Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe For Breakfast Joy

Sweet mornings call for something special, and these delectable strawberry cream cheese muffins deliver pure breakfast bliss.

Bursting with ripe, juicy strawberries nestled in a creamy, tender crumb, this recipe promises a delightful start to any day.

Soft, tangy cream cheese swirls through each muffin, creating pockets of rich, velvety goodness.

The vibrant red berries peek through a golden-brown top, tempting you with their fresh, summery charm.

Light, fluffy, and packed with fruity flavor, these muffins transform an ordinary morning into a celebration of taste.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle tanginess that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

Why These Muffins Are a Creamy, Fruity Treat

  • Creamy cream cheese hidden in the center creates an unexpected burst of flavor that makes every bite exciting and special.
  • Simple step-by-step instructions allow even novice bakers to confidently create impressive muffins with professional-looking results.
  • Combining streusel topping, fresh strawberries, and soft muffin base delivers a delectable mix of crumbly, fruity, and tender textures that dance together beautifully.
  • These muffins work wonderfully for weekend brunches, morning gatherings, or casual potlucks, satisfying both kids and adults with their irresistible sweetness and fruity charm.

Everything You Need for Cream Cheese Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure for the muffins.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
  • Yogurt, Oil: Contribute to the moist texture of the muffins.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Adds bright, fruity flavor and natural sweetness to the muffins.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy filling with a tangy taste.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps with caramelization.
  • Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the cream cheese filling.
Streusel Ingredients:
  • Flour, Brown Sugar, Salt: Form the base of the crumbly topping.
  • Butter: Helps create a crispy, golden streusel.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk or Cream: Creates a sweet, smooth drizzle for the muffins.

How to Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

This prepares your workspace for delicious muffin creation.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Streusel Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt

Drizzle melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly.

Set aside for later sprinkling.

Step 3: Whip Wet Mixture

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • Egg
  • Granulated sugar
  • Yogurt
  • Oil
  • Vanilla

Blend until the mixture turns smooth and pale.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir minimally to keep the batter tender.

Step 5: Incorporate Fresh Strawberries

Carefully fold diced strawberries into the batter.

Save a few pieces for beautiful topping decoration.

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Filling

Beat cream cheese with:
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Vanilla

Whip until silky and smooth.

Step 7: Layer Muffin Components

Spoon batter into liners, filling 1/3 full.

Add a dollop of cream cheese filling.

Cover with additional batter until liner is 2/3 full.

Sprinkle streusel and reserved strawberry pieces on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Immediately reduce oven temperature to 350°F after placing muffins inside.

Bake 22-25 minutes until golden brown.

Test doneness with a toothpick near the edge.

Step 9: Final Touches

Cool muffins in tin for 5-10 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack.

Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze once completely cooled.

Tips for Soft Muffins and Creamy Centers

  • Break streusel into smaller, varied-sized pieces for a more interesting texture and better coverage on top of muffins.
  • Toss diced strawberries in a bit of flour before adding to batter to help them distribute evenly and stay suspended.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother filling and easier dolloping into muffin batter.
  • Wrap cooled muffins individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months – perfect for quick breakfast or snack.
  • Swap strawberries with other seasonal berries like blueberries or raspberries for a delightful flavor variation.

Muffin Storage and Reheat Guide

  • Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their original soft texture and brings back that fresh-baked warmth.
  • Reheat a single muffin for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the muffin tough or dry.

What to Pair With Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Pair Deliciously with Creamy Indulgence: Vanilla Latte that complements the strawberry cream cheese muffins with its smooth, rich espresso and silky milk, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances the sweetness of the pastry.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Morning Delight: Greek Yogurt Parfait layered with honey and additional fresh strawberries, which mirrors the muffin's fruity notes and provides a light, refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese filling.
  • Elevate with Bright Breakfast Companion: Chilled Peach Smoothie that offers a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the muffin's sweetness, with its bright fruit flavors and cool temperature providing a delightful morning experience.
  • Complete the Experience with Sweet Finish: Light Mascarpone Drizzle that adds an extra layer of creamy decadence, subtly enhancing the muffin's existing cream cheese core and bringing a luxurious touch to the breakfast spread.

Creative Twists for These Strawberry Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Berry Cream Cheese Muffins: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut yogurt, replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and utilize plant-based butter for a completely plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Strawberry Muffins: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile, and use fresh strawberries for natural sweetness.
  • Whole Grain Strawberry Muffins: Incorporate whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour to boost fiber content, adding nutritional value and creating a heartier muffin with nutty undertones.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent my muffins from sticking to the paper liners?

Use high-quality, non-stick paper liners and lightly spray them with cooking spray before adding batter. This helps the muffins release easily when you’re ready to enjoy them.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them completely dry before adding to the batter. Frozen strawberries can release extra moisture and potentially make your muffins soggy.

  • Why do I need to start baking at a high temperature and then reduce it?

The initial high temperature creates a quick rise and helps create those beautiful, tall muffin tops. Reducing the temperature ensures the muffins bake evenly without burning.

  • How can I tell if my cream cheese filling is the right consistency?

The filling should be smooth and creamy without any lumps. Beat the ingredients until they’re well combined and have a silky texture that’s easy to dollop into the muffin batter.

Print
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins promise a sweet morning escape with tender crumb and luscious berry swirls. Homemade goodness beckons you to savor each irresistible bite of pure breakfast bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Flavoring and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons milk or creme

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 425°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring an even baking surface.
  2. Create the streusel by mixing flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Pour melted butter and blend with a fork until crumbly texture forms.
  3. Whisk egg and granulated sugar in a medium bowl until pale and creamy. Incorporate yogurt, oil, and vanilla, blending thoroughly.
  4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing minimally to prevent tough muffin texture.
  5. Carefully fold diced strawberries into the batter, reserving a few pieces for topping.
  6. Prepare cream cheese filling by beating softened cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla until smooth and uniform.
  7. Fill each muffin liner 1/3 full with batter, add a dollop of cream cheese filling, then cover with additional batter until 2/3 full. Sprinkle streusel and reserved strawberry pieces on top.
  8. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F immediately after placing muffins inside. Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown, checking doneness with a toothpick near the muffin’s edge.
  9. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.

Notes

  • Swap fresh strawberries with frozen ones by adding them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent color bleeding and maintain texture.
  • Adjust cream cheese filling sweetness by reducing sugar for a tangier flavor profile that complements the fruity muffins.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring a lighter consistency.
  • Prevent strawberry sinking during baking by tossing diced pieces in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 189
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 119 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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