Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These muffins are perfect for a sumptuous breakfast or a satisfying snack. Bursting with juicy strawberries in every bite, they offer a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The addition of a crunchy streusel topping adds a delightful texture contrast, making these muffins irresistibly appealing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these muffins are straightforward to make, requiring only basic ingredients and a simple process. The result is a batch of homemade muffins that surpass anything you might find at a bakery, ready to be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparing Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins is a straightforward process that requires some basic kitchen tools. To begin, you’ll need a standard muffin tin, lined with paper liners to ensure easy removal of the muffins after baking. For the streusel topping, a small bowl and a fork are essential for mixing the ingredients until they form coarse crumbs. The muffin batter requires a large bowl for combining the dry ingredients and a medium bowl for the wet ingredients. A whisk is handy for thoroughly mixing the egg, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Once the wet and dry ingredients are ready, they can be combined using a spatula, ensuring a gentle folding process to maintain the muffins’ light texture. Additionally, a separate bowl is needed for preparing the cream cheese filling, blending the cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and corn starch. Finally, an oven preheated to the correct temperature is crucial for baking the muffins to perfection.

Ingredients List

Streusel Crumb Topping:

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the topping.
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping and adds richness.

Strawberry Muffins:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the muffin, giving it structure.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
• ½ cup Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang.
• 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature: Creates a creamy texture.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor.
• 1 teaspoon corn starch: Stabilizes the filling.

Glaze (Optional):

• ¾ cup powdered sugar: Provides sweetness to the glaze.
• 1 ½ – 2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Streusel Topping: Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add melted butter and whisk until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
3. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Wet Ingredients: Whisk egg and granulated sugar in a medium bowl until combined. Add yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until pale and yellow.
5. Combine: Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients by hand.
6. Add Strawberries: Gently fold in diced strawberries, reserving some for topping.
7. Cream Cheese Filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, corn starch, and vanilla until combined.
8. Assemble Muffins: Place a tablespoon of muffin mixture in each cup. Add a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center, then cover with more muffin batter.
9. Top with Streusel: Add streusel crumbs and reserved strawberry pieces on top, pressing gently.
10. Bake: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown and set.
11. Cool & Glaze: Cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. If desired, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream.

If you’re looking for a no-bake option that’s equally delicious, our Best No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake is a must-try recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are not just a treat for the taste buds but also offer some nutritional benefits. Strawberries, the star ingredient, are rich in vitamins, fiber, and particularly high in antioxidants known as polyphenols. They are a sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie food, and a good source of manganese and potassium. Including strawberries in your diet can contribute to heart health, help control blood sugar, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

The addition of Greek yogurt in the recipe contributes calcium, protein, and probiotics, which are beneficial for digestive health. Using ingredients like all-purpose flour and sugar in moderation balances the nutritional aspect while ensuring the muffins are a delightful treat. It’s important to note that while these muffins contain beneficial ingredients, they should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

After enjoying these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins, why not try another healthy and delicious option? Check out Ina Garten’s Morning Glory Muffins for a culinary masterpiece that’s both nutritious and delightful. Or, for a decadent treat, explore the rich flavors of Caramel Turtle Cheesecake, a perfect blend of caramel, chocolate, and nuts

Common Mistakes To Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

To ensure the best results when making Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Not Preheating the Oven: A properly preheated oven ensures even baking.
3. Overfilling Muffin Cups: Fill each cup 2/3 to ¾ full to allow space for rising.
4. Using Cold Cream Cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly.
5. Ignoring Muffin Consistency: The batter should be lumpy and thick for moist muffins.

To perfect the recipe:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: They add more flavor and moisture than frozen ones.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the muffins are baked through.
• Let Muffins Cool: Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

If you’re in the mood for more autumn-inspired treats after perfecting these muffins, explore our Easy Pumpkin Pie Cake for a simple yet delicious dessert.

Tips, Notes, Storing, and Reheating Leftovers

Tips and Notes:

• Size of Strawberry Pieces: Dice the strawberries into small pieces for even distribution and better texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Streusel Topping: For a crunchier topping, consider adding a bit of rolled oats or chopped nuts.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk or cream in the glaze to get your desired thickness.

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating:

• Room Temperature: Let them come to room temperature naturally if refrigerated or frozen.
• Microwave: For a quick warm-up, microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

For those who love the combination of vegetables and sweet treats, our Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate Chips offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for any muffin enthusiast.

 FAQs about Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

1. Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
3. Can I replace the sugar with a healthier alternative? Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute, but it may alter the texture and taste.
4. How do I know when the muffins are done? Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re done.
5. Can I add other fruits? Yes, blueberries or raspberries can be a great addition or substitute.

In conclusion, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat, a snack, or even as a dessert, their combination of juicy strawberries, creamy cheese filling, and a crunchy streusel topping makes them a versatile and irresistible choice. The simplicity of the recipe, coupled with the tips and tricks provided, ensures that bakers of all levels can successfully create these muffins. Remember to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet and don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits or toppings to add your twist to this delightful recipe.

As you enjoy these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins, don’t forget to explore more of our dessert recipes, like Justine Kameron’s Dessert Recipes, for more sweet inspiration.

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