If you’re looking for a showstopper that blends the tart sweetness of fresh fruit with a rich, creamy center and a perfectly crunchy topping, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping Recipe is an absolute must-try. These muffins are bursting with juicy diced strawberries swirled into tender, fluffy batter, with pockets of velvety cream cheese that melt in your mouth. And let’s not forget that buttery streusel crumb topping, which adds just the right amount of texture and sweetness, elevating these muffins to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these muffins, just simple staples that come together beautifully to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the Greek yogurt keeping the muffins moist, the fresh strawberries delivering vibrant bursts of flavor, or the blend of sugars enhancing every bite.
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (streusel): Provides the structure and crumbly texture for the streusel topping.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (streusel): Adds a deep caramel sweetness to the crumb topping.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (streusel): Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness in the streusel.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (streusel): Binds the streusel ingredients and creates that crisp, buttery topping.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (batter): The main structure for the muffin base.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (batter): Brings out the flavor and helps balance sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the muffins their perfect rise and fluffiness.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (batter): Sweetens the muffin batter just right.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and richness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt: Keeps the batter moist with a slight tang that complements the strawberries.
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries: The star of the show, for juicy, fruity bites throughout.
- 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature: For the luscious creamy filling in each muffin.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (cream cheese filling): Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (cream cheese filling): Enhances the cream cheese flavor.
- 1 teaspoon corn starch: Helps thicken the cream cheese filling to a lovely consistency.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: Used to sweeten and smooth the glaze.
- 1 ½ – 2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream: Adjusts the glaze consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F to ensure it’s hot enough for those muffins to rise beautifully. Line your muffin pan with paper liners to make sure your muffins pop out effortlessly once baked and keep your cleanup easy.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, light brown sugar, and salt for the streusel. Pour in the melted butter and use your fingers or a fork to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly with sandy, coarse crumbs. This topping will add a wonderful buttery crunch that contrasts with the soft muffin.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Muffins
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the muffin batter. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning so every bite is perfectly flavored and fluffy.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and slightly frothy; this step adds air and lightness to the muffins. Then add the Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures & Fold in Strawberries
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and carefully fold them together using a spatula. Be sure not to overmix; a few lumps are okay to keep the muffins tender. Finally, fold in the diced fresh strawberries, so the vibrant fruit is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the soft cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch until smooth and creamy. This decadent filling will create delightful pockets of richness in the finished muffins and beautifully complement the fresh strawberries.
Step 7: Assemble the Muffins
Fill each muffin cup halfway with the strawberry batter, then dollop a spoonful of the cream cheese filling on top. Cover with more batter until the cups are about three-quarters full. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of streusel topping over each muffin to seal in sweet, crumbly goodness.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake the muffins for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean but a little moist from strawberries—pure muffin heaven!
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping Recipe
Garnishes
These muffins are stunning on their own, but to really impress, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the tops. Fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint can add a pretty, fresh touch for serving guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a cup of hot coffee, a creamy latte, or even a fruity iced tea for a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat. Fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait also work wonderfully alongside, keeping the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve these muffins stacked on a tiered cake stand or in colorful muffin liners to brighten up the table. You can also hollow out the top a bit after baking to fill with extra cream cheese or even a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crumb topping crisp and the cream cheese filling soft and creamy.
Freezing
Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping Recipe freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm your muffins in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them into a preheated 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh that just-baked softness, making them taste like they came straight from the oven all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for this recipe’s texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if you thaw and drain them thoroughly first to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use a plant-based cream cheese to keep those creamy elements intact without dairy.
How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking?
Mix the streusel until it’s crumbly but not too wet, and sprinkle it generously on top of the batter just before baking. The initial high oven temperature also helps set the topping quickly to prevent sinking.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour works well. Just be mindful that texture might slightly vary depending on your flour choice.
What can I do if my muffins are too dense?
Be careful not to overmix the batter; fold the ingredients gently until combined. Also, double-check your baking powder’s freshness to ensure the muffins rise properly and stay fluffy.
Final Thoughts
Making these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping Recipe is like creating little pockets of joy that brighten any morning or snack time. Their balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements feels so special yet approachable—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a batch that your family and friends will rave about!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Crumb Topping are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or snack time. Featuring fresh diced strawberries folded into a tender batter, they are complemented by a rich, creamy cheese filling and a crumbly, buttery streusel topping for added texture and flavor. Baked to golden perfection, these muffins offer a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Muffin Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries
Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
Glaze (Optional)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 2/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly fluffy. Then add Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing to combine thoroughly.
- Combine Batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Then carefully fold in the diced fresh strawberries, taking care not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon corn starch until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon a layer of muffin batter into each muffin liner, then add a dollop of the cream cheese filling in the center. Cover with more muffin batter to fill each cup about three-quarters full. Top each muffin with the prepared streusel topping.
- Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the muffins for 22 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Optional Glaze: If desired, mix powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth and drizzle over cooled muffins for an extra sweet finish.
- Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure muffins stay light and fluffy.
- Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture—avoid frozen as they can add excess moisture.
- The optional glaze adds sweetness but can be skipped for a less sugary muffin.
- Line your muffin pan with paper liners to make cleanup easier.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
