Imagine a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer – that’s exactly what these **Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins** deliver. They are the epitome of a perfect Spring Sunday morning breakfast, an indulgent mid-morning snack, or a truly satisfying dessert. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, fresh, and juicy strawberries with a subtle, tangy cream cheese swirl baked right into the fluffy batter. These muffins are not just delicious; they are a versatile addition to any occasion, from a festive Mother’s Day brunch spread to a leisurely picnic in the park, bringing smiles to everyone who tastes them. Their vibrant flavor and comforting texture make them an instant favorite.

These aren’t just any muffins; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture. The addition of cream cheese not only adds an incredible depth to the taste but also contributes to an unparalleled moistness, making these strawberry muffins truly stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this straightforward recipe will guide you to baking success, resulting in perfectly domed, golden-brown muffins with pockets of creamy, fruity goodness in every single bite. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this homemade delight!

Why We Love This Recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

These strawberry cream cheese muffins have earned a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!) for several compelling reasons. They’re more than just a baked good; they’re an experience. Here’s what makes this recipe truly exceptional:

• The delightful fusion of sweet, ripe strawberries and the subtle tang of cream cheese transforms these into what we lovingly call **strawberry cheesecake muffins**. This unique combination creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is sweet, tart, and incredibly satisfying, all wrapped in a wonderfully fluffy and tender crumb. It’s a taste sensation that will have you coming back for more.
• Our secret to elevating these muffins is using cream cheese in **two distinct ways**. First, a portion is expertly folded into the muffin batter itself, imparting an incredible richness and moisture that takes the texture to a whole new level, far beyond a typical muffin. Second, dollops of cream cheese are swirled on top before baking, creating a beautiful, marbled effect and a delightful “cheesecake surprise” in every bite. This dual application guarantees an amazing final product with depth of flavor and texture.
• For those who adore our lemon cream cheese muffins, you’ll find these strawberry versions offer a familiar yet wonderfully fresh twist. The same principles of tender crumb and creamy pockets apply, but with the bright, fruity burst of strawberries, making them an exciting and equally delicious alternative. They’re a testament to how versatile and delectable cream cheese can be in baking.
• Beyond their exquisite taste, these muffins are surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, ensuring a successful and rewarding baking experience. Using fresh, seasonal strawberries truly maximizes their flavor, making them an ideal treat to whip up during peak strawberry season.
• They offer a fantastic make-ahead option. You can enjoy them warm out of the oven, or bake a batch and freeze them for a quick, comforting breakfast or snack on busy weekdays. This convenience, combined with their incredible taste, makes them a practical and beloved recipe in any household.

Looking for more delicious muffin recipes to brighten your day?

• Almond Poppy Seed Muffins
• Apple Streusel Muffins
• White Chocolate and Blueberry Muffins
• Lemon Raspberry Muffins
• Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Creating these heavenly strawberry cream cheese muffins requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to produce a spectacular result. Ensuring your ingredients are fresh and at the correct temperature is key to baking success. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a brief explanation of each component’s role:

• All-purpose flour: This forms the primary structure of your muffins. For the lightest, fluffiest muffins, we recommend weighing your flour for accuracy or using the spoon-and-level method.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning and tenderizing the muffins. We use it both in the batter and to sweeten the cream cheese swirl.
• Salt: A small amount of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and adding depth.
• Baking powder: This is our leavening agent, crucial for giving the muffins their signature rise and airy texture. Do not substitute with baking soda as it requires different acidic components.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, creating a tender crumb. Whole milk is generally preferred for its richness, but any milk will work.
• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient! It contributes incredible moisture and a delightful tangy flavor to the batter, and creates that luscious, creamy swirl on top. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
• Vegetable oil (or other neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil): Adds moisture and keeps the muffins tender without imparting any strong flavors.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, provide structure, and add richness to the muffins. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsion with other wet ingredients.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla complements the strawberry and cream cheese flavors beautifully, adding warmth and aroma.
• Fresh strawberries, chopped (frozen strawberries can also be used): The key fruit component! Fresh, ripe strawberries offer the best flavor and texture, but frozen can be a good alternative when fresh are out of season. Just be sure to chop them finely.

See the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities and precise measurements to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time.

Exciting Substitutions & Variations

While this strawberry cream cheese muffin recipe is a showstopper on its own, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these delicious substitutions and variations to tailor the muffins to your taste or what you have on hand:

• For a refreshing **blueberry twist** on these easy cream cheese muffins, simply substitute an equal amount of fresh or frozen blueberries in place of the strawberries. To enhance the flavor and mimic a blueberry cheesecake profile, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the wet ingredients in Step 2. The lemon zest beautifully complements the blueberries, adding a bright, zesty note.
• To introduce a delightful **crunchy texture and nutty flavor**, mix ¼ cup of finely chopped pistachios (or other nuts like almonds or walnuts) into the dry ingredients in Step 3. The pistachios toast lightly during baking, adding an appealing contrast to the soft muffin crumb and creamy filling.
• Explore different sizes! Instead of jumbo-sized muffins, you can easily make a **mini version** of this cream cheese muffin recipe. Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time significantly to 10-15 minutes at 350°F. These are perfect for parties or as bite-sized treats. Alternatively, if you prefer the classic size, make **regular cupcake-sized muffins** by baking them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
• **Other Fruit Options:** While strawberries are fantastic, consider using other berries like raspberries or a mixed berry blend for a different fruity flavor. If using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them; simply toss them with a bit of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking.
• **Add a Streusel Topping:** For an extra layer of texture and sweetness, prepare a simple streusel topping (butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon) and sprinkle it over the cream cheese swirl before baking.

Please note: This recipe has been perfected with the listed ingredients. If you do replace any ingredients, especially beyond the suggested variations, please let us know how they turned out in the comments below! Your feedback helps other bakers in our community.

Essential Equipment for Baking Success

You don’t need a professional kitchen to whip up these incredible strawberry cream cheese muffins. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, requiring only a few common kitchen tools that you likely already own. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable:

• 2 medium and 1 large mixing bowls: Essential for separating wet and dry ingredients, as well as preparing the cream cheese mixture. Having different sizes makes organization easy and prevents overfilling.
• An electric hand mixer or stand mixer: While not strictly mandatory (you can whisk vigorously by hand!), a mixer makes beating the cream cheese and sugar to a light and fluffy consistency much quicker and easier, ensuring a smooth, lump-free filling.
• A Jumbo muffin tin: Crucial for achieving those bakery-style, generously sized muffins. If you only have a standard muffin tin, you can still use it, just adjust the baking time as mentioned in the “Substitutions & Variations” section. Don’t forget the muffin liners or a good baking spray to prevent sticking.
• A large ice cream scoop or sturdy spoon: This tool is incredibly useful for evenly distributing the muffin batter into the tin. An ice cream scoop helps ensure uniform muffin sizes, which leads to consistent baking and a professional look.
• Whisk and Spatula: A good whisk is vital for combining dry ingredients and light wet ingredients, while a flexible spatula is perfect for folding the batter gently and scraping down the sides of your bowls, ensuring no delicious batter goes to waste.
• Toothpick or Knife: A simple toothpick or a small knife is perfect for swirling the cream cheese topping, creating those beautiful, marbled patterns on top of each muffin.

Gathering these tools before you start baking will ensure a seamless and enjoyable culinary experience, leading to perfectly baked strawberry cream cheese muffins.

Step by Step Instructions to Bake Fluffy Muffins

Ready to bake some magic? Follow these detailed, easy-to-understand steps to create your own batch of delicious strawberry cream cheese muffins. Precision and gentle handling are key to achieving that perfect light and fluffy texture.

Step One (Picture 1 above) – Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of granulated sugar with your room temperature cream cheese. Using an electric hand mixer (or a whisk and a lot of elbow grease), beat these two ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is beautifully light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This ensures no lumps of cream cheese end up in your muffins. Set this delightful mixture aside for later.

Step Two (Picture 2 above) – Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, take your room temperature eggs, vegetable oil, ½ cup of milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no streaks of egg yolk, as this will help integrate them seamlessly into the dry ingredients.

Step Three (Picture 3 above) – Prepare Dry Ingredients and Strawberries: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk well to ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed. Next, add your finely chopped fresh strawberries to the dry mixture and gently toss them until they are lightly coated with flour. This crucial step helps prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of your muffins during baking, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout.

Step Four (Picture 4 above) – Combine Batter & Initial Cream Cheese Swirl: Pour the egg and oil mixture (wet ingredients) into the large bowl containing the flour and strawberry mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the wet into the dry ingredients. Mix just until almost combined – a few flour streaks are perfectly fine and actually prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough muffins. Immediately after, gently fold in about ⅔ of the prepared cream cheese mixture until it’s almost fully incorporated, leaving visible streaks of cream cheese. This creates pockets of creamy goodness within the muffin batter.

Step Five (Picture 5 above) – Fill the Muffin Pan: Using a large ice cream scoop or a well-sized spoon, carefully fill each cavity of your prepared jumbo muffin pan (lined with paper liners or coated with baking spray). Fill them about ⅔ to ¾ full to allow for a beautiful dome-like rise during baking.

Step Six (Picture 6 above) – Create the Cream Cheese Swirl Topping: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of milk to the reserved ⅓ of the sweet cream cheese filling and stir it gently to loosen it slightly. Now, spoon a few small dollops of this thinned cream cheese mixture onto the top of each filled muffin cup. Take a toothpick or the tip of a small knife and gently swirl the cream cheese into the muffin batter. This creates a visually appealing marble effect and ensures a creamy, tangy surprise in every top bite!

Step Seven (Picture 7 above) – Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin pan into your preheated oven at 425°F for the first 5 minutes. This initial high heat creates a rapid rise, resulting in those desirable tall, domed muffin tops. After 5 minutes, without opening the oven door, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue to bake for an additional 14-16 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are cooked through and golden brown. Allow the freshly baked muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom and allows them to firm up properly.

Expert Tips For Perfect Muffins Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality strawberry cream cheese muffins is easier than you think with a few simple tricks up your sleeve. These tips will help ensure your muffins are moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor:

1. Lightly coating the chopped strawberries in the flour mixture before adding them to the batter is a golden rule! This simple step helps to prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom of your delicious cheesecake muffins while they bake, ensuring that every bite has an even distribution of juicy strawberry goodness. Don’t skip this!
2. For the best results, always make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a perfectly smooth and light cream cheese mixture that blends effortlessly with the sugar. If your cream cheese is too cold, it will be lumpy and won’t incorporate properly, leading to uneven pockets and a less desirable texture in your muffins. Plan ahead and take it out of the fridge an hour or two before you start baking.
3. If you don’t have an ice cream or cookie scoop, don’t worry! A large spoon will work perfectly well to transfer the batter into the muffin tins. The goal is to fill each liner evenly to ensure consistent baking and uniform muffin sizes. An even fill also helps create those beautiful, domed tops.
4. Avoid overmixing the batter at all costs. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense muffins instead of light, fluffy ones. Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until a few streaks of flour remain. A slightly lumpy batter is actually a good sign for muffins!
5. Don’t overbake your muffins. Overbaking is a common culprit for dry muffins. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the suggested baking time. The toothpick test is your best friend: when inserted into the center of a muffin, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
6. Cool muffins properly. While it’s tempting to dive right in, allowing the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack is important. This allows them to set slightly and prevents them from sticking to the pan or collapsing. Cooling completely on a wire rack allows air to circulate, preventing sogginess.

Storage Solutions for Freshness

You’ve baked a batch of irresistible strawberry cream cheese muffins, and now you want to enjoy them for as long as possible! Proper storage is key to maintaining their fresh taste and moist texture. Here are the best ways to store your delightful muffins:

Room Temperature: For immediate enjoyment and optimal freshness, store your completely cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and moist for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is truly airtight to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigerator: If you want to extend their shelf life, the muffins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Place them in an airtight container. However, please note that the refrigerator’s dry air may cause them to lose a bit of their moisture and become slightly denser compared to room temperature storage. A quick reheat can often revive their tenderness.

Freezer: For longer-term storage, freezing is an excellent option. Make sure the baked muffins have cooled completely to prevent condensation and ice crystals. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply microwave it for about 20-30 seconds (or longer if frozen solid) until warm and soft, or thaw at room temperature. This makes them perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on demand!

Common Questions About Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Have questions about this recipe? We’ve got answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you bake with confidence.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful recipes from our kitchen that feature fresh fruit, creamy goodness, and irresistible baked creations. Perfect for any sweet craving or special occasion!

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📖 Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Kayla Burton

Delicious homemade strawberry muffins with cream cheese swirled inside and on the tops! This easy recipe is perfect for brunch or any sweet craving.

5 from 25 votes

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6 jumbo muffins

Calories 611 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  Muffin pan & liners
• ▢
  Mixing bowls
• ▢
  Measuring spoons
• ▢
  Scale/measuring cups
• ▢
  Whisk
• ▢
  Spatula
• ▢
  Toothpick
• ▢
  Wire cooling rack

Kayla’s Top TipWeigh dry ingredients in grams (g) with a food scale for best results!

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Ingredients

 

• ▢ 6 ounces (170.1 g) cream cheese room temperature
• ▢ 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar divided
• ▢ 2¼ cups (281.25 g) all-purpose flour weighed in grams (see metric tab) or spooned & leveled
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ▢ 1 cup chopped strawberries fresh or frozen
• ▢ 2 large eggs room temperature
• ▢ ½ cup (118.29 ml) vegetable oil or other neutral oil
• ▢ 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ▢ ½ cup + 1 teaspoon milk divided, whole is preferred

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Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 425°F and line a jumbo muffin pan with liners (or coat with baking spray).
• In a small/medium bowl, mix together the room temperature cream cheese and ¼ cup (50 grams) of sugar really well using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ¾ cup (150 grams) of sugar, salt and baking powder. Add the chopped strawberries and toss gently to lightly coat them in the dry mixture.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the eggs, oil, vanilla extract and ½ cup of milk until smooth.
• Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until a few flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
• Gently stir ⅔ of the cream cheese mixture into the batter until almost fully combined, leaving some creamy streaks.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of milk into the remaining ⅓ of the cream cheese mixture to slightly thin it.
• Fill the muffin liners with batter, about ⅔ to ¾ full. Spoon dollops of the thinned cream cheese mixture onto the tops of each muffin, and swirl it around with a toothpick or small knife for a marbled effect.
• Bake muffins at 425°F for 5 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for an additional 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick entered into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
• Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes until just warm to the touch, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Notes

Measuring Flour: For best results, it is highly recommended to weigh the flour in grams (g) using a kitchen scale. This provides the most accurate measurement and ensures consistent results. If you’re using measuring cups, employ the spoon and level method: spoon flour into the cup until overflowing, then level off the excess with a straight edge.

Storage: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month for longer freshness.

Regular Muffins: To make standard-sized muffins, distribute the batter evenly between 12-14 regular muffin liners. Bake them at 375°F for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Mini Muffins: For delightful mini muffins, use a mini muffin tin and divide the batter to make 24-28 mini muffins. Reduce the baking temperature to 350°F and bake for a shorter duration of 10-15 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Nutrition: The provided nutrition information is an estimate per serving and is for informational purposes only. The calorie accuracy is not guaranteed and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Calories: 611kcal
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 94mg
Sodium: 532mg
Potassium: 182mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 37g
Vitamin A: 523IU
Vitamin C: 14mg
Calcium: 192mg
Iron: 3mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

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