Cherry Brunch Muffins
Sweet cherry-brunch muffins featuring maraschino cherries and a moist, tender crumb, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack for cherry lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease the bottoms of 12 medium muffin cups or line with paper baking cups.
- In a bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and maraschino cherry syrup.
- Add the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, chopped maraschino cherries, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients.
- Mix just until the flour is moistened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract. You can substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh or frozen cherries, adjusting the sugar accordingly as fresh cherries are less sweet. If you don’t have vegetable oil, melted coconut oil or unsalted butter works well. Mix the batter gently to avoid dense muffins.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Brunch Muffins are perfect for a light breakfast or brunch, especially alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt. Drizzle with additional maraschino cherry syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful addition to any morning spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Brunch Muffins contains roughly 141 calories, with 2g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 773mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious.
How can I make these muffins healthier?
To make these muffins healthier, you can reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Consider replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Additionally, you could add some oats for extra texture and nutrition.
What can I do with leftover maraschino cherries?
Leftover maraschino cherries can be used in various ways. They make a great topping for ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal. You can also incorporate them into desserts like the Easy Pudding Pie or use them in cocktails for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).