Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

Soft strawberry studded muffins layered with a light cheesecake filling and topped with brown sugar streusel make for a delightful treat. These Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Their rich flavor and textures will make them a favorite among family and friends, making them suitable for various occasions. Enjoy these indulgent muffins any day of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake filling creates a unique taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these muffins can be whipped up quickly, perfect for busy mornings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual breakfast or a special gathering, these muffins impress at every event.
• Moist Texture: The yogurt and cheesecake filling keep the muffins incredibly moist and tender.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to use fresh or frozen strawberries based on what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins is not just about ingredients; having the right tools makes the process smoother. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Muffin pans (12-count)
• Pastry knife or fork
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer: This tool ensures that your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly, leading to a light texture.
• Muffin Pans: Using quality muffin pans helps achieve evenly baked muffins with a great shape.
• Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding in delicate ingredients like strawberries without crushing them.

Ingredients

To create your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins, gather the following ingredients:

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, cold

For the Muffins

• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120g) yogurt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) fresh or frozen chopped strawberries

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 Tablespoons (36g) granulated sugar

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray two muffin pans with nonstick spray or line them with cupcake liners. This recipe yields about 14 muffins.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl:
1. Toss together the light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry knife or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter

In a medium bowl:
1. Beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add both granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until well creamed.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing in yogurt and vanilla extract until combined.

In a large bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir until combined but still lumpy.
3. Gently fold in strawberries.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In another medium bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese on medium-high speed until creamy.
2. Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sugar; mix until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Muffins

For each muffin:
1. Spoon 1 tablespoon of muffin batter into each cup.
2. Add about one spoonful of cheesecake filling on top.
3. Layer with another tablespoon of muffin batter to fill cups completely.
4. Sprinkle streusel topping over each muffin.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes. Then lower temperature to 350°F (177°C):
1. Bake an additional 18 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

Strawberry cheesecake muffins are delightful on their own, but there are many ways to enhance your serving experience. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins can be paired with various accompaniments.

With Fresh Fruit

• Mixed Berries: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries like blueberries and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Bananas: The creaminess of bananas pairs well with the strawberry flavor in the muffins.

With Spreads

• Cream Cheese Spread: A light layer of cream cheese spread adds extra richness and compliments the muffin’s flavors.
• Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter brings a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

For Brunch

• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these muffins with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy brunch setting.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and more strawberries for a delicious and filling brunch option.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Try warm muffins topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can elevate the muffin’s flavor and add a delightful texture.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

Creating the perfect strawberry cheesecake muffins takes some attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and room temperature ingredients to enhance flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Fill Muffin Cups Generously: Don’t be afraid to fill the muffin cups all the way to the top; this helps achieve that bakery-style dome shape.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they’re done. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Let Them Cool Properly: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack; this helps maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

Pairing side dishes with your strawberry cheesecake muffins can create a more complete meal. Here are some tasty options you might consider.

1. Greek Yogurt: This creamy side is packed with protein and complements the sweet flavors of the muffins perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the muffins.
3. Granola: Crunchy granola provides texture contrast and can be enjoyed on its own or sprinkled over yogurt.
4. Cottage Cheese: High in protein, cottage cheese adds a savory touch that pairs well with sweet muffins.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl filled with berries can make for a nutritious addition to your muffin feast.
6. Oatmeal: Warm oatmeal topped with honey or maple syrup offers heartiness alongside your light strawberry treat.
7. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option is rich in fiber and omega-3s, making it an excellent complement to muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter, eggs, and yogurt. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to not mix well and affect the texture of the muffins.
• Overmixing the batter: Gently fold in the strawberries and dry ingredients to avoid tough muffins. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy results instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Skipping the streusel: The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall muffin experience significantly.
• Not filling muffin cups enough: Make sure to fill the muffin cups generously. This ensures your muffins rise nicely and have a beautiful dome shape.
• Ignoring baking times: Baking at the correct temperatures is crucial. Follow the temperature adjustments carefully for perfect muffins that are baked through yet moist.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Ensure muffins are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

• Freeze muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
• They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain their texture.
• Microwave: Heat each muffin for 20-30 seconds on medium power. This is quick but may make them slightly softer.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins different from regular muffins?

Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins have a creamy cheesecake filling layered within soft muffin batter, making them richer and more indulgent compared to standard muffins.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes! Fresh or frozen strawberries work well in these muffins. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.

How can I customize my Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins?

Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or incorporate chocolate chips for added flavor. You can also adjust sweetness levels by varying sugar amounts.

Are Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins healthy?

While they are indulgent, you can make them healthier by using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar content without sacrificing flavor.

How should I store leftover muffins?

Store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins are a delightful treat suitable for breakfast or dessert. Their combination of fluffy muffin texture with creamy cheesecake filling makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits or toppings, ensuring that each batch is uniquely yours!