Strawberry Muffins are an irresistible treat that perfectly captures the essence of fresh, sweet strawberries in every bite. This delightful recipe combines tender, buttery muffin batter with juicy strawberry chunks, creating a bakery-worthy result that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a special weekend breakfast, packing lunchboxes, or hosting a brunch gathering, these muffins are sure to impress. The golden tops sparkled with turbinado sugar add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fruit-studded interior, making each muffin a true celebration of strawberry season.
If you’ve ever experienced the magic of biting into a warm, freshly-baked strawberry muffin, you know how incredible this combination can be. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is absolutely heavenly, and the first bite reveals bursts of sweet strawberry throughout the tender crumb. This recipe is more than just a breakfast option; it’s an experience that brings joy and comfort to your day. In this article, we’ll explore why these muffins stand out, how to prepare them perfectly, and tips for serving them at their best. Let’s dive into what makes Strawberry Muffins a must-try recipe for everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Muffins bring together simple ingredients to create something truly special. Here are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with these muffins:
- Fresh Fruit Flavor: The recipe showcases fresh strawberries, delivering natural sweetness and vibrant flavor in every bite.
- Bakery-Quality Results: These muffins look and taste like they came from a professional bakery, but you can make them at home.
- Perfect Balance: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds depth without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
- Beautiful Presentation: The turbinado sugar topping creates an attractive, sparkly finish that makes these muffins Instagram-worthy.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, dessert, or special occasions, these muffins fit any moment.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults love these tender, fruity muffins, making them ideal for family gatherings.
With these appealing aspects in mind, you can see why Strawberry Muffins are a favorite among home bakers and dessert lovers alike!
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparing Strawberry Muffins takes about 60 minutes in total. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 25 minutes in pan
These times may vary slightly depending on your experience and kitchen equipment, but this framework should provide a good estimate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups + 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick or ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2¼ cups diced strawberries, from 1 pint, divided
- 2 tablespoons demerara (also called turbinado or raw) sugar, for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating Strawberry Muffins is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners; spray the liners and the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of the flour, the baking powder and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl and beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract. (The batter may look a little grainy — that’s okay).
- Combine Wet and Dry: With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three separate additions, alternating with the milk and ending with the flour.
- Add Strawberries: Toss the strawberries with the remaining 2 teaspoons of flour (this will keep them from sinking to the bottom). Set ½ cup of the berries aside. Add the remaining berries to the batter and fold with a spatula until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin (an ice-cream scoop with a wire scraper works well here); they will be very full. Scatter the reserved berries evenly over the muffins, then sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the center of each muffin (keeping the sugar away from the edges will prevent sticking).
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes, until lightly golden and a cake tester comes out clean. Run a sharp knife around the top edge of each muffin to free it from the pan if necessary (the edges can stick), then let the muffins cool in the pan for about 25 minutes. Transfer the muffins to a rack to cool completely.
How to Serve
To make a lasting impression, consider the following when serving Strawberry Muffins:
- Temperature: Serve the muffins slightly warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Accompaniments: Pair with butter, cream cheese, or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat, or enjoy plain with coffee or tea.
- Presentation: Arrange on a tiered stand or pretty platter for brunch gatherings, letting the sparkly sugar tops shine.
- Beverage Pairing: These muffins pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, cold milk, or fresh-squeezed orange juice.
By putting thought into how you serve the Strawberry Muffins, you elevate the entire experience, making it memorable for you and your guests.
Additional Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and best rise.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the strawberries, fold gently to avoid tough muffins. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
- Berry Substitutions: While fresh strawberries work best, you can use frozen berries in a pinch—just don’t thaw them first to prevent excess moisture.
Recipe Variation
Mix things up with these delicious variations:
- Mixed Berry Muffins: Replace some strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a beautiful mixed berry version.
- Lemon Strawberry: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and replace almond extract with lemon extract for a bright citrus twist.
- Streusel Topping: Instead of turbinado sugar, add a crumbly streusel topping made from flour, butter, and brown sugar for extra decadence.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The refrigerated muffins taste great warmed briefly in the microwave.
- Freezing: These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Special Equipment
To create perfect Strawberry Muffins, you will need:
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Paper muffin liners
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Ice cream scoop (optional, for easy portioning)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but use them straight from the freezer without thawing. Frozen berries release more moisture, so your muffins may need a few extra minutes of baking time.
Why do I need to toss strawberries in flour?
Coating the strawberries in a light dusting of flour helps them stay suspended in the batter rather than sinking to the bottom during baking.
Can I make mini muffins instead?
Absolutely! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce baking time to 15-18 minutes. You’ll get about 24-30 mini muffins.
What if I don’t have turbinado sugar?
You can substitute with regular granulated sugar, though you’ll lose some of the crunchy texture. Coarse sanding sugar also works well.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
For best results, bake the muffins immediately after mixing. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients and dice the strawberries the night before to save time.
Conclusion
Strawberry Muffins are a fantastic treat that combines fresh fruit flavors with tender, buttery goodness. With their beautiful presentation and irresistible taste, these muffins are perfect for any occasion, from casual weekday breakfasts to special weekend brunches. The recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or save some for later, these delightful muffins are bound to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Enjoy the wonderful combination of sweet strawberries and tender crumb that makes this recipe truly unforgettable!
Strawberry Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and sprinkle tops with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool briefly, then transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
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