Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your day, you’ve come to the right place! These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping are not just any muffins; they are a warm hug in baked form. Bursting with juicy strawberries and creamy filling, they make every bite a little celebration. Perfect for busy mornings or family gatherings, these muffins are sure to evoke smiles around the breakfast table.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simple ingredients into something truly magical. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet weekend or whipping up a batch for guests, these muffins will not disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults love the sweet strawberry flavor combined with creamy cheese—it’s hard to resist!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch and enjoy them throughout the week. Just pop them in the microwave for a quick breakfast!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings. The possibilities are endless!
• Deliciously Indulgent: With each muffin being moist and flavorful, they are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping are made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Muffins

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter – melted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 6 oz. cream cheese – room temperature
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon corn starch

For the Glaze

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ – 2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Change Up the Berries: Substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for different flavors.
• Spice It Up: Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the muffin batter for a warm spice note.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute Greek yogurt with almond yogurt and use flaxseed meal as an egg replacement.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, line your cupcake pan with paper liners. This recipe yields about 9-10 muffins, perfect for sharing!

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a bowl, stir together flour, light brown sugar, and salt for the crumb topping. Then add melted butter and whisk until coarse crumbs form. This step adds a delightful crunch on top of your muffins!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting these aside helps ensure that our dry components are evenly mixed.

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together one large egg and granulated sugar until well combined. Then mix in Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale yellow. This creates a rich base full of moisture.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps our muffins tender and fluffy!

Step 6: Add Strawberries

Now it’s time to fold in those luscious diced strawberries! Reserve about 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry pieces to sprinkle on top later. This ensures we get lovely fruit pieces in each bite.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese with sugar, corn starch, and vanilla until just combined. This creamy filling adds richness that perfectly complements our fruity muffins.

Step 8: Assemble Your Muffins

Spoon one tablespoon of muffin batter into each liner first. Then add about one not quite full tablespoon of cream cheese filling right in the center of each muffin—this creates that delightful surprise when you take a bite! Cover with more muffin batter until each cup is about two-thirds full.

Step 9: Top with Streusel

Generously sprinkle streusel crumbs over each muffin. Add those reserved strawberry pieces on top and gently press them down so they stick nicely.

Step 10: Bake Your Muffins

Place your muffin pan in the preheated oven but reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 22-25 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.

Step 11: Cool & Transfer

Let them cool for about 5-10 minutes in the pan before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 12: Glaze & Serve

While waiting for your muffins to cool, stir together powdered sugar with milk until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle this sweet glaze over your muffins before serving—they’ll look so inviting!

Enjoy these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping fresh out of the oven or stored away for an easy treat any time!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping

Baking is all about having fun, and with these helpful tips, you’ll become a muffin-master in no time!

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only add the best flavor but also provide a burst of juiciness. Frozen strawberries can be used, but they may make your muffins soggy.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the wet ingredients into the dry keeps your muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins that are less enjoyable to eat.

• Room temperature cream cheese: Allowing your cream cheese to come to room temperature makes it easier to mix, ensuring a smooth filling that integrates well into your muffins.

• Check for doneness: Every oven is different! Use a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin to check if it comes out clean—this indicates that they are fully baked.

• Let them cool before glazing: Allowing your muffins to cool slightly before adding glaze prevents it from melting into the warm muffins, allowing for that perfect drizzle effect.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping

These delightful muffins are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. Here’s how you can serve them up beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing hint when served alongside your muffins.

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top not only looks beautiful but gives a touch of sweetness too.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A bowl of creamy Greek yogurt complements the sweetness of the muffins and offers a nice contrast in texture. You can even add more sliced strawberries on top for extra flair.

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your plate and balances the richness of the muffins. Think berries, melons, and citrus for an appealing combination.

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for any gathering or quiet morning at home.

• Scrambled eggs: For those looking for a heartier breakfast option, serving scrambled eggs alongside brings protein to the table and rounds out your meal nicely.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to enjoy your Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a delightful breakfast or snack ready whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and microwave on low for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, bake at 350 F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delicious muffins!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to your batter.

How can I make my Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping healthier?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, use less sugar, or replace some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce to lower fat content.

Can I make these muffins without cream cheese?

Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even try Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.

What other toppings can I add to my muffins?

Feel free to get creative! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even coconut flakes would add extra flavor and texture.

How do I know when my muffins are done baking?

Your muffins are ready when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping as much as I do! They’re not just delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re starting your day or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these muffins will surely bring joy to your table. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!