Strawberry Muffins
These strawberry muffins are SO easy and so good! Trust me, you’ll find yourself making this recipe on repeat for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. They are sweet, fluffy, and burst with juicy strawberries, making them an irresistible treat. Let’s dive into why you’re going to love these muffins, followed by the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some frequently asked questions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Strawberry muffins are the perfect combination of sweet and wholesome. They are light and fluffy, packed with fresh strawberries, and super easy to make. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any advanced baking skills, making it perfect for beginner bakers or those looking for a quick breakfast option. Moreover, these muffins are customizable; you can easily swap out strawberries for your favorite fruit or add nuts for some crunch. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast, brunch, or enjoying them as a snack, these muffins will be a hit!
Ingredients
This recipe requires simple, everyday ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch any time you crave something sweet.
- 1 ½ cups flour – all-purpose flour to give the muffins structure
- ⅓ cup sugar – to sweeten the muffins perfectly
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – for puffiness and rise
- ½ teaspoon salt – to enhance flavor
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil – keeps the muffins moist
- 1 egg – binds all ingredients together
- ½ cup whole milk – adds richness and moisture
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for a lovely aroma and flavor
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries – the star of the show!
- Extra sugar for sprinkling on top – optional but adds a lovely crunch
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows muffins to rise properly while baking, giving them that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour, ⅔ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed to ensure even distribution of the baking powder and salt.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 egg, ½ cup whole milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whisk until combined, and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
Step 5: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of diced fresh strawberries. This step incorporates the fruit without crushing it, ensuring that you have lovely chunks of strawberries throughout the muffins.
Step 6: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with oil. Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of each muffin for added sweetness and texture.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden brown, and the muffins should spring back when gently pressed.
Step 8: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential for a perfect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which could alter the muffins’ texture.
How do I store leftover muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. For the best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Add-ins or substitutions: what can I include?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even replace strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Get creative and make the recipe your own!
How can I make these muffins healthier?
To make these muffins healthier, you can reduce the sugar, use low-fat milk, or substitute some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. This will still keep the muffins moist while reducing calories.
Conclusion
These strawberry muffins are simple to make, delicious, and perfect for any time of day. Their fluffy texture and sweet, fruity flavor are sure to be a hit with everyone. Hassle-free and adaptable, this recipe is one you’ll turn to time and time again. Happy baking!
