Cherry Cobbler Muffins

Cherry Cobbler Muffins are soft, fluffy muffins swirled with juicy cherries and topped with a buttery streusel for a bakery-style twist on a classic cobbler dessert. Bursting with sweet-tart cherry flavor and finished with a golden crumb topping, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins bring together the best parts of cherry cobbler—juicy fruit and crunchy topping—in a handheld, easy-to-make form. They’re moist, flavorful, and quick to prepare with fresh, frozen, or canned cherries. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, cherry cobbler muffins are a comforting and fruity treat that never disappoints.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the muffins:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Milk or buttermilk
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned), pitted and chopped

For the streusel topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Butter, cold and cubed

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until combined.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in chopped cherries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
7. To make streusel, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Sprinkle streusel evenly over each muffin.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Makes 12 muffins
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Almond-Cherry: Add a splash of almond extract to the batter for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a dessert-style muffin.
• Lemon Glaze: Drizzle with lemon glaze after baking for a sweet-tart finish.
• Crumble-Free: Skip the streusel for a simpler muffin.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
To refresh muffins, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

It’s best to use whole cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned in juice), not pie filling, to avoid overly sweet or soggy muffins.

How do I keep cherries from sinking?

Toss cherries with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to help suspend them.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes—use plant-based milk and oil or dairy-free butter alternatives.

Are these muffins overly sweet?

They’re gently sweetened, with most of the sweetness coming from the cherries and streusel.

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, no need to thaw—just chop and fold into the batter gently.

What’s the best way to pit fresh cherries?

A cherry pitter works best, but you can also halve them and remove the pits with a knife.

Can I add nuts to these muffins?

Yes—chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts add great crunch to the streusel or batter.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

Use granulated sugar with a dash of molasses, or substitute with coconut sugar.

How do I get a high muffin top?

Fill the cups nearly full and bake at 400°F for the first 5 minutes, then reduce to 375°F to finish.

Do these muffins need to be refrigerated?

Only if storing longer than 3 days, due to the fruit content.

Conclusion

Cherry Cobbler Muffins are a deliciously fruity, bakery-style treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With juicy cherries, a tender crumb, and a sweet streusel topping, they’re everything you love about cobbler—baked into a convenient, handheld muffin. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or snacking, they’re a comforting and flavorful favorite that’s sure to brighten your day.

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