Cherry Muffins: A Delightful Quick Bread Recipe
Overview
These delightful cherry muffins, inspired by a cherished recipe from Southern Living submitted by Vicki L. Bryant of Jacksonville, Florida, are perfect companions to your morning coffee or an afternoon tea. Their sweet, fruity flavor, combined with a soft, tender crumb, makes them a beloved choice for anyone looking to indulge in a quick yet satisfying baked treat. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of approximately 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these muffins in under an hour, making them ideal for busy mornings or surprise guests.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving (1 Muffin) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 164.9 |
| Total Fat | 6.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 19.8 mg |
| Sodium | 303 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 6.4 g |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | All-purpose flour |
| ¼ cup | Sugar |
| ¼ cup | Maraschino cherries, chopped |
| 1 tbsp | Baking powder |
| ½ tsp | Salt |
| ¾ cup | Milk |
| ¼ cup | Maraschino cherry juice |
| 1 | Large egg |
| 2 tbsp | Sugar (for topping) |
| 2 tbsp | Almonds, sliced (optional) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, chopped maraschino cherries, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed and that there are no lumps in the flour mixture. Creating a well in the center of this mixture allows for easy incorporation of the wet ingredients later.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, oil, maraschino cherry juice, and egg. Whisk these together until they are well blended. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to your muffins, enhancing the cherry notes that are so delightful.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently stir the mixture by hand just until it is moistened. It’s essential not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins. The goal is to mix just until you see no dry flour remaining—small lumps are perfectly fine.
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Prepare the Muffin Pans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, grease your muffin pans with cooking spray or line them with muffin liners for easier removal. Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared pans, filling each cup about two-thirds full to allow for rising during baking.
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Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the muffin batter in each cup. The almonds will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweet cherries beautifully.
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Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of baking muffins will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy the delightful flavors of cherries in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry muffins are not just delightful on their own; they can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter for added richness. They make for an excellent addition to brunch spreads or can be packed into lunchboxes for a sweet treat that kids and adults alike will appreciate.
Whether enjoyed at home or shared with friends, these cherry muffins embody the essence of quick and delicious baking, sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy baking and savoring these charming little treats that celebrate the wonderful flavors of cherries!
