Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping

Baking can feel intimidating for beginners, but muffins are a great place to start. They are forgiving, easy to customize, and don’t require complicated techniques. These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping are soft, moist, and filled with fresh strawberries in every bite. The addition of a rich cream cheese filling creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, while the buttery streusel crumb topping adds a delicious crunch.

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This recipe is beginner-friendly because it uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It also requires minimal equipment, making it an ideal choice for those just getting started in the kitchen. The muffins bake in under 30 minutes, making them a quick and satisfying homemade treat. Unlike store-bought muffins, which often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, these are made with fresh ingredients and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Whether you are making these muffins for breakfast, a snack, or a special treat, they are guaranteed to impress. They pair well with coffee or tea and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. By following the detailed instructions below, even a beginner can achieve bakery-quality muffins at home.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before starting, it is important to have all ingredients measured and ready. This helps make the process smoother and ensures that nothing is forgotten.

Streusel Crumb Topping

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Strawberry Muffins

• 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 extract
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries

Cream Cheese Filling

• 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Glaze

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

Preparation Notes

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the best texture. If using whole wheat flour, the muffins may be denser.
• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are recommended. If using frozen strawberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness. Plain yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins soft. Canola or melted coconut oil can also be used.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set it aside. This recipe makes 9 to 10 muffins.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms small crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together egg and granulated sugar until combined. Add Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.

Using a spatula, carefully fold in 1 ½ cups of diced strawberries, leaving 2 to 3 tablespoons aside to sprinkle on top later.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth. This filling will add a creamy texture to the muffins.

Step 5: Assemble the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup with 1 tablespoon of muffin batter. Add 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each. Cover with more muffin batter until the cups are about ⅔ to ¾ full.

Generously sprinkle the streusel crumbs on top. Add the reserved diced strawberries for extra flavor and color. Gently press the crumbs so they stick to the muffin batter.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffins in the preheated oven, then immediately reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C). This helps the muffins rise initially, then bake evenly.

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set. To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready.

Allow the muffins to cool for 5 to 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the muffins cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk or cream, starting with 1 teaspoon of liquid and gradually adding more until the desired consistency is reached. The glaze should be smooth and pourable.

Drizzle the glaze over the muffins once they are completely cooled.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Measuring Ingredients: Always spoon and level flour rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup. This prevents adding too much flour, which can make the muffins dense.
• Mixing the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the egg, yogurt, and cream cheese come to room temperature before using. This ensures smooth mixing and even baking.
• Strawberry Preparation: Dice strawberries into small, uniform pieces. This helps them distribute evenly in the batter and prevents sinking.
• Preventing Overbaking: Start checking the muffins at 22 minutes. If they bake too long, they can become dry.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They pair well with:

• A cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
• Fresh fruit such as sliced bananas or berries on the side.
• A drizzle of honey or extra glaze for added sweetness.
• A serving of Greek yogurt for a balanced meal.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to two days.
• Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. Warm in the microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap muffins individually and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds before eating.

Engagement Features

Baking should be fun and rewarding. These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping are a great way to practice baking skills while creating a delicious treat. They are simple enough for beginners but taste like they came from a bakery.

If you try this recipe, share your experience. What did you love about it? Did you make any modifications? Leave a comment and let others know how it turned out.

This recipe is versatile, and you can experiment with different flavors. Try using blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries, or swap the Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slightly different texture.

Now that you have a foolproof muffin recipe, enjoy baking and exploring more homemade treats.