These Easy Cherry Cobbler Muffins are a tasty treat filled with juicy cherries and topped with a sweet crumbly topping. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
What I love about these muffins is how quick they are to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy—no special skills needed. Great with coffee or on their own! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the muffins, giving them structure. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it, and it works just as well!
Granulated Sugar: This helps sweeten and create that lovely golden top. For a healthier twist, you can substitute with coconut sugar or even honey. Just reduce the liquid slightly if using honey.
Cherries: Fresh or frozen pitted cherries are perfect! If you can’t find cherries, blueberries or diced strawberries work nicely as substitutes. I personally love using tart cherries for a flavor kick!
Vegetable Oil: This adds moisture to the muffins. You could swap it with melted coconut oil or melted butter for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that butter will change the taste a bit!
How Do You Mix Muffin Batter Without Overmixing?
Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so it’s key to be gentle. Here are some steps to help you:
- Combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately first.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture all at once.
- Stir just until the flour is incorporated; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- When folding in cherries, do this gently! It helps keep the batter light.
This technique keeps your muffins soft and fluffy, just like a cobbler should be!
Easy Cherry Cobbler Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup milk (adjust for batter consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 18-22 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll spend about 40 minutes getting these muffins ready to enjoy. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a lovely afternoon snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to make it easy to remove the muffins later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and if you’re using it, the ground cinnamon. This is where all the flavor begins!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—remember, don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
5. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped cherries so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step adds all the juicy goodness!
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
7. Make the Cobbler Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs—this will give it a lovely texture!
8. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the cobbler topping generously over each muffin. You’re adding that nice, sweet crunch we love in cobblers!
9. Bake the Muffins:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and check with a toothpick inserted in the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and get ready to enjoy that cherry cobbler flavor!
These muffins are soft, moist, and full of delicious cherry flavor topped with a sweet crumbly layer, making them a delightful treat for any time of day!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Cobbler Muffins
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen pitted cherries without any issues. Just make sure to chop them while still frozen or slightly thaw them to make it easier to mix in. Be mindful that using frozen cherries may add a little extra moisture, so you might end up with a slightly softer muffin!
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for later enjoyment. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make These Muffins Vegan?
Yes! To make these muffins vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy. Replace the butter in the topping with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative!
What Should I Serve with These Muffins?
These muffins are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat! They also go great with coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch.
