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Fresh Cherry Muffins

Fresh Cherry Muffins

These Fresh Cherry Muffins are the perfect way to capture the vibrant essence of cherry season, offering a delightful balance of sweet, juicy cherries and tender, fluffy muffin. This recipe is incredibly useful for anyone looking for a quick, homemade breakfast or snack that tastes far better than anything store-bought.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk whole or 2% recommended
  • 2 cups fresh cherries pitted and halved (or quartered if large)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest optional
  • coarse sugar for topping, optional

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Wire rack
  • Medium Bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. If using fresh cherries, ensure they are pitted and halved or quartered, depending on their size.
    2 cups fresh cherries
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    ½ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional lemon zest.
    2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are acceptable.
    2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup milk
  6. Gently fold the prepared fresh cherries into the batter using a spatula. Be delicate as you don't want to break down the cherries too much, but ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
    2 cups fresh cherries
  7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. If desired, sprinkle the tops with a little coarse sugar for a delightful crunch and shimmer.
    coarse sugar
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
  9. Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
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