Introduction to Almond Cherry Muffins
As a busy mom, I know how precious those few moments of peace can be, especially in the morning rush. That’s why I adore these Almond Cherry Muffins! They’re not just a treat; they’re a quick solution for breakfast or a delightful snack that even the pickiest eaters will love. Imagine biting into a warm, moist muffin, bursting with juicy cherries and the nutty flavor of almonds. It’s like a hug in a muffin! Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, bringing joy to your family and making your mornings a little brighter.
Why You’ll Love This Almond Cherry Muffins
These Almond Cherry Muffins are a game-changer for busy mornings! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, taking just 15 minutes of prep time. The delightful combination of sweet cherries and crunchy almonds creates a flavor explosion that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or snack all week long. Who doesn’t love a treat that’s both tasty and convenient?
Ingredients for Almond Cherry Muffins
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Almond Cherry Muffins. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The base of our muffins, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the muffins rise, making them light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: A little boost for the baking powder, ensuring a perfect rise.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Sugar: Granulated or brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
- Egg: This binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Yogurt: A secret ingredient that keeps the muffins moist and adds a slight tang.
- Canola oil: This keeps the muffins tender; you can substitute with vegetable or safflower oil.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth to the muffins.
- Almond extract: This gives a lovely nutty aroma, making the muffins truly special.
- Cherries: Fresh, juicy cherries are the star of the show, adding sweetness and a pop of color.
- Almonds: Slivered or sliced almonds add crunch; toasting them enhances their flavor.
For the exact quantities of each ingredient, check the bottom of the article where you can find a printable version. Happy baking!
How to Make Almond Cherry Muffins
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious Almond Cherry Muffins! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, fragrant muffins in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃). This step is crucial because it ensures your muffins rise beautifully. While the oven heats up, grease 12 muffin cups or line them with muffin liners. This will make it easy to pop the muffins out once they’re baked. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, making your muffins light and fluffy. After sifting, add the sugar and mix everything together. This is where the magic begins, as the dry ingredients come together to form the base of your muffins.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, mix the slightly beaten egg with yogurt, canola oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk until everything is well combined. The yogurt is a game-changer, keeping your muffins moist and tender. When you combine the wet ingredients with the dry, be careful not to over-mix. A few lumps are perfectly fine; they’ll bake out beautifully!
Step 4: Fold in Almonds and Cherries
Now comes the fun part—gently fold in the slivered almonds and halved cherries. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to carefully mix them into the batter. This step is important because you want to avoid staining the batter with cherry juice. The goal is to keep those lovely chunks of fruit intact for a delightful surprise in every bite!
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. This will give you those lovely, domed muffins we all love. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra sliced almonds on top for added crunch and a beautiful presentation. Your family will be impressed before they even take a bite!
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for 3 minutes at 425℉. Then, reduce the temperature to 375℉ (190℃) and continue baking for an additional 12-17 minutes for standard muffins, or 22-27 minutes for jumbo muffins. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! If they start to brown too much, cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Once baked, let them cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh cherries for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the almonds before adding them for a richer taste.
- Don’t over-mix the batter; a few lumps are okay!
- For easy removal, let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them moist.
Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin works perfectly; silicone molds are a great alternative.
- Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for dry ingredients and a medium bowl for wet ingredients.
- Whisk: A simple whisk or fork will do for mixing wet ingredients.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in cherries and almonds without damaging them.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based yogurt.
- Berry Bliss: Swap cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips for a sweet, indulgent touch.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Almond Cherry Muffins with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for added creaminess.
- For a special touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, for the best experience!
FAQs about Almond Cherry Muffins
As you embark on your baking adventure with these Almond Cherry Muffins, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers to guide you along the way.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well, but make sure to thaw and drain them first. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the muffin batter.
How can I make these muffins healthier?
To boost the nutrition, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best to bake the muffins fresh, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance. Just mix them together and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake!
What’s the best way to store leftover muffins?
Store your Almond Cherry Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag, and they’ll last for up to three months.
Can I substitute the yogurt with something else?
Yes! If you don’t have yogurt on hand, you can use sour cream or even applesauce for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste.
Final Thoughts
Making these Almond Cherry Muffins is more than just baking; it’s about creating moments of joy in your busy life. The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will bring smiles to your family’s faces, and the first bite will transport you to a cozy café. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or share them with friends, these muffins are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and let the magic of baking fill your heart and home with warmth and happiness!
Print
Almond Cherry Muffins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
As a busy mom, I know how precious those few moments of peace can be, especially in the morning rush. That’s why I adore these Almond Cherry Muffins! They’re not just a treat; they’re a quick solution for breakfast or a delightful snack that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated or brown sugar
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten
- 1 cup (227g) yogurt
- ⅓ cup (80ml) canola oil (or vegetable, safflower)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ cups (300 grams/11 ounces) cherries, halved and pitted
- ½ cup slivered or sliced almonds (better if toasted), plus extra (not toasted) to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉/220℃. Grease 12 muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add sugar and mix to combine.
- In a medium bowl, mix egg with yogurt, oil, vanilla, and almond extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula just until combined. Do not over mix. The batter should be quite thick and lumpy. Fold in almonds and cherries gently to prevent staining.
- Divide the mixture between the muffin cups, filling almost fully to the top. Sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired.
- Bake for 3 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375℉/190℃.
- Continue to bake for an additional 12-17 minutes for standard muffins, or an additional 22-27 minutes for jumbo muffins.
- They are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. If they start to brown too much, cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Cool for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cherries.
- Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor.
- Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
