Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins – Moist Muffins with Streusel

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of strawberries and cream cheese. It’s a duo that never fails—whether in cheesecakes, pastries, or even simple toast. But when you wrap these flavors into a soft, fluffy muffin with a crunchy streusel topping, you get something truly special. These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins are moist, tender, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, with a delightful surprise of creamy cheesecake filling inside.

I first made these muffins on a lazy Sunday morning, hoping to recreate a bakery-style treat without having to leave the house. The result? A batch of perfectly golden muffins, with pockets of sweet cream cheese and juicy strawberries in every bite. I knew right away this was going to be one of my go-to recipes for breakfast, brunch, and even dessert.

What makes these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins stand out is their balanced texture and flavor. The muffin itself is soft and tender, thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt, which keeps them moist without making them heavy. The cream cheese filling adds a luscious richness, while the buttery streusel topping brings a satisfying crunch.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee, pack them for an on-the-go breakfast, or serve them as a sweet treat after dinner. And the best part? They are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. If you love fresh strawberries, creamy desserts, and bakery-style muffins, this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins aren’t just your average strawberry muffins. They have so much going for them, from texture to flavor to convenience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with them:

• Bakery-Style Perfection – These muffins have that signature domed top, moist crumb, and rich filling that makes them feel straight out of a bakery.
• Cream Cheese Surprise – The hidden cream cheese center adds an indulgent, cheesecake-like texture that makes every bite extra special.
• Crispy Streusel Topping – A buttery, crumbly topping adds crunch and makes the muffins look as good as they taste.
• Bursting with Fresh Strawberries – Sweet, juicy strawberries bring natural sweetness and a bright, fruity flavor to every bite.
• Moist and Fluffy Texture – Greek yogurt and oil keep these muffins incredibly soft and moist without making them greasy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or dessert, these muffins fit the bill.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of basic ingredients to create something delicious.

If you’re a fan of muffins that are both indulgent and comforting, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Health Benefits of Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

While these muffins definitely fall into the treat category, they also offer some surprising health benefits.

1. Rich in Antioxidants – Fresh strawberries are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and fight inflammation.
2. High in Protein and Calcium – Thanks to Greek yogurt and cream cheese, these muffins provide a good dose of protein and calcium, which support bone health.
3. Better Than Store-Bought Muffins – Many store-bought muffins are loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sugar. When you make them at home, you control the ingredients and can make them healthier.
4. Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates – These muffins provide a great balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, making them a great energy-boosting snack.
5. Less Sugar Than Traditional Muffins – This recipe uses a moderate amount of sugar, with natural sweetness coming from fresh strawberries.

If you want to make these even healthier, you can swap white flour for whole wheat, use a sugar substitute, or even add flaxseeds for extra fiber.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 22-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g

Ingredients List

The Streusel Crumb Topping

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

The Muffins

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries

The Cream Cheese Filling

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

The Glaze (Optional)

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½–2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping

• In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

2. Make the Muffin Batter

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and sugar until combined.
• Add Greek yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
• Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
• Gently fold in diced strawberries, reserving a few for topping.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Assemble the Muffins

• Add 1 tablespoon of muffin batter to each muffin cup.
• Place 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin.
• Cover the cream cheese with more muffin batter, filling each cup ⅔ to ¾ full.
• Sprinkle generously with streusel topping, pressing it lightly to stick.
• Add extra diced strawberries on top if desired.

5. Bake the Muffins

• Place the muffins in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
• Let muffins cool for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

6. Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

• In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk or cream, adding liquid gradually.
• Drizzle over cooled muffins before serving.

How to Serve

• Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Slice in half and spread with butter or extra cream cheese.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.

Pairing Suggestions

These muffins pair beautifully with:

• Hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Cold drinks like a strawberry smoothie or vanilla almond milk.
• A side of eggs or turkey bacon for a complete breakfast.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap muffins individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter—this makes muffins dense.
• Not covering the cream cheese filling properly—it can leak out.
• Overbaking—the muffins should be moist and tender.

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Making bakery-style muffins at home is easier than you think, but a few pro tips can take your muffins from good to amazing. Here are my best tricks to ensure perfect results every time:

1. Use Fresh Strawberries for the Best Flavor

While frozen strawberries work in a pinch, fresh strawberries provide a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which can make the muffins soggy.

2. Drain Excess Liquid from the Strawberries

Fresh strawberries can release a lot of juice, which may affect the texture of the muffins. After dicing them, place them on a paper towel for a few minutes to absorb excess moisture.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the batter develops gluten, which can result in dense and chewy muffins instead of soft and fluffy ones. Stir until just combined—some lumps are totally fine!

4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Cold ingredients don’t mix well together and can lead to uneven texture. Make sure your egg, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting.

5. Properly Layer the Muffins

When assembling the muffins, make sure to:

• Add a layer of muffin batter first.
• Place the cream cheese mixture directly in the center.
• Fully cover it with another layer of batter to prevent leaks.

6. Chill the Cream Cheese Filling

For an even thicker, more structured filling, refrigerate the cream cheese mixture for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the muffins.

7. Bake at a High Temperature First, Then Lower It

Starting at 425°F (218°C) helps the muffins rise quickly, creating a domed top. Immediately lowering the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) ensures they bake evenly without drying out.

8. Don’t Skip the Streusel Topping

The crumbly, buttery topping makes these muffins feel extra indulgent. Press it lightly onto the batter so it sticks while baking.

9. Let the Muffins Cool Before Eating

I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but the cream cheese filling needs time to set. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before biting in.

10. Store and Reheat Properly

To keep them fresh, store in an airtight container. If refrigerated, warm them up in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that just-baked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes, but they must be thawed and patted dry before using. Otherwise, they can release too much liquid into the batter.

2. What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?

You can substitute with sour cream, buttermilk, or plain yogurt. Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

3. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s gluten-free blend.

4. How Do I Keep the Cream Cheese Filling from Leaking?

Make sure the filling is thick and properly covered with muffin batter. Chilling the cream cheese mixture beforehand also helps.

5. Can I Use a Muffin Tin Without Liners?

Yes! Just grease the muffin tin really well with butter or cooking spray. However, liners make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

6. What Can I Use Instead of Vegetable Oil?

Melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even melted butter work well. Butter will add a slightly richer flavor.

7. How Long Will These Muffins Stay Fresh?

• At room temperature: 2 days
• In the fridge: Up to 5 days
• Frozen: Up to 2 months

8. Can I Make These Muffins Without the Streusel Topping?

Yes! The streusel adds a nice crunch, but if you prefer a simpler muffin, you can leave it off.

9. What’s the Best Way to Reheat These Muffins?

For the best texture, warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

10. Can I Make These Mini Muffins?

Yes! Just use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 12-14 minutes.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you love bakery-style muffins with a creamy, indulgent center, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, tangy cream cheese, and crunchy streusel topping creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a brunch gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these muffins are guaranteed to impress. And the best part? They’re so easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Now, it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let me know how it goes. If you make these muffins, I’d love to see your results—share a photo and tag me on social media. And if you have any questions or variations you’d like to try, drop a comment below. Happy baking!

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