Ultimate Cherry Cobbler Muffins Recipe
Delight in these Ultimate Cherry Cobbler Muffins, a perfect balance of sweet, juicy cherries enveloped in a tender, buttery muffin with a crisp cobbler topping. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these muffins make an ideal breakfast treat or a delicious snack any time of the day.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cherry Filling
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon non-alcoholic almond extract (optional)
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Cobbler Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed (same as batter butter counted)
- Prepare Cherries: In a medium bowl, gently toss the 4 cups pitted sweet cherries with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon non-alcoholic almond extract if using. This mixture should be set aside to macerate and thicken slightly, enhancing the cherry flavor and ensuring the filling is juicy but not watery.
- Make Cobbler Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour with the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep this topping chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it, which helps create the signature crumbly, buttery topping on each muffin.
- Combine Dry Batter Ingredients: Whisk together in a large mixing bowl the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and sugar for a balanced rise and sweetness.
- Combine Wet Batter Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1 large lightly beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. The buttermilk adds tanginess and tenderness to the muffins.
- Mix Batter and Fold in Cherries: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold just until combined to preserve a tender crumb; avoid overmixing. Then gently fold in the prepared cherry mixture, distributing the cherries evenly throughout the batter without breaking them up.
- Fill and Top Muffins: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease generously. Divide the batter evenly among the cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Generously sprinkle the chilled cobbler topping over each muffin, ensuring an even coat to achieve a crisp and buttery topping after baking.
- Bake Muffins: Bake muffins for 5 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Do not open the oven door during this initial high-heat phase as it helps set the muffins’ structure. Then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) without opening the door and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the muffins turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Muffins: Remove the muffin pan from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Afterwards, transfer each muffin gently to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents moisture accumulation and soggy bottoms, keeping your muffins light and crisp underneath.
Notes
- Using fresh or frozen cherries will work; if using frozen, do not thaw before mixing to avoid excess liquid.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender muffins.
- The almond extract adds a subtle nuttiness but is optional.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed, but texture may vary slightly.
- Allow muffins to cool fully before storing to maintain topping crispness.
Keywords: cherry cobbler muffins, easy cherry muffins, cobbler topping, breakfast muffins, fruit muffins, homemade muffins