Tangy Sour Cherry Muffins Recipe: A Sweet Morning Treat

Sweet memories of summer bloom with these delightful sour cherry muffins that burst with tangy flavor.

Baking became my weekend passion after discovering this incredible recipe.

Juicy cherries nestle perfectly inside soft, golden batter, creating a delectable treat.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between sweet and tart sensations.

Seasonal ingredients shine through, making these muffins a true celebration of fresh produce.

Curious bakers can whip up this simple yet impressive breakfast delight in minutes.

We promise these muffins will become your new weekend breakfast obsession.

Ingredients For Tart Sour Cherry Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden-brown color of the muffins.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and contributes to the tender crumb of the muffins.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness to the batter.

• Sour Cherries: Fresh or frozen fruit that brings a tangy and bright flavor to the muffins.
• Dark Chocolate Chunks: Optional ingredient that adds decadent bursts of chocolate throughout the muffins.

Steps To Bake Sour Cherry Muffins Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to a toasty 375F (190C), getting it ready for some serious baking action.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

• Whole milk
• Melted butter
• Fresh egg

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon, mixing just until everything comes together.

Don’t overmix – lumpy batter is your friend for tender muffins.

Step 5: Add Fruity Goodness

• Juicy sour cherries
• Dark chocolate chunks (optional but recommended)

Distribute these delightful bits throughout the batter.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Scoop the batter evenly into each cup, filling them about two-thirds full.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with maybe a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the tin for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Grab a muffin and savor the delicious combination of tart cherries and sweet batter.

Tips For Moist Sour Cherry Muffins Always

• Stir batter just until ingredients combine to keep muffins tender and light, avoiding tough, dense textures.
• Toss cherries in a little flour before folding into batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help create a more uniform and smoother muffin batter with better rising potential.
• Chop dark chocolate into small chunks for more even distribution and melty pockets throughout the muffins.
• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Fun Additions To Sour Cherry Muffin Batches

• Gluten-Free Cherry Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative that maintains a tender texture.
• Vegan Cherry Delight: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of butter to create a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Berry Option: Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup, and use a mix of sour cherries and fresh blueberries for a lower-sugar, antioxidant-rich muffin.
• Nutty Cherry Crunch: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter and sprinkle extra nuts on top for a protein-packed, crunchy texture variation.

Serve Sour Cherry Muffins With Coffee

Cherry Brunch Companion: Pair these muffins with a steaming cappuccino or fresh orange juice for a delightful morning meal.

Dessert Transformation: Crumble a warm muffin over vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent after-dinner treat.

Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these muffins in a cute container for outdoor adventures, beach trips, or weekend park gatherings – they travel wonderfully and taste amazing at room temperature.

Gift with Love: Wrap these muffins in parchment paper tied with a ribbon as a homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or brunch hosts who appreciate freshly baked treats.

Keeping Sour Cherry Muffins Tender For Days

• Place cooled muffins in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Carefully wrap each muffin separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature for 30 minutes. Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm and soft. Be careful not to overheat, which can make them tough.

FAQs

• Are sour cherries different from regular cherries?

Sour cherries have a tart, tangy flavor that adds a bright, intense taste to baked goods, unlike sweet cherries which are milder and typically eaten fresh.

• Can I use frozen sour cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen sour cherries. Just thaw and drain them well before adding to the muffin batter to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins?

Toss the cherries in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them throughout the muffins while baking.

Sour Cherry Muffins To Perk Up Breakfast

• Burst with Flavor: Tangy sour cherries and optional dark chocolate create a delightful taste combination that elevates the classic muffin experience.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids and adults will love these moist, fruity muffins that work brilliantly as a breakfast, snack, or dessert option for any gathering.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping cherries with other fruits or adding chocolate chunks, making it adaptable to personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Sour Cherry Muffins Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sour cherry muffins deliver a delightful balance of tart cherries and sweet, tender crumb. Homemade comfort shines through with each bite, promising a perfect morning treat that connects warm kitchen memories and seasonal freshness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Muffin Base:

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 egg

Fruit and Chocolate:

• 1 cup sour cherries, pitted & halved
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Elevate the oven temperature to a precise 375F (190C), preparing a welcoming environment for your muffin creation.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform blend of powdery elements.
3. Create a separate mixture of liquid components, whisking milk, melted butter, and egg until harmoniously integrated.
4. Introduce the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a gentle hand to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
5. Delicately incorporate sour cherries and dark chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for bursts of flavor.
6. Carefully portion the batter into lined muffin tin compartments, filling each cup with equal generosity.
7. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven, allowing the treats to transform for 18-20 minutes until a probing toothpick emerges spotless.
8. Permit the muffins a brief moment of rest before transferring them to a cooling rack, letting them settle and develop their final texture.

Notes

• Prevent overmixing batter to keep muffins tender and light, stirring just until ingredients are combined.
• Drain sour cherries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make muffins soggy.
• Dust cherries lightly with flour before folding into batter to help prevent sinking during baking.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to maintain similar texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 158
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 127 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg