Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful breakfast or snack that feels like a little celebration in every bite, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy fresh strawberries and a luscious cream cheese center, these muffins are perfectly moist with a tender crumb, all topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel that adds just the right crunch. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a delicious, easy-to-make treat to brighten your day, these muffins bring together familiar flavors in a way that feels fresh and irresistibly inviting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins is straightforward, using simple pantry staples and fresh strawberries that make all the difference. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the cold butter adds flakiness, buttermilk lends tender moisture, and fresh strawberries provide bursts of juicy sweetness that shine through every bite.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the muffins, providing structure and a soft crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the strawberries.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and keeps them light.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create extra fluffiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates tender, flaky texture when cut into the dry ingredients.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the strawberries.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and enrich the batter.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced: The star of the show, bringing freshness and color.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Key for the creamy filling that surprises inside each muffin.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
• 1 large egg yolk (for filling): Adds richness and smoothness to the cream cheese mixture.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Enhances the creamy filling’s flavor.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Powers the crumbly topping that adds texture.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for streusel): Adds sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for streusel): Gives the topping a lovely caramel note.
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel): Creates that irresistible crumbly texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a subtle spicy kick to the topping.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by blending together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy—this is the secret to pockets of luscious, tangy sweetness inside each muffin. Adding the egg yolk and vanilla makes the filling rich and velvety, perfectly balancing the fruity flavors.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping (Optional)

If you want a crumbly, buttery top that adds crunch and sweetness, mix flour, sugars, and cinnamon, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping browns beautifully in the oven and adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft muffins.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. Whisk together the dry ingredients, then cut the cold butter in until you see coarse crumbs—this step ensures a tender, flaky crumb. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients and combine gently with the dry mix, folding in diced fresh strawberries last to spread their juicy bursts throughout without crushing them.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, spoon a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center, and then cover with more batter. If using streusel, sprinkle it atop for that golden finish. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean. Let the muffins cool a bit before enjoying that warm cream cheese surprise!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices on top can elevate these muffins visually and add an extra touch of natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese filling.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a cup of your favorite coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh milk for a balanced breakfast or afternoon treat. A bowl of Greek yogurt with honey and granola also complements the textures and flavors marvelously.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these muffins alongside a fruit compote, or slice them in half and spread a little butter or strawberry jam. For a fun brunch, set up a muffin bar with toppings like chopped nuts, whipped cream, and extra fresh berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness without drying them out too quickly.

Freezing

You can freeze these muffins, wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months—perfect for having a ready-made treat whenever you fancy!

Reheating

To warm up a frozen or refrigerated muffin, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This will revive their moist texture and bring back the gooey cream cheese center warmth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones—just thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the batter soggy.

Do I have to make the streusel topping?

Not at all! The streusel is optional but highly recommended for that extra crunch and sweetness on top, which contrasts wonderfully with the soft muffin and creamy filling.

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

For best results, cream cheese is ideal for the filling’s creamy texture and tangy flavor, but mascarpone or ricotta can be used as alternatives with slightly different textures.

How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom?

Lightly tossing diced strawberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them evenly throughout the muffins.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, these muffins freeze very well after baking. Make sure to cool them completely before wrapping and freezing to maintain their texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a muffin that surprises you with a creamy, fruity filling—this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe does exactly that and more. It’s a warm hug in baked form and a fantastic way to make your mornings or snack times extra memorable. Don’t wait to share these delicious treats with your loved ones, and enjoy every delightful bite!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 25 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat combining fluffy, tender muffins loaded with fresh diced strawberries and a creamy, luscious cream cheese filling. Topped with an optional buttery cinnamon streusel, these muffins offer a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, they are baked to golden perfection with a moist crumb and a deliciously creamy center.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

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. Beat again until well combined and smooth. Set aside or refrigerate.
2. Make the Streusel Topping (Optional): In a separate medium bowl, mix the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut into the dry ingredients with 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 the 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Cut in Cold Butter: Using a pastry blender or fingertips, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined; a few lumps are fine. Avoid overmixing.
8. Fold in Strawberries: Carefully fold in the diced fresh strawberries to the batter.
9. Assemble Muffins: Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter.
10. Add Cream Cheese Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin cup over the batter.
11. Top with Batter: Cover the cream cheese filling with the remaining batter, filling each muffin cup almost to the top.
12. Add Streusel Topping: If using, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the muffin cups.
13. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown with nicely browned streusel if used.
14. Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Use cold butter for the muffin batter and streusel to achieve a crumbly texture.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
• Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture; drain any excess juice if very ripe.
• The cream cheese filling adds a rich, moist center — refrigerate it if preparing ahead.
• The streusel topping is optional but adds a pleasant crunch and cinnamon flavor.
• Make sure muffins cool before storing to prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American