batter for best texture.

→ What type of cream cheese should I use?

Use full-fat, softened block cream cheese to achieve a rich and creamy center; avoid whipped or spreadable varieties.

→ Is the crumb topping necessary?

The crumb topping adds a pleasant texture and flavor contrast, but the muffins can be baked without it for a simpler finish.

→ How should I store these muffins?

Keep cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Reheat gently to refresh the topping.