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Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Optional Streusel Topping Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are tender, moist, and bursting with fresh strawberries. A creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese adds a luscious surprise inside each muffin, while an optional cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins combine the best of fruit and cream cheese in a classic baked treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Muffin Batter

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Streusel Topping (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, then beat again until well combined. Set aside or refrigerate.
  2. Make the Streusel Topping (Optional): In another medium bowl, combine the 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside or refrigerate.
  3. Prepare the Muffin Batter: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Cut in Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and cut in using a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  6. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  7. Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender. A few lumps are fine.
  8. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the batter.
  9. Assemble Muffins: Fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter.
  10. Add Cream Cheese Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin cup over the batter.
  11. Top with Remaining Batter: Cover the cream cheese with the remaining muffin batter, filling almost to the top.
  12. Add Streusel: If using, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
  13. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and muffin tops are golden brown, with streusel browned if used.
  14. Cool: Let muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender muffins.
  • The cream cheese filling adds moisture and flavor but can be omitted if desired.
  • The streusel topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
  • Use fresh strawberries for best flavor; frozen strawberries may release too much moisture.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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Find it online: https://flavorfuldailymeals.com/strawberry-cream-cheese-muffins-with-optional-streusel-topping-recipe/