Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Introduction

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are the kind of baked treat that feels both indulgent and comforting, yet simple enough to enjoy any day of the week. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and rich cream cheese creates a soft, moist muffin with a pleasantly creamy center. When I first tested this recipe, I was aiming for bakery-style muffins that were not overly sweet, and the balance turned out better than expected.

These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. They come together with basic pantry ingredients, and the results feel special without being complicated. I have baked them using both fresh and frozen strawberries, and each version worked beautifully. If you enjoy tender muffins with bursts of fruit and a hint of richness, this recipe is one you will want to keep on hand.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are soft, moist, and filled with real strawberry flavor. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and richness that elevates them beyond ordinary muffins. They bake evenly, store well, and are ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour provides the structure for the muffins while keeping the crumb soft and tender.

Granulated sugar
Sugar adds sweetness and helps create a light, moist texture.

Baking powder
Baking powder ensures the muffins rise properly and develop a fluffy interior.

Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the strawberries.

Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute richness and structure.

Milk
Milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth, pourable batter. I tested this recipe with almond milk, and it worked just as well.

Vegetable oil
Oil keeps the muffins moist for days and prevents them from becoming dry.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness of the batter.

Fresh strawberries
Strawberries provide bursts of fruity sweetness and a soft, juicy texture throughout the muffins.

Cream cheese
Cream cheese adds creamy pockets of richness and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.

Fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to overmix. In a small bowl, lightly sweeten the cream cheese and stir until smooth. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, add a small spoonful of cream cheese, then top with remaining batter. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 muffins. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and baking time is about 20 minutes, for a total time of 35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days due to the cream cheese filling. Bring to room temperature or warm briefly before serving.

Variations and Customizations

These muffins are easy to adapt. You can substitute blueberries or raspberries for strawberries if desired. For extra texture, add a streusel topping or sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.

If you prefer a lighter version, reduced-fat cream cheese works well without compromising texture. I once added a small amount of lemon zest to the batter, and it enhanced the strawberry flavor beautifully.

You can also make mini muffins by reducing the baking time to 12 to 14 minutes. These are perfect for brunch platters or snack boxes.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	260
Protein (g)	5
Carbs (g)	34
Fat (g)	11
Saturated Fat (g)	4
Fiber (g)	1
Sugar (g)	18
Sodium (mg)	180

Expert Tips & Customizations

Do not overmix the batter
Overmixing can lead to dense muffins rather than a tender crumb.

Use room-temperature cream cheese
This ensures smooth, creamy pockets throughout the muffins.

Chop strawberries evenly
Even-sized pieces distribute flavor more consistently.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain them well before using.

Can these muffins be frozen?

Yes, freeze them without glaze for up to two months.

Why are my muffins dense?

Overmixing the batter is the most common cause.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can slightly reduce it without affecting texture significantly.

Do these muffins need refrigeration?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful balance of fruity freshness and creamy richness. Easy to prepare and satisfying to eat, they are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with guests, making them a reliable and enjoyable baking choice.

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