Enjoy these Cherry Muffins bursting with sweet, juicy cherries in every bite. Fluffy, golden, and topped with a hint of crunch, these muffins are impossible to resist and take only 35 minutes to make!
This cherry muffin recipe is simple to make but tastes like it came straight from a bakery! Packed with fresh cherries, brown sugar, and a hint of butter, they bake up soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden every time. They've quickly become my favorite go-to for a quick breakfast or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
If you love these fresh cherry muffins, you'll also enjoy our sweet cherry bars and homemade cherry turnovers.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Minimal prep and just 20 minutes in the oven make these muffins an easy, delicious go-to treat. For another quick baked treat, try these cranberry brie bites.
- Loaded with Fresh Cherries: Juicy, sweet cherries in every bite give a delicious burst of fruity flavor.
- Kid-Approved: Soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet, these cherry muffins with fresh cherries are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the muffins. Make sure to measure correctly by spooning it into your cup and leveling it off for accurate results.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor. Light or dark brown sugar both work.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness. Using whole milk gives a better texture, but 2% milk also works.
- Butter: Adds flavor and tenderness. Make sure it's fully melted and slightly cooled before adding to avoid curdling the batter.
- Fresh Cherries: The star of the recipe! Look for firm, ripe cherries, and remove the pits.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Cherry Muffins: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to cater to gluten sensitivities. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum to help with texture and structure.
- Chocolate Cherry Muffins: Add ½ cup of chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate to the batter for a rich, indulgent twist. For another chocolatey baked treat, try our easy chocolate bread recipe.
- Cherry Streusel Muffins: Top your muffins with a simple streusel made from flour, sugar, and butter before baking. This adds a sweet, crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with the soft muffin base.
- Extra Fruit & Nut Variations: Add fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or mashed banana for extra fruity flavor, or fold in walnuts for added crunch and texture.
How to Make Cherry Muffins
To make this cherry muffin recipe, start by preheating the oven to 400℉ and lining a muffin tin with paper liners or greasing it lightly. This ensures your muffins bake evenly and don't stick.
- Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients. Whisk the flour, brown sugar, and baking powder in a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Make the Batter. Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk and melted butter. Add the chopped fresh cherries and fold them into the batter carefully so they're evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin. Spoon about ¼ cup of batter into each liner, making sure each muffin has some cherries. Sprinkle a little raw sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Step 5: Bake the Muffins. Place the tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm for breakfast with some cinnamon chip bread.
Expert Tips
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined; overmixing can make muffins dense and tough.
- Fold in Cherries Gently: Gently folding cherries ensures even distribution without crushing them, keeping each bite juicy.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurement; too much flour can make muffins dry.
- Check for Doneness Early: Start testing muffins at 18 minutes with a toothpick; baking too long can dry them out.
- Store and Freeze: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- They make a great afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or a cold glass of milk.
- For potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday breakfasts, they're easy to share and go well with some brunch favorites like our hashbrown breakfast casserole, sausage egg muffins, or homemade waffles.
- These cherry muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go, or pack them for lunch with some hearty cheeseburger soup.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, to prevent extra moisture from affecting the batter, thaw and drain the frozen cherries first. You can also toss them lightly in flour before folding them in to help keep them evenly distributed throughout the muffins.
Toss the chopped cherries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter; this helps keep them evenly distributed.
Overbaking is the most common cause. Check them a few minutes before the recommended time with a toothpick and remove as soon as it comes out clean.
More Delicious Easy Baking Recipes
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Cherry Muffins
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup fresh cherries pitted and chopped
- 1½ tablespoons raw sugar to top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400℉ and line your muffin tin with liners.
- In a bowl, add flour, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk and melted butter; stir well. Then fold in the fresh cherries.
- Then add about ¼ cup of the batter to each muffin liner in your muffin tin. You will need to make these in batches and sprinkle raw sugar on top of all the muffin batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when poked into the center.
- Let cool before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- Stir the batter gently until just combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Fold the cherries in carefully to prevent them from breaking and ensure even distribution.
- Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dry muffins.
- Sprinkle raw sugar on top of each muffin for a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
So yummy and easy to make. They are great for a quick breakfast or a tasty snack.