These cherry muffins are a treat you won’t want to miss! Packed with juicy cherries and super easy to make, they’re a delicious way to brighten your day.
There’s nothing like the smell of fresh muffins baking! I love enjoying them warm with a touch of butter. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your muffins. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Granulated Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps with browning. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the muffins moist. You could use melted butter for additional flavor or coconut oil for a subtle hint. Both work nicely!
Fresh Cherries: While fresh is best, you can use frozen cherries too. Just thaw and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the muffins.
How Do I Get Light and Fluffy Muffins?
A key part of achieving light muffins is in the mixing. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until they come together. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
- Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon for gentle folding.
- Add cherries carefully to prevent bruising.
- Fill muffin tins only 2/3 full to give them room to rise.
Keep an eye on them while baking, as every oven is different. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they’re ready!
Cherry Muffins (Fresh and Easy)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, and then about 20 minutes to bake. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have warm, delicious cherry muffins ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, line a muffin tin with paper liners or give it a light greasing to ensure those muffins come out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure your muffins are light and fluffy!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This is the wet part of your mixture!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep those muffins light and airy!
5. Add the Cherries:
Now, gently fold in the halved cherries. Try to distribute them evenly without breaking them too much; we want those tasty bites throughout your muffins!
6. Fill the Muffin Tins:
Divide the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Fill each about 2/3 full to give them room to rise while baking. It’s okay if they’re not perfect; they’re going to be delicious regardless!
7. Sprinkle Some Sugar:
Take a moment to sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of each muffin for a sweet, crunchy crust once baked. Yum!
8. Bake Them Up:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; ovens can vary!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these fresh and easy cherry muffins warm or at room temperature! They’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps prevent extra moisture in the muffins, keeping them from becoming soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe with Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may yield a denser muffin, so you might need to add a splash more milk to achieve the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them: wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a deeper flavor or mix in a handful of chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and taste. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also complement the cherries beautifully!