Strawberry Muffins

One bite of these strawberry muffins and you will agree, these are the BEST! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, these delightful muffins are bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. They’re easy to make and can be customized with ingredients like applesauce, mashed bananas, or Greek yogurt. Enjoy them fresh or store them in your freezer for quick treats on busy days!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These muffins come together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making them a perfect choice for busy mornings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to use applesauce, mashed banana, or Greek yogurt based on what you have on hand.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a batch and store them in the freezer for up to two months—perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts!
• Kid-Friendly: With a sweet flavor and fun texture, kids will love these muffins as a healthy snack.
• Healthy Option: Made with whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, these muffins are a nutritious treat.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather your essential kitchen tools before you start. These items will help ensure everything goes smoothly during the muffin-making process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Muffin tin: Essential for shaping your muffins into perfect portions.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps in organizing your ingredients efficiently.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients gently without overmixing.
• Whisk: Ensures that all wet ingredients are combined smoothly.

Ingredients

One bite of these strawberry muffins and you will agree, these are the BEST! Make these muffins with applesauce, banana or Greek yogurt and store them in your freezer for busy days!

• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries (about 10 ounces strawberries)
• ¼ cup all purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (may substitute coconut oil)
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed ripe banana or plain Greek yogurt)
• ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey
• ¼ cup milk (whichever kind you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• ½ cup all purpose flour

How to Make Strawberry Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper liners to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Toss Strawberries with Flour

Place chopped strawberries in a bowl and toss gently with ¼ cup all purpose flour. This helps keep them suspended in the batter instead of sinking to the bottom. Set aside.

Step 4: Melt the Butter

Place butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high heat until butter is melted.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana or Greek yogurt), pure maple syrup (or honey), milk, vanilla extract, and eggs into the bowl with melted butter. Whisk until well combined.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 7: Add Flour Mixtures

Stir in the white whole wheat flour and remaining all-purpose flour using a rubber spatula or spoon until almost combined. Gently fold in the floured strawberries until just mixed.

Step 8: Fill Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter into prepared muffin tin wells about two-thirds full.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 16-18 minutes until a tester inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 10: Store

These muffins can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. Place them on top of paper towels to absorb excess moisture and seal them in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap airtight and freeze for up to two months.

How to Serve Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways to enhance your breakfast or snack experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these delightful treats.

With Fresh Fruit

• Add a side of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with sliced bananas to complement the strawberry flavor.

Spread with Nut Butter

• Use almond or peanut butter for an added protein boost.
• Try sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option that’s equally tasty.

With Greek Yogurt

• Top your muffin with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
• Drizzle honey over yogurt for extra sweetness.

As a Dessert

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy with your favorite brewed coffee to start your morning right.
• Sip on chai tea for a comforting afternoon pick-me-up.

How to Perfect Strawberry Muffins

Perfecting your strawberry muffins is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure every batch turns out delicious!

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your muffins.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep your muffins light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the batter before baking, and adjust the sweetness if needed based on the ripeness of the strawberries.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly, as an inaccurate temperature can affect baking time and muffin rise.
• Cool Properly: Allow muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their structure.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry muffins make a delightful addition to any meal, but they pair exceptionally well with various sides. Here are some great side dish ideas to accompany your muffins.

1. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and create a hearty breakfast plate.
3. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts complements the sweetness of muffins nicely.
4. Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt and granola for a crunchy, creamy contrast that enhances flavors.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with granola and fruit makes for a refreshing side.
6. Cheese Platter: Pairing your muffins with slices of cheese creates a sweet-and-savory experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry muffins is simple, but a few common errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not prepping your strawberries – Failing to coat the strawberries in flour can cause them to sink to the bottom of the muffins. Toss them in flour before adding them to the batter.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can make your muffins tough. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping measurements – Eye-balling ingredients might seem convenient, but it can ruin your muffins. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Ignoring oven temperature – An incorrect oven temperature can affect baking time and muffin texture. Always preheat your oven properly before baking.
• Not cooling properly – Allowing muffins to cool in the pan for too long can lead to sogginess. Transfer them to a wire rack shortly after removing them from the oven.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store strawberry muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep muffins fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Muffins

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Muffins

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the muffins for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one muffin at a time for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm muffins gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make strawberry banana muffins?

To make strawberry banana muffins, simply add mashed ripe banana into your strawberry muffin batter. Adjust sweetness if needed.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my strawberry muffins?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; however, they may release more moisture. Drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.

What can I substitute for eggs in strawberry muffins?

You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana—use 1/4 cup per egg needed.

How should I store leftover strawberry muffins?

Store leftover strawberry muffins in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Conclusion

These strawberry muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts, spices, or even swapping fruits based on what you have on hand. Try making these delightful treats today; they are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!