Imagine the delightful taste of fresh strawberries, the rich creaminess of cheesecake filling, all nestled into a soft, moist muffin and topped with a crumbly streusel. That's exactly what you get with these Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins. A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, they make an indulgent breakfast treat or a satisfying dessert.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry such as all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and so on. However, make sure to have fresh strawberries on hand. Buying pre-packaged strawberries from the supermarket can save you time and effort. Also, for the cream cheese filling, you'll need cream cheese which can be found in the dairy section.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
all-purpose flour: The base of your muffins and streusel, providing structure.
granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the muffins, cream cheese filling, and streusel.
baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
salt: Enhances the flavors.
egg: Binds the ingredients together.
canola oil: Keeps the muffins moist.
whole milk: Adds richness to the muffin batter.
vanilla extract: Infuses the muffins and cream cheese filling with a sweet aroma.
strawberries: Provides a fruity tang to balance the sweetness.
cream cheese: Gives the filling its characteristic creamy texture and tangy flavor.
cinnamon: Gives the streusel a warming spice note.
butter: Gives the streusel a rich, crumbly texture.
One reader, Eleanora Davies says:
These strawberry cheesecake streusel muffins are a delightful treat! The combination of juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery streusel is simply divine. The muffins turned out moist and flavorful, and the recipe was easy to follow. I highly recommend giving these a try - they're a real crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
How to prepare the muffin batter: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, beat the milk, oil, egg, and sugar. Gently stir the dry ingredients into the milk mixture, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
How to make the cheesecake mixture: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
How to make the streusel topping: Mix together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Using a fork, blend in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
How to assemble the muffins: Scoop a tablespoon of the muffin batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Sprinkle a few pieces of strawberries and then add about half a tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture. Sprinkle some of the streusel topping on the cheesecake filling, followed by another layer of the muffin batter. Add a few pieces of strawberries on the top and lastly sprinkle with the cinnamon streusel.
How to bake the muffins: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees F or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
How to cool the muffins: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How To Make Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
These streusel muffins are sweet breakfast choices, made of rich cream cheese filling, pops of strawberries, and a cinnamon streusel topping.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins:
- 2cupsall purpose flour
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- 2tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- 1egg
- ¼cupcanola oil
- 1cupwhole milk
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 2cupsstrawberries,cut into small pieces
For Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4ozcream cheese
- ⅓cupgranulated sugar
- 2tbspegg,beaten
- 1tspvanilla extract
For Cinnamon Streusel:
- ¼cupall purpose flour
- ¼cupgranulated sugar
- 1tspcinnamon
- 3tbspbutter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a 12 cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
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In a mixing bowl for the muffin batter, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In another bowl, beat the milk, oil, egg and sugar. Stir the dry ingredients in the milk mixture gently but do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
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For the cheesecake mixture, beat the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
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For the topping, mix together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. With a fork, blend in the butter until it looks like coarse sand.
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Scoop a tablespoon of the muffin batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Sprinkle a few pieces of strawberries and then add about ½ tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture.
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Sprinkle some of the streusel topping on the cheesecake filling, followed by another layer of the muffin batter. Add a few pieces of strawberries on the top and lastly sprinkle with the cinnamon streusel.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Let cool into the pan for 5 minutes and transfer them to a wire rack.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 285.30kcal
- Fat: 12.21g
- Saturated Fat: 4.59g
- Trans Fat: 0.14g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.86g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.81g
- Carbohydrates: 39.74g
- Fiber: 1.26g
- Sugar: 20.77g
- Protein: 4.60g
- Cholesterol: 42.81mg
- Sodium: 210.70mg
- Calcium: 103.03mg
- Potassium: 115.40mg
- Iron: 1.46mg
- Vitamin A: 78.29µg
- Vitamin C: 14.90mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
When preparing the strawberries for this recipe, it's best to chop them into small pieces. This will allow them to distribute evenly throughout the muffin, ensuring a burst of fruity flavor in every bite. Additionally, when adding the cream cheese mixture, be careful not to overfill the muffin cups. Overfilling can cause the muffins to spill over during baking, creating a mess in your oven. Instead, aim to fill each muffin cup about 2/3 of the way full. This will allow enough room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the muffins are baking, use that time to clean up and organize your workspace to save time later.
Prep in advance: Prepare the streusel, cheesecake filling, and muffin batter the night before and store them in the refrigerator to save time on the day of baking.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and efficiently chop the strawberries for the muffins and save time on prep work.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe measurements and instructions to avoid any mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and extra nutrients to the muffins, while also providing a slightly denser texture.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative with a lower glycemic index and a subtle caramel flavor.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: This combination can act as a leavening agent similar to baking powder, helping the muffins rise.
canola oil - Substitute with melted butter: Melted butter can add a rich flavor and moisture to the muffins, enhancing their texture and taste.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the muffins.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to cream cheese, while also adding some protein.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can add a warm, slightly sweet flavor to the streusel, complementing the strawberries and cream cheese filling.
Presenting Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
Elevate the muffins on a pedestal: Present the muffins on a sleek, modern pedestal to give them a sense of importance and grandeur.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Place a few vibrant, fresh strawberries around the muffins to add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness.
Drizzle with strawberry coulis: Create a beautiful design on the plate with a delicate drizzle of homemade strawberry coulis to add a burst of flavor and a visually stunning element.
Use fine china: Serve the muffins on exquisite, fine china to add a sense of sophistication and luxury to the presentation.
Add edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers on the plate to bring a touch of whimsy and a burst of color to the presentation.
Incorporate gold leaf accents: For a truly luxurious touch, delicately place a few edible gold leaf accents on the plate to add a touch of opulence and elegance.
Serve with a side of vanilla bean whipped cream: Accompany the muffins with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream in a quenelle shape to add a creamy, luxurious element to the plate.
Use a minimalist plating style: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the muffins to be the focal point while still maintaining an air of sophistication and refinement.
Add a sprig of mint: Place a small, fresh sprig of mint on the plate to add a subtle hint of herbaceousness and a touch of natural beauty to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
- Mixing bowl: A large, sturdy bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters.
- Muffin pan: A specialized baking pan with individual cupcake-sized molds, used for baking muffins or cupcakes.
- Cupcake liners: Paper or foil liners used to line the muffin pan, preventing the muffins from sticking and making for easy cleanup.
- Sifter: A kitchen tool used to sift dry ingredients, such as flour and baking powder, to ensure they are free of lumps and well combined.
- Electric mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients, often with attachments such as beaters or a whisk.
- Fork: A utensil with prongs used for blending, whisking, or stirring ingredients together.
- Wire rack: A metal rack used for cooling baked goods, allowing air to circulate around the food to prevent sogginess.
Storing and Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
- Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the cooled muffins in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins:
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to cover them tightly.
- Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw frozen muffins, remove them from the freezer and let them defrost at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave individual muffins on low power for 30-45 seconds until warmed through.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat thawed or refrigerated muffins in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their freshly-baked texture and warmth.
How To Reheat Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover strawberry cheesecake streusel muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help restore the crispiness of the streusel topping and maintain the fluffy texture of the muffin.
For a quicker option, microwave the muffins on high power for 15-20 seconds. Place the muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat until just warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the cream cheese filling to become runny and the muffin to become soggy.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the strawberry cheesecake streusel muffins at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. This method will help crisp up the streusel topping while keeping the interior soft and moist.
For a more indulgent treat, slice the leftover muffin in half and place it cut-side down on a hot skillet or griddle with a small amount of butter. Toast for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and heated through. The butter will add a rich flavor and create a crispy exterior.
If you prefer a softer, more tender texture, wrap the muffin loosely in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds. The moisture from the paper towel will help steam the muffin, making it softer and more delicate.
Interesting Fact About Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins
The strawberry cheesecake streusel muffins recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Is Making Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this strawberry cheesecake streusel muffins recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in most households, and the recipe yields a delicious and satisfying treat. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an affordable option for a delightful dessert. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 9 out of 10, considering the balance of cost, taste, and ease of preparation.
Are Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?
The strawberry cheesecake streusel muffins recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the beneficial nutrients and fiber found in whole grain flours
- The sugar content is quite high, with granulated sugar present in the muffin batter, cream cheese filling, and streusel topping
- The use of cream cheese and whole milk contributes to a higher saturated fat content
- Butter, another source of saturated fat, is used in the streusel topping
- The recipe does not include any significant sources of protein or fiber, which could help balance the carbohydrate and fat content
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Reduce the sugar content in the muffin batter, cream cheese filling, and streusel topping by 25-50%, or substitute a portion of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Use low-fat cream cheese and milk to decrease the saturated fat content
- Replace the butter in the streusel topping with heart-healthy olive oil or coconut oil
- Incorporate additional fresh strawberries to increase the fruit content and natural sweetness
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the batter or streusel topping for a boost of protein and healthy fats
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Muffin Recipe
The recipe for strawberry cheesecake streusel muffins is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The incorporation of fresh strawberries and the creamy cheesecake filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness and richness to the muffins. The cinnamon streusel topping provides a delightful crunch and warmth, complementing the soft and moist texture of the muffins. The balance of flavors and the layering technique creates a visually appealing and delicious treat. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate traditional muffins into a gourmet dessert option, perfect for any occasion.
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Why trust this Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Muffins Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful fusion of strawberries and cream cheese, creating a luscious and indulgent treat. The combination of cinnamon streusel adds a delightful crunch, elevating the texture and flavor. With the careful layering of muffin batter, cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries, each bite promises a burst of fruity sweetness and creamy richness. The meticulous instructions ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a trustworthy choice for a delectable dessert or a delightful snack.
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