Berry Cream Cheese Muffins

Berry Cream Cheese Muffins are soft, moist muffins filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese center and bursting with juicy mixed berries. These bakery-style muffins make a perfect breakfast, brunch addition, or sweet snack any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins combine fluffy, tender crumb with the irresistible surprise of a rich cream cheese filling. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the batter, while the cream cheese center adds a luscious texture. Easy to make and beautiful to serve, these muffins are a delightful upgrade from ordinary berry muffins.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dry ingredients

• all-purpose flour

• granulated sugar

• baking powder

• baking soda

• salt

For the wet ingredients

• large eggs

• unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• vanilla extract

• mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, chopped strawberries)

For the cream cheese filling

• cream cheese, softened

• granulated sugar

• vanilla extract

Optional topping

• coarse sugar for sprinkling

• extra berries for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.

2. Make the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract until smooth.

5. Assemble the batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the berries, reserving a few for topping.

6. Fill the muffin cups: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Add a small spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center. Top with more batter to cover the cream cheese. Sprinkle with extra berries and coarse sugar if using.

7. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 muffins.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 18–22 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 50 minutes

Variations

• Lemon berry muffins: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.

• Almond flavor: Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the cream cheese filling.

• Crumble topping: Replace coarse sugar with a simple streusel made from flour, butter, and brown sugar.

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Muffins can be frozen (without toppings) for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, use them straight from the freezer and fold in gently to avoid coloring the batter.

How do I prevent sinking cream cheese?

Add just a small spoonful of cream cheese and cover it fully with batter.

Can I use low-fat yogurt or cream cheese?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly less rich.

Can I make mini muffins?

Yes, reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes and check for doneness.

How do I know when they’re done?

A toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese) should come out clean.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, finely chopped pecans or almonds work well in the batter.

Are these muffins very sweet?

No, they’re lightly sweet with the cream cheese adding richness rather than extra sweetness.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best baked fresh, but you can prepare the cream cheese filling in advance.

What pairs well with these muffins?

They go well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Can I omit the cream cheese filling?

Yes, the muffins will still be delicious as berry muffins.

Conclusion

Berry Cream Cheese Muffins offer the perfect combination of fluffy texture, juicy berries, and creamy filling for a delightful homemade treat. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or packed for a snack, these muffins are sure to impress.

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