Irresistible Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Crunchy Streusel Topping – A Sweet Morning Delight!

These strawberry cream cheese muffins are the perfect breakfast or snack to brighten your day. Packed with juicy, fresh strawberries and a creamy cheesecake-like filling, they offer a balance of rich, tangy, and sweet flavors. The streusel topping adds a crunchy texture, making each bite irresistible. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these muffins are an absolute treat for any occasion, whether it's a cozy morning at home or a sweet addition to a brunch spread.

Ingredients:

• For the Streusel Topping:
  
  

  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
    
    

  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
    
    

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
    
    

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
    
    

• For 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
    
    

• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  
  

  • 6 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
    
    

  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
    
    

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    
    

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    
    

• For the Glaze:
  
  

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
    
    

  • 1 ½ – 2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream
    
    

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.
   
   

2. Make the Streusel Topping:
   In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and mix with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
   
   

3. Prepare the Muffin Batter:
   In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and granulated sugar until combined. Add in the yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and whisk until the mixture is pale and smooth. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, saving a few for the topping.
   
   

4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until smooth and combined.
   
   

5. Assemble the Muffins:
   Spoon 1 tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup. Drop 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin. Cover with more muffin batter until each cup is filled about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin and press down slightly to ensure it sticks.
   
   

6. Bake the Muffins:
   Place the muffins in the preheated oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   
   

7. Make the Glaze (Optional):
   While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency. Drizzle over the muffins once they have cooled slightly.
   
   

8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 290
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 35g
  
  

• Protein: 4g
  
  

• Fat: 17g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 8g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 35mg
  
  

• Sodium: 170mg
  
  

• Potassium: 120mg
  
  

• Fiber: 2g
  
  

• Sugar: 18g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 300 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 4mg
  
  

• Calcium: 40mg
  
  

• Iron: 1mg