Are you dreaming of warm, summer days filled with the sweet taste of fresh cherries? Then look no further! This easy cherry muffin recipe is the perfect way to capture that delicious summer feeling, any time of year. These muffins are bursting with juicy cherries and offer a delightful balance of sweetness and a tender crumb. They're quick to make, perfect for a busy weeknight, and impressive enough for a weekend brunch. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your homemade cooking journey, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite among your easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped almonds or pecans for topping
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This simple step ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily.
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines all the dry ingredients for even distribution in the batter.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Don't rush this step; proper creaming creates a tender crumb.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing leads to tough muffins!
Add Cherries: Gently fold in the pitted and halved cherries. Be careful not to crush them.
Fill and Bake: Fill the muffin cups about ¾ full. If using, sprinkle with chopped nuts. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious, healthy meals warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Cherry Muffins:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature butter and eggs ensures a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Fresh Cherries are Best: While frozen cherries work in a pinch, fresh cherries provide the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet muffin, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Lemon Cherry Muffins: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Cherry Muffins: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the cherries.
- Spiced Cherry Muffins: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting spice.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
This easy recipe for delicious cherry muffins is a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Their delightful taste and simple preparation make them ideal for any occasion, from a casual weeknight snack to a more elegant weekend brunch. Enjoy!