Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping

With chunks of juicy strawberries, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a crunchy streusel topping, these Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack. Their bakery-style appeal makes them suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a brunch gathering, a picnic, or simply enjoying at home. The combination of flavors and textures in these muffins will keep you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy filling creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for novice bakers.
• Versatile Option: Enjoy these muffins as breakfast, dessert, or a snack anytime during the day.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free or vegan without sacrificing taste.
• Perfectly Moist: The addition of Greek yogurt contributes to the muffins’ moist texture.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your delicious muffins, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Pastry blender or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: Essential for shaping your muffins and ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Spatula: Helps gently fold ingredients together without overmixing.
• Whisk: Ideal for creating smooth mixtures, especially when combining wet ingredients.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping:

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz. cream cheese-room temperature (see notes above to make dairy-free or vegan)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar

For the Muffins

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into thin slices (see notes above to make dairy-free or vegan)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature (see notes above to make vegan)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (see notes above to make dairy-free or vegan)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the Streusel Topping

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons milk (see notes above to make dairy-free or vegan)

How to Make Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, blend the cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until fully incorporated. Once done, refrigerate this mixture.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In another bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Add sliced butter and mix using a pastry blender or fork until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture. Place this mixture in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 4: Prepare Muffin Tin

Line your muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures easy removal after baking.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently stir together flours, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg and granulated sugar until combined. Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla extract; whisk until fully blended. The mixture should appear pale yellow.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Using a spatula, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined—do not add strawberries yet!

Step 8: Assemble Muffins

Add about 1 tablespoon of plain muffin batter into each muffin cup. Then place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin tin.

Step 9: Add Strawberries

Stir diced strawberries into the remaining batter. Distribute this mixture evenly across all muffin cups.

Step 10: Top With Streusel

Generously sprinkle streusel topping over each muffin. Press crumbs lightly so they stick.

Step 11: Bake Muffins

Place muffin tray in preheated oven; reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden brown and centers have set.

Step 12: Cool Muffins

Let muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a rack to cool completely.

Step 13: Prepare Glaze

To make glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 14: Drizzle Glaze

Once cooled completely, drizzle glaze over muffins using a piping bag made from a small plastic zipper bag with a snipped corner. Enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping

Serving strawberry muffins with cream cheese filling and streusel topping can elevate any breakfast or snack time. These delightful muffins are versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Coffee or Tea – A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness of the muffins perfectly.
• Fresh Fruit – Serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries for added freshness and color.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layering the muffins with yogurt and fruits creates a delicious parfait.

As a Snack

• Nut Butter Spread – Spread almond or peanut butter on a muffin for added protein and richness.
• Cheese Platter – Pairing muffins with soft cheeses can make for an elegant snack option.
• Granola – Crumble some granola on top for extra crunch and flavor.

For Dessert

• Whipped Cream – Top your muffin with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle melted chocolate over the muffin for an extra decadent dessert experience.

How to Perfect Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping

To achieve the best results with strawberry muffins, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Strawberries – Fresh strawberries provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure ingredients like cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Don’t Overmix Batter – Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together to avoid tough muffins.
• Chill the Topping – Refrigerating the streusel topping before baking helps it maintain its crunchiness.
• Check Doneness – Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when muffins are done.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing – Allowing muffins to cool helps the glaze set beautifully without melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping

Pairing side dishes with strawberry muffins can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent choices that complement their sweet flavors:

1. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance out the sweetness of the muffins.
2. Breakfast Sausages – Savory sausages offer a delightful contrast to the sweet taste of strawberry muffins.
3. Smoothie Bowl – A refreshing smoothie bowl filled with fruits can enhance your breakfast experience.
4. Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness alongside your muffins.
5. Avocado Toast – The creaminess of avocado toast pairs well, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.
6. Cottage Cheese – High in protein, cottage cheese served on the side adds a creamy texture that complements the muffin’s sweetness.
7. Pancakes or Waffles – For an indulgent feast, serve fluffy pancakes or waffles drizzled with syrup alongside your muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold cream cheese, eggs, and yogurt can result in a lumpy batter. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth mixture.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can ruin your muffins. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the streusel topping: The streusel adds essential crunch and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it elevates the muffin experience!
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at too high or too low of a temperature can affect texture. Always preheat your oven and follow the recommended temperature closely.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store strawberry muffins in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm muffins for about 10 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat each muffin for 15-20 seconds on medium power, but avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, covered, for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries in the Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to your batter.

How do I make these strawberry muffins dairy-free?

To make dairy-free strawberry muffins, swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or regular plain yogurt in equal amounts.

How long do these strawberry muffins last?

Strawberry muffins typically last about 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can I add nuts or other fruits?

Absolutely! Customize your strawberry muffins by adding nuts like walnuts or even other fruits like blueberries for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them to fit dietary needs, making them perfect for any occasion! Give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite!