Are you craving a delicious, soft, and irresistible muffin that blends the tartness of cherries with the sweetness of chocolate? Look no further than Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins! These moist, flavorful muffins are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With their soft texture and heavenly taste, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins
Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins are the perfect balance of flavors. The tartness of juicy cherries pairs beautifully with the richness of chocolate chips, creating a flavor combination that is both satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these muffins are a delightful way to enjoy a burst of fruity and chocolaty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips)
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it with a non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will provide the base for the muffins and ensure they rise perfectly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients with the Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
5. Add the Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The cherries add a fresh, juicy pop, while the chocolate chips melt slightly into the batter, creating pockets of gooey chocolate goodness.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise and become beautifully domed as they bake.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional: Dust the muffins with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Fresh cherries will give you a juicy, vibrant muffin, but frozen cherries work just as well. If using frozen cherries, be sure to thaw them and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are ideal for these muffins, as they distribute more evenly throughout the batter. However, regular chocolate chips also work perfectly.
- Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top bag for freshness.
Why Make These Muffins?
These Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins are perfect for anyone who loves a combination of fruity and chocolatey flavors. They’re quick and easy to make, and their soft, fluffy texture will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a gathering with friends, these muffins are sure to impress.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines the best of both worlds—sweet chocolate and tart cherries—look no further than these Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins. With their tender crumb and delightful flavor, they’re the perfect way to indulge in a delicious homemade treat. Try them today and discover your new favorite muffin!
Serving and Storage Tips for Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins
Serving Tips:
- Warm and Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve these muffins slightly warm. You can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up or reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes.
- Pair with Beverages: These muffins are perfect for pairing with your morning coffee, a cup of tea, or even a glass of milk. Their sweetness and fruitiness complement a variety of beverages, making them an ideal treat for breakfast or a mid-day snack.
- Top with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a more elegant presentation, lightly dust the muffins with powdered sugar right before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look extra inviting.
- Serve with Whipped Cream or Yogurt: For a luxurious touch, serve these muffins with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a side of Greek yogurt. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the tart cherries and chocolate chips.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the muffins within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, ensure the muffins have cooled completely before storing them.
- Freezing: These muffins freeze wonderfully for longer storage. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
- Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can refrigerate the muffins if you prefer a firmer texture. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to avoid them drying out. They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins fresh or keep them handy for a few days of indulgence!
1. Can I use different types of cherries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use both sweet and tart cherries for this recipe. Fresh, frozen, or even jarred cherries will work, though it’s important to drain any excess liquid if you’re using jarred cherries to avoid soggy muffins. Sweet cherries will give a milder flavor, while tart cherries will add a slightly more tangy taste.
2. How can I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the muffins?
To keep the chocolate chips from sinking, toss them in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This will help them stay evenly distributed throughout the muffin as it bakes.
3. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make these muffins dairy-free by substituting the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. You can also replace the egg with a flax egg or another egg substitute, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
4. How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?
To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of one of the muffins. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, the muffins are ready. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again.
PrintCherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with the perfect combination of sweet cherries and gooey chocolate chips. They make for a delightful breakfast treat, snack, or even dessert, perfect for any time you’re craving something fruity and chocolaty!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
- 3/4 cup (130 g) mini chocolate chips (or regular)
For topping (optional):
- Coarse sugar
- Extra chocolate chips or halved cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with nonstick spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Do not overmix—stir just until no streaks of flour remain.
- Add cherries and chocolate chips:
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips, being careful not to crush the cherries.
- Fill the muffin cups:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the tops with extra chocolate chips and coarse sugar for a little sparkle, if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- If using frozen cherries, add 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
- Cool:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal, but frozen (pitted) cherries work just as well. If using frozen, do not thaw before adding to the batter.
- Chocolate chips: Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the muffins, but you can use regular-sized chips if preferred.
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a flavor boost that pairs beautifully with cherries.