The Sweetest Bite: Strawberry and Cream Cheese Muffins
Picture this: a sunny morning, you’re sitting by the window, and in your hand is a steamy cup of coffee. What could possibly make this scene better? A delicious, homemade sweet strawberry and cream cheese muffin, that’s what! If you’re thinking, “Yum, I want that,” you’re in luck because I’m about to walk you through how to make these scrumptious treats right in your own kitchen. And don’t worry, it’s simpler than you might think!
Ingredients you’ll need:
First things first, let’s talk about what you’ll need. Don’t be overwhelmed; these are pretty straightforward ingredients that you might already have at home. Here’s your list:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¾ cup milk (your choice of dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar (for the cream cheese filling)
Getting Started:
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This will help your muffins come out easily after baking and save you some cleaning time!
Making the Muffin Batter:
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix together the beaten egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Here comes the fun part—pour your wet ingredients into the dry ones and gently stir. Remember, muffin batter should be a bit lumpy, so don’t overmix!
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:
For that creamy, dreamy middle, beat together the softened cream cheese with the confectioner’s sugar until smooth. If you want a super creamy filling, you can add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it up a bit.
Adding the Strawberries:
Fold in the diced strawberries gently into your batter. The trick is not to mash them; you want those lovely bits of fruit in every bite.
Filling the Muffin Tin:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup about one-third full with the batter. Then, dollop a teaspoon of your cream cheese mixture right in the center. Finally, cover each one with more batter until the cups are about three-quarters full. This layering will give you that delicious surprise of cream cheese in the middle.
Baking Time:
Pop your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center (not the cream cheese part!) comes out clean.
Enjoy Your Muffins:
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Though, if you’re like me, you’ll want to enjoy one of these babies while they’re still a little warm.
And That’s It!
You’ve just made yourself a batch of heavenly sweet strawberry and cream cheese muffins. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a sweet treat to brighten your day. And the best part? They’re made with love, by you.
Cooking at home can be an adventure, and it’s always more satisfying when you get to enjoy something delicious that you’ve made yourself. These muffins are a fantastic way to dip your toes into home baking without dealing with complicated procedures or hard-to-find ingredients.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some delicious memories. These sweet strawberry and cream cheese muffins are sure to warm hearts and bring smiles. Happy baking!
