Strawberry Muffins

One bite of these strawberry muffins and you’ll agree they are the BEST! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, these muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Made with wholesome ingredients like applesauce, banana, or Greek yogurt, they provide a delightful burst of strawberry flavor in every bite. Plus, they store beautifully in the freezer for those busy days when you need a quick treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh strawberries and unsweetened applesauce, these muffins offer a nutritious option without sacrificing taste.
• Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and store them in the freezer for up to two months—perfect for on-the-go breakfasts!
• Endless Variations: Customize your muffins by using mashed bananas or Greek yogurt based on what you have at home.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love these fluffy treats, making them a hit at any gathering or meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful strawberry muffins.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and perfect portion sizes for each muffin.
• Mixing bowls: Helps combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in the strawberries without mashing them.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing wet ingredients thoroughly.

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. This ensures that your muffins bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper liners. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Toss Strawberries with Flour

Place chopped strawberries in a bowl and toss gently with ¼ cup all purpose flour. Set aside. This helps keep the strawberries from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Step 4: Melt the Butter

Place butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high heat until melted. This will be part of your wet mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the applesauce, mashed banana or Greek yogurt to the bowl with melted butter. Also add pure maple syrup or honey, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Whisk until well combined.

Step 7: Incorporate Flours

Add white whole wheat flour and remaining ½ cup all purpose flour. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to mix until almost combined.

Step 8: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the floured strawberries until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your muffins light and fluffy.

Step 9: Bake

Scoop the batter into prepared muffin tin wells. Bake for about 16–18 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool

Let muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry muffins!

How to Serve Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry muffins are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. From breakfast to snack time, these muffins are versatile and can be paired with different accompaniments.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve alongside additional fresh strawberries or a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a fruity burst.
• Banana Slices: Add sliced bananas on the side for a creamy texture that complements the muffins.

With Spreads

• Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter over the muffins for added protein and flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness.

For Breakfast

• Yogurt Parfait: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt topped with granola for a balanced breakfast.
• Oatmeal: Pair with a warm bowl of oatmeal for a hearty morning meal.

With Beverages

• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these muffins with a hot cup of coffee or tea to start your day right.
• Smoothie: A refreshing fruit smoothie makes for an excellent drink pairing.

How to Perfect Strawberry Muffins

To ensure your strawberry muffins turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Boldly measure ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial for the right texture and taste.
• Boldly fold in strawberries: Gently fold strawberries into the batter to avoid breaking them apart too much.
• Boldly check doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they’re done; it should come out clean from the center.
• Boldly cool properly: Allow muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack for even cooling.
• Boldly store correctly: To maintain freshness, store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry muffins pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a satisfying meal.
2. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your plate.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a protein-rich breakfast option alongside the muffins.
4. Cottage Cheese: Serve cottage cheese topped with herbs or fruit as a nutritious side dish.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert provides healthy fats and pairs nicely with sweet muffins.
6. Oatmeal Bowl: A warm oatmeal bowl topped with nuts and honey complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry muffins can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using Overripe Strawberries: Using overly ripe strawberries can lead to mushy muffins. Choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best texture and flavor.
• Skipping the Flour Toss: Neglecting to toss strawberries in flour before adding them to the batter can cause them to sink. This simple step helps distribute them evenly throughout the muffins.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Estimating measurements can lead to inconsistent results. Use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and other ingredients for perfect muffins every time.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create tough muffins. Stir just until combined; a few lumps are okay!
• Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different; relying solely on baking times can result in undercooked or overcooked muffins. Use a toothpick to check doneness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store strawberry muffins at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture.

Freezing Strawberry Muffins

• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frozen muffins can last up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating Strawberry Muffins

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place muffins on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time on high for about 15-20 seconds for quick warming.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid and warm for several minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries in my strawberry muffins?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them first and gently pat dry before mixing into your batter.

How do I make gluten-free strawberry muffins?

To make gluten-free strawberry muffins, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can customize your strawberry muffins by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

How long do strawberry muffins last?

Strawberry muffins can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 2 months in the freezer when stored properly.

Conclusion

These strawberry muffins are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion! Whether you’re enjoying them as breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack, they offer endless customization options. From swapping in different fruits to adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, each batch can be uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try and savor the delightful taste of homemade strawberry goodness!

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