Name: Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 1½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated white sugar; 2½ teaspoons baking powder; pinch of salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks; 2 cups (one dry pint) pitted fresh or frozen cherries (if using frozen, do not thaw); 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Jump to Recipe

If you love a moist, fruity muffin with a sweet, crumbly crown, these Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping are about to become your new favorite treat. Bursting with juicy cherries in every bite, topped with an irresistibly crisp streusel, and kissed with a hint of lemon zest, these muffins are pure comfort — perfect for breakfast, snack time or whenever you need a bright, home-baked pick-me-up.

Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Every component here has a crucial role, from tenderizing the crumb to bringing out that remarkable cherry flavor and just the right amount of lush, cozy sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need for truly memorable Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping.

Eggs: They add structure and richness, making the muffins moist and fluffy.
Milk: For a soft, tender crumb and just the right amount of moisture.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth that pairs beautifully with cherries.
All purpose flour: The backbone of your muffins — use a light hand when stirring to keep things tender.
Granulated white sugar: Sweetens the batter while also ensuring a golden, crisp muffin top.
Baking powder: Gives the muffins their lovely, lofty rise.
Salt: Brightens and balances every flavor in the mix.
Ground cinnamon (optional): Just a pinch for subtle spice; it plays so well with cherries.
Cold unsalted butter: Essential for both tenderness and forming those delightful streusel crumbles.
Fresh or frozen cherries: Star of the show! Use them frozen without thawing to avoid bleeding, or dust fresh ones lightly with flour.
Freshly grated lemon zest: Elevates the muffin with zingy, aromatic brightness.
Additional unsalted butter: Melted and mixed into the streusel for that signature crumbly topping.

How to Make Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Cherries

Preheat your oven to 375°F and get your muffin tin ready by lightly greasing a 12-cup pan or lining it with papers and greasing those as well. If you’re using fresh cherries, toss them in a little flour so their juices don’t color the batter — this keeps every muffin picture perfect.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This creates the liquid backbone that will tenderize and flavor your muffins, ensuring every bite is soft and aromatic.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and, if you like, cinnamon for an extra hit of warmth. Next, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until you see coarse, sandy crumbs — this keeps your muffins light and the streusel crumbly.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Scoop out 1 cup of your crumbly flour mixture and set it aside in a smaller bowl — this will become your streusel! Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir it into this reserved flour mix until everything is evenly moistened and crumbly.

Step 5: Add Cherries and Lemon Zest

To the remaining flour mixture, gently fold in the cherries and grated lemon zest. Be delicate here — you don’t want to crush the cherries, just evenly distribute their juice and tartness through your batter.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry, Fill the Muffin Tins

Pour your egg and milk mixture into the bowl with the flour and cherries. Stir until just combined — overmixing leads to tough muffins! Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full using a pair of spoons or an ice cream scoop for even portions.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle a generous tablespoon of streusel topping over each filled muffin cup. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping

Garnishes

Serve your Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping with a light dusting of powdered sugar, or add a little extra flair by sprinkling on a touch more lemon zest or a glossy cherry on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

These muffins are perfect with a creamy yogurt parfait, fresh fruit salad, or a mug of café au lait. For a heartier start, pair with a slice of bacon or a cheddar omelet for a savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn breakfast into a special occasion by serving Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping in a pretty basket lined with a colorful napkin. Or, arrange them on a cake stand and drizzle lightly with a quick lemon glaze for brunch with friends. Mini muffins make lovely party bites, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the muffins to cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the streusel remains delightfully crisp!

Freezing

Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping freeze marvelously. Simply wrap each cooled muffin in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag; they last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best results.

Reheating

For that “freshly baked” experience, pop your muffin in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The streusel crisps right back up!

FAQs

Can I use other fruits in place of cherries?

Absolutely. Swap the cherries for blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches. Just make sure to keep the fruit-to-batter ratio the same and dust fresh fruit with a bit of flour to prevent sinking or bleeding.

Do I have to use the streusel topping?

The streusel is what really sets Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping apart, adding both crunch and sweetness. That said, you can skip it or sprinkle with coarse sugar for a simpler finish if you prefer.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute an all-purpose gluten free flour blend in place of regular flour. Check that your baking powder is also gluten-free for the best results.

What’s the secret to keeping muffins tender?

Mix the batter gently — just until combined. Over-mixing develops the gluten, which makes muffins chewy rather than tender. Using cold butter also helps create that soft crumb and perfect streusel.

Can I make these muffins ahead for a brunch party?

Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping are an excellent make-ahead option. Bake them the night before and store at room temperature. The streusel even holds up beautifully until brunch time!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking a batch of Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping from scratch. Every step fills your kitchen with warmth, and the first bite is pure comfort food magic. Give these muffins a try — your mornings (and your friends and family) will thank you!

Cherry Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Cherry Muffins with a delectable Streusel Topping that adds a perfect crunch to every bite. Ideal for breakfast or as a sweet treat throughout the day.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin; or line the tin with papers, and grease the papers.
Prepare Muffin Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk and vanilla extract. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour with the sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Cut the butter into the flour mixture. Gently fold cherries and lemon zest in the batter. Fill muffin cups with the batter.
Make Streusel Topping: Melt 2 tablespoons butter and stir into reserved flour mixture until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of each muffin.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Remove from oven, cool slightly, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Notes

If using fresh cherries, dust them lightly with flour to prevent bleeding into the muffins.
If using frozen cherries, add them frozen to the batter to prevent juices from bleeding out.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American