Cherry Muffins with Crumb Topping

Our harvest of cherries that seemed so big has nearly vanished--into our stomachs, which was my intent, of course.  I had a few cups left and wanted to bake something with them.  After considering different possibilities, I fell back on my tried and true baked item, muffins.  I love a good muffin because each person has their own easily handled, portable snack. Plus, they freeze nicely. I have family coming for a visit next week, so a batch of cherry muffins will be very handy.  The recipe that I used for these muffins comes from Food & Wine. I have fairly strong opinions on how I like a muffin to taste. That is, I don't like them to be miniature cakes. I grew up eating muffins that had a stronger crumb and this recipe reminds me of those muffins from my childhood.  Plus, it doesn't become soggy as the juice from the fruit seeps out during the baking, often a problem when making berry muffins.  The outside of the muffin looks quite dark, and I was afraid I baked them too long. But, the picture in the magazine showed the same appearance, and the inside was moist and delicate. The top and sides have a slight crunch that Bob and I enjoyed very much.  Try this with any fruit and I think you'll be very happy.  We were.

Cherry Muffins with Crumb Topping

(Adapted from Food & Wine)

MAKES 16-18 MUFFINS ( The recipe says 18--but I ran out of batter after 16)

INGREDIENTS
CRUMB TOPPING
    •    1 cup all-purpose flour
    •    3 tablespoons light brown sugar
    •    2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    •    1 teaspoon baking powder
    •    Pinch of salt
    •    6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
    •   
MUFFINS
    •    1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
    •    2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
    •    1/2 teaspoon salt
    •    1 cup granulated sugar
    •    2 large eggs
    •    1/2 cup canola oil
    •    3/4 cup whole milk
    •    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    •    1 1/2 cups pitted sweet cherries (try to use 2 cherries per muffin)
    •   

DIRECTIONS
    1.    Preheat the oven to 375°. Line 18 muffin cups with paper or foil liners or spray 2 muffin tins with cooking spray.
    2.    MAKE THE CRUMB TOPPING: In a medium bowl, combine the flour with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in the melted butter, then pinch the mixture until it forms pea-size clumps.
    3.    MAKE THE MUFFINS: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs and canola oil and beat with a handheld electric mixer at low speed until combined. Beat in the whole milk and vanilla. Add the flour mixture all at once and beat at low speed until the batter is smooth. Stir in the cherries.
    4.    Spoon the batter into 18 of the cups, filling them about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the crumb topping on top of each one and bake for about 30 minutes or until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.

Comments

[ButtaBuns]

Those are too darn cute!
I admire your restraint, there probably wouldn't be any muffins left to freeze for company.

[mandira]

the cherry muffin is too beautiful. I'm going to try it as soon as fresh cherries are available here. Also loved the beautiful neighbor exchange... fresh cherries and strawberries. I want you as my neighbor :)

[Alisha]

Those are just gorgeous! I'm so jealous you have a cherry tree. I did break down and buy some this weekend but it's hard when they're upwards of $8 a pound around here.

[Tanna]

Very nice - haven't seen cherries here yet but now I've got to find a bunch for muffins. These are really gorgeous!

[Callipygia]

Oh these are lovely and probably taste even better since they come from your garden!

[Elise]

So many recipes call for sour cherries, but I don't know anyone who grows those. So nice to see an easy recipe using the type of cherry we can easily find!

[lotsofcravings]

This looks so good that i cant bear to eat..haha cherries are my favourite but cost a bomb in malaysia

[Kristen]

Those look like great muffins. What a wonderful surprise to bite into a muffin and to find a yummy cherry!

[Glenna]

Sher, you make me want to sit at your counter and taste test everything you cook. Every day. That's it. I'm moving in. Don't tell the hubbies but Upsie will be secretly thrilled.

[Ivonne]

Oh, Sher! I'm so jealous. Cherries are my absolute favourite. I love your little muffins!

[Victoria]

They look insanely yummy. I've been searching for a simple muffin recipe with a little less oil. PERFECT! =)

[Katiez]

I've never made cherry muffins. I wonder if they would work with our sour cherries? I have to find a use for them...
Our cherries our not ready, yet, another week....

[e]

I love the crumb topping. It's my favorite thing on top of muffins or even on top of pie instead of a second crust. Your fresh cherries surely made a delicious muffin.

[Lydia]

These muffins look so beautiful with their bright red centers! I'll bet they would be delicious with peaches, too.

[Yellow House Cook]

Those look awesome. I may have to splurge on some import cherries to make them.

[Brilynn]

Beautiful pics!

[Patricia Scarpin]

Sher, my dear, these are just superb - my sister is now addicted to making muffins and I'm sending her the link immediately - I bet it won't take 30 seconds for her to call me, begging for the translation. ;)

[s'kat]

I'm definitely going to keep my eyes out for some cherries at the farmer's market in the coming weeks! These look mighty tasty.

[Susan from Food "Blogga"]

I just posted on cherries too! I love these muffins, Sher! They are precious, and would be perfect for a brunch. Thanks for the idea.

[kristi]

These look so good. I'm not a big fan of berry muffins for the "leaky" reasons you described, but these sound like they would be just perfect.

[Kelly Cat's favorite human]

The recipe alone would have been great. The description was even better. And the photos were the topper. I will make these soon.

[Rachael]

Thanks for the recipe. I had a surpluss of fresh, sweet cherries, and stumbled across your blog (love it!). The muffins are in the oven right now and look and smell delicious. Can't wait to try one!!

[JulieB]

YYUUMM!! I also added almonds and strawberries.

[Pam]

Hi, I tested this recipe and the muffins are DELICIOUS, I loved it, great recipe.:)

xxxx

[Ariane]

Really great recipe! I did a google search for a cherry muffin recipe and I am so very glad I opted for yours. The muffins were absolutely delicious and everyone especially loved the crumble topping.

[Beth]

Yummy recipe! We had a ton of fresh cherries that we weren't eating fast enough, and after I pitted them this morning my six year old said, "These would be REALLY good in a muffin with a crumbly top!" I did a quick google search and what do you know, your recipe came up. There are only three left and a mini loaf pan, but it is only lunch time. :)

[Chocolate Chip Cookies]

Yummy Recipe. This looks delightful. I appreciated you this is one of the best Muffins Recipe.