Cherry muffins are more than just a quick breakfast option—they’re a little burst of joy wrapped in a golden crumb. Whether you’re running out the door, planning a cozy brunch, or simply in need of something sweet and homemade, this recipe fits right into your lifestyle. It’s one of those sweet easy recipes you’ll turn to again and again—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s timeless.
We’ve all been there: mornings where the coffee isn’t strong enough, the to-do list is too long, and breakfast is an afterthought. Enter: these muffins. They don’t ask much—no mixer, no fussy ingredients, no complicated instructions. What they give in return is warm comfort, juicy cherry bursts, and a perfect crumb that makes you pause and smile.
Why this recipe? Because it’s simple, reliable, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your kids, or for a brunch gathering, this muffin is a universal crowd-pleaser.
🛒 Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This cherry muffin recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it both convenient and accessible. Here’s your shopping list:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour – For structure.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Sweetness with a clean finish.
- ¼ cup (55g) light brown sugar, packed – Adds depth and moisture.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Gives a nice rise.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Helps react with yogurt/sour cream for tenderness.
- ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt – Adds richness and moisture.
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil – Keeps muffins tender and moist.
- 2 large eggs – Bind everything together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – For warmth and aroma.
Add-ins:
- 1 cup (150g) chopped cherries – Fresh or frozen, pitted and chopped.
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional) – For a crunchy, sparkly muffin top.
💡 Tip: If using frozen cherries, don’t thaw them—just chop and toss in directly to avoid a pink-tinged batter.
🧁 How to Make Cherry Muffins Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine:
- Sour cream (or yogurt)
- Oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are perfectly okay.
Step 5: Add Cherries
Fold in the chopped cherries carefully so the batter stays light. If using frozen cherries, do this quickly to prevent bleeding into the batter.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. If using coarse sugar, sprinkle a pinch over each muffin top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm, or let cool completely and store.
📝 Tips for Success
Here’s how to make your cherry muffins bakery-quality every time:
- Use room-temperature eggs and yogurt – Helps the batter mix evenly.
- Don’t overmix – Overmixing can cause tough, rubbery muffins.
- Weigh your flour – Too much flour = dry muffins.
- Add texture – Top with coarse sugar, sliced almonds, or streusel.
- Cool completely before storing – Traps moisture and keeps muffins fresh.
🔁 Variations & Flavor Swaps
Love this recipe but want to switch it up? Try one of these reader-approved variations:
🍫 Chocolate Cherry Muffins
- Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a Black Forest–inspired twist.
🍋 Cherry Lemon Muffins
- Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
🥥 Coconut Cherry Muffins
- Mix in ¼ cup shredded coconut for tropical flair.
🫐 Cherry Berry Muffins
- Use half cherries, half blueberries or raspberries for color and variety.
🍯 Healthier Version
- Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
🧊 Storing and Freezing Cherry Muffins
At Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Fridge:
- Store in a container lined with paper towels to avoid sogginess.
- Good for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer:
- Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
- To reheat: microwave for 20–30 seconds or toast lightly.
❄️ Pro Tip: Freeze while still fresh to lock in moisture and flavor.
⏰ Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the batter the night before (without cherries), cover, and refrigerate.
- Add chopped cherries in the morning and bake.
- Ideal for brunch prep or hosting events.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Cherry muffins are delightful solo, but here’s how to elevate your experience:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey.
- Pair with Greek yogurt and fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Enjoy with coffee or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon break.
- Split and toast with a smear of cream cheese or cherry jam.
🧑🍳 Who Will Love This Recipe?
- Busy moms and dads packing school lunches
- Home bakers craving something quick but homemade
- Students looking for portable snacks
- Hosts needing a reliable brunch item
- Anyone who says, “I don’t have time to bake!”
🍒 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, but drain and pat them dry to avoid soggy muffins.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Absolutely! Use ½ tsp almond extract for a deeper cherry-almond flavor.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond-based and replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Can I use this batter in a loaf pan?
Yes, bake in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan at 350°F for about 45–50 minutes.
📊 Nutrition Information (Per Muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215 |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
🧁 Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Banana Chocolate Muffins – A chocolatey twist on the classic.
- Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins – The taste of Sunday morning in a wrapper.
- Cranberry Orange Muffins – Zesty, sweet, and perfect for winter brunches.
- Blueberry Oat Muffins – Hearty, wholesome, and lightly sweetened.
✨ Craving more? Browse our full collection of Sweet Easy Recipes for breakfast, dessert, and everything in between.
💬 Final Thoughts from the Kitchen
These cherry muffins are more than a quick fix for hunger—they’re a gentle reminder that good things don’t have to be complicated. With a handful of ingredients and a little love, you’ll pull something out of the oven that’s more than food—it’s comfort, joy, and care baked into every bite.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to bake something simple and satisfying, this is it. One bowl. One spoon. One perfect muffin at a time.
