Description
Moist and tender muffins bursting with tart cherries and topped with a crisp streusel—perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries, halved
- Optional: 1/2 tsp almond extract to enhance cherry flavor
- **Streusel topping:** 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 Tbsp cold butter, cubed, pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease wells.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sour cream, milk, oil (or melted butter), eggs, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fold in cherries, being careful not to burst them.
- For streusel: in a small bowl combine flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
- Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full with batter, then sprinkle streusel generously over each.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available—no need to thaw, but toss lightly in flour to prevent sinking.
- Streusel can be mixed ahead and stored in fridge for up to 2 days.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
- Fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or almonds) for added crunch.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk and vanilla) over warm muffins.