There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Almond Cherry Muffins wafting through your home. The moment those sweet cherries and nutty almond flavors mingle in the oven, you can’t help but feel a sense of comfort and warmth wrap around you like a cozy blanket. Imagine biting into one of these fluffy delights — the soft muffin crumbling ever so slightly, with a burst of juicy cherries surprising your taste buds. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For more inspiration, check out this easy breakfast ideas recipe.
These muffins hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of lazy Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house. She would whip up a batch with her secret touch while we all gathered around the kitchen table, eager to dig in. Now, I make them for my family, creating new memories over the same delicious bites. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or just because it’s Tuesday, these Almond Cherry Muffins promise to bring joy to any occasion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These muffins are incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers
- Their flavor profile combines sweet cherries and crunchy almonds for a delightful treat
- Visually appealing with their golden tops and popping cherry colors, they look great on any plate
- Perfect for breakfast but versatile enough for snacks or dessert!
I remember the first time I made these muffins; my kids devoured them faster than I could get them out of the oven!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple for baking; it provides structure and texture to your muffins.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly; you can adjust according to your taste.
- Baking Powder: This is essential for that delightful rise in your muffins.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Almond Extract: Offers that unique almond flavor that pairs wonderfully with cherries.
- Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess; it’ll make your muffins tender and moist.
- Eggs: These provide richness and help bind everything together.
- Fresh Cherries: Pitted and chopped; they add bursts of flavor throughout each bite.
- Sliced Almonds: For crunch and a lovely nutty finish on top of your muffins.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color.
Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. The dry ingredients create the foundation for fluffy muffins.
Create Your Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, almond extract, and melted butter until smooth. Whisking helps incorporate air for extra fluffiness.
Combine Mixtures Gently: Pour the wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tough muffins. You want bits of flour still visible.
Add Cherries and Almonds: Fold in chopped cherries and sliced almonds carefully using a spatula. The goal is to distribute them without breaking up those juicy cherry pieces.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin until each cup is about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let these delightful Almond Cherry Muffins cool slightly before devouring them warm from the oven!
Baking is not just about following recipes; it’s an adventure filled with delicious rewards! Enjoy those scrumptious moments as you share these treats with loved ones or simply savor them all by yourself—no judgment here! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- Almond Cherry Muffins are delightful morning treats that balance sweetness with nutty flavors
- The aroma wafting from the oven will have your friends and family flocking to the kitchen
- These muffins are perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, making them a versatile addition to any table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix the dry ingredients together in one bowl and the wet in another. Once combined, gently fold in chopped cherries and almond pieces before scooping the batter into muffin tins.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for blueberries or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor kick. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a more pronounced nutty taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cherries for maximum flavor; frozen ones can make the batter soggy
- Be careful not to overmix; gentle folding keeps muffins light and fluffy
- Always check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean, indicating perfectly baked muffins
The first time I made these Almond Cherry Muffins, my friends devoured them faster than I could take a picture! It was a hit at brunch, and now they’re always requesting another batch.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits in Almond Cherry Muffins?
Yes, blueberries or raspberries work great if you want to switch things up.
How do I know when my muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Almond Cherry Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 muffins 1x
Description
Discover the joy of baking with these Almond Cherry Muffins, where the delightful combination of sweet cherries and crunchy almonds creates a fluffy treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With their enticing aroma and vibrant colors, these muffins are not only delicious but also a heartwarming reminder of cherished family moments. Easy to make, they promise to bring happiness to any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, almond extract, and melted butter until smooth.
- Gently combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients until just mixed; do not over-mix.
- Fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds carefully.
- Spoon batter into muffin tins until two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (80g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg