There’s something about a bakery-style muffin that feels like a special treat with your morning coffee, and these easy dried cherry muffins with almond streusel are exactly that.
These tender muffins are fluffy with just the right amount of sweet-tart flavor in every bite, and feel special without being complicated.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 to 16 muffins
- Prep level: Beginner +

Things I Like About This Recipe
- Easy, no-fuss recipe – It’s a basic muffin batter made with pantry staples, simple steps, and a great recipe for beginners.
- The contrast of texture – The crunchy, buttery almond streusel on top gives way to a soft, tender muffin crumb.
- Perfect all year long – Since the cherries are dried, you can bake these muffins anytime for any occasion.
Ingredient Notes


- All-purpose flour: You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For a slightly healthier texture, replace up to 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and moisture while keeping the muffins tender. Use full-fat sour cream for the best results. Plain Greek yogurt works great as a substitute.
- Milk: Use whole milk for richness, or substitute with almond milk or oat milk if needed.
- Salted butter: If using unsalted butter, add a little bit of salt to the batter.
- Dried cherries: Add bright, sweet-tart pops of flavor. Fresh cherries can be used, but they add extra moisture and slightly change the texture, so you may need to increase the baking time.
- Sliced almonds: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be used as a substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Make the Streusel



- Combine the flour, sugar, ground cinnamon, and cold butter in a small bowl. Mix it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gently stir in the almonds. Refrigerate while you make the batter.
2
Prepare the Batter


- Preheat the oven. Line muffin pans or grease well.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and the sugar.


- Whisk in the melted butter, extracts, milk, and the sour cream. Whisk until smooth.


- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dried cherries.


- Portion batter evenly among the muffin cups.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of streusel over the top of each muffin, pressing it down slightly.


- Bake until the tops are golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve and enjoy.
See the recipe card below for complete measurements and bake time.

Laura Belle’s Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter – Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of light and tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Eggs, sour cream, and milk blend more smoothly and help create an even texture.
- Toss dried cherries in a little flour – This helps keep them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
- Keep the butter cold for the streusel – Cold butter is key for getting that crumbly, bakery-style topping.


What Goes with Cherry Almond Muffins?
These muffins are a tasty treat on their own, but pairing them with the right extras turns them into a full cozy moment.
- A hot cup of coffee, a latte, or a small pot of tea complements the sweet-tart cherries perfectly.
- Since the muffins are sweet, pairing them with hot bacon, Texas potatoes, or a green chile relleno casserole creates a savory balance.
- Serve with vanilla or plain yogurt from Devour Dinner layered with granola and fresh fruit for a more complete breakfast.

Easy Dried Cherry Muffins With Almond Streusel
Bakery-style muffins that feel like a special treat with your morning coffee. They're tender and fluffy with just the right amount of sweet-tart flavor in every bite
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup dried cherries – roughly chopped
- Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- ​1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons of cold butter – cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter in a small bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to mix it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want some pea-sized pieces. Gently stir in the almonds. Refrigerate while you prepare the batter.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line muffin pans with paper liners or generously grease with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder and set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs and the sugar.Â
- Pour in the melted butter, extracts, milk, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the flour mixture in intervals to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. This is important – overmixing will make your muffins dense and tough.
- Gently fold in the dried cherries with a rubber spatula.
- Portion batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.Â
- Remove the streusel from the fridge and sprinkle a generous amount over the top of each muffin, pressing it down ever so slightly so it adheres.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
Helpful Tools and Equipment:
- Large bowlÂ
- Medium bowlÂ
- Small bowl
- Measuring cup and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Muffin tins
- Muffin paper liners or nonstick cooking spray
- Wire rack
Tips:
- Don't overmix the batter
- Use room temperature ingredientsÂ
- Toss dried cherries in a little flourÂ
- Keep the butter cold for the streuselÂ
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 506Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 247mgCarbohydrates: 75gFiber: 3gSugar: 30gProtein: 8g







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