Fresh Cherry Muffins with Crumb Topping

I’m a huge fan of bakery-style muffins that are tall, fluffy, and filled with juicy fruit—and these Fresh Cherry Muffins with Crumb Topping absolutely deliver.

They’re moist, tender, and loaded with sweet-tart cherries in every bite. The golden crumb topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft muffin base, and they smell heavenly fresh out of the oven.

These are my go-to muffins for cherry season, and they never last long in my house.

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Recipe Highlights

These cherry muffins are everything you love about bakery muffins—big tops, a moist crumb, and just enough sweetness.

The cherries add brightness and moisture, while the crumb topping gives a sweet, buttery finish.

They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or snacks on the go.

• Tall, bakery-style muffins with big domed tops
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• Juicy fresh cherries in every bite
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• Buttery crumb topping adds texture and sweetness
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• Easy one-bowl batter
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• Great for breakfast, brunch, or snacking

How to Make My Fresh Cherry Muffins with Crumb Topping

1. Prep the Oven
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
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2. Make the Crumb Topping
   In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter until crumbly. Chill while you make the batter.
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3. Mix the Muffin Batter
   In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla. In a second bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until combined.
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4. Fold in the Cherries
   Gently fold in the chopped cherries. Don’t overmix!
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5. Fill and Top
   Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling ¾ full. Sprinkle generously with crumb topping.
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6. Bake
   Bake for 18–22 minutes until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving.

Creating the Perfect Cherry Muffins

Fresh cherry muffins make for a delightful breakfast or snack option. These treats are made with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

The addition of sugar and eggs contributes to their moistness, while vegetable oil keeps them tender.

Incorporating milk and vanilla extract into the batter enhances the flavor profile, making each bite a sweet experience.

The star of the show, however, is the pitted and chopped fresh cherries, which add a burst of color and juiciness to the muffins.

The Irresistible Crumb Topping

What sets these cherry muffins apart is the crumb topping. Made from brown sugar and unsalted butter, this mixture creates a sweet, crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft muffin base.

The crumb topping not only adds texture but also elevates the overall flavor.

When baked, the crumb topping turns a lovely golden brown, making the muffins visually appealing.

A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a finishing touch, making them look even more inviting.

Simple Ingredients for a Quick Bake

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these muffins in no time.

The preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, and the baking process requires only 20 minutes.

Gather your ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and of course, the fresh cherries.

This straightforward list makes it easy for anyone to bake these muffins, regardless of experience level.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the muffins and the crumb topping. Gives structure while keeping them tender.
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• Fresh Cherries: Pitted and halved cherries provide moisture, flavor, and vibrant pops of color. You can chop them smaller if desired.
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• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help create a nice rise and domed muffin tops.
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• Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
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• Whole Milk or Buttermilk: These ingredients add moisture and give the muffins a soft, light crumb.
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• Oil (Vegetable or Canola): Keeps the muffins moist longer than butter-based recipes.
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• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the cherry flavor.
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• Sugar (Granulated + Brown): White sugar sweetens the batter; brown sugar adds richness and depth to the crumb topping.
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• Butter (for crumb topping): Gives the crumb its crispy, golden texture.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cherry muffins are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the day. Serve them warm for breakfast, or pack them as a snack for a picnic.

They also make a lovely addition to brunch gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon coffee.

The muffins can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making them a great option for meal prep or baking in advance.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cherry muffins with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast scene. The combination of warm muffins and a hot beverage creates a comforting atmosphere, perfect for starting the day or enjoying a leisurely afternoon.

For an extra touch, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter.

The sweetness of the cherries and the richness of the crumb topping complement these additions beautifully.

These muffins are perfect with:

• A warm cup of coffee or chai latte
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• A side of scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt
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• A brunch board with fruit, granola, and jams
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• A drizzle of honey or a pat of butter

Tips for the Best Fresh Cherry Muffins with Crumb Topping

Toss chopped cherries in a teaspoon of flour before folding them in to prevent sinking. Do not overmix the batter—just stir until the flour is incorporated.

Let muffins cool slightly before removing from the pan so they don’t fall apart. Use paper liners for easy cleanup and to help maintain muffin shape.

Storage of Leftovers

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.