Cherry Muffins are a delightful, fruity treat that bring together the sweetness of ripe cherries with a soft, buttery muffin base. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, offering bursts of juicy cherry flavor in every bite. Whether using fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, these muffins are easy to make and can be whipped up in no time. The slightly tart cherries perfectly balance the sweetness of the batter, creating a moist and delicious muffin that’s sure to brighten your day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned, chopped if large)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for added flavor)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and milk. Stir until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the cherries: Gently fold in the cherries and lemon zest, if using.
- Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top of each muffin, if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Cherry Muffins are a burst of fruity goodness, perfect for any occasion and sure to become a family favorite!
