These Easy Cherry Cobbler Muffins are the perfect treat for any time of the day. Loaded with juicy cherries and topped with a crumbly, sweet topping, they make breakfast feel special!
Honestly, who can resist a muffin that tastes like a dessert? I love having these for brunch with friends or just as a cozy snack. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your muffins. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. I personally love the texture that all-purpose flour gives, but the alternative works just fine!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar sweetens and helps with browning. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier option. I’ve tried both and enjoyed the extra richness from brown sugar.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk at home, mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Works like a charm!
Cherries: Fresh cherries are my preference, but frozen ones work too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture. You could also swap cherries for blueberries or raspberries based on what you like or have on hand.
How Do I Get a Crumbly Topping That Stays On?
The crumbly topping is what makes these muffins feel special, but it needs the right balance. Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- Use cold butter! This is key to creating those lovely crumbs. Cut it into small cubes and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to mix.
- Mix the topping ingredients like flour, sugar, and cinnamon first, then add the cold butter. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to blend until crumbly. Don’t overwork it, or it will become too soft.
- Sprinkle the topping generously on each muffin before baking. This way, it not only looks great but adds that delightful crunch!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, crumbly topping that stays on the muffins perfectly! Enjoy your baking!
Easy Cherry Cobbler Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if frozen, thaw and drain)
For the Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll spend about 40-50 minutes making these scrumptious muffins. They’re quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven & Prep Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or a light coating of grease to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. This helps distribute the ingredients evenly for fluffy muffins!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth. This combination adds moisture and flavor to your muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Fold in the Cherries:
Carefully fold in the pitted cherries, making sure they’re nicely distributed throughout the batter without breaking them up too much.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows room for them to rise without spilling over.
7. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It should have a crumbly texture that will create a delicious topping!
8. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin. This will create a lovely crunch when they bake. Yum!
9. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly firm.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can also enjoy them warm right out of the oven!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Cherry Cobbler Muffins!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Cobbler Muffins
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your muffins. You’ll still get that delicious burst of cherry flavor!
Can I Substitute Buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute using regular milk. Just mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches. Just keep in mind that you might want to adjust the sugar level if you’re using sweeter fruits. Enjoy experimenting!
