Sweet Maple Strawberry Muffins

Name: Sweet Maple Strawberry Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes

I absolutely love these Sweet Maple Strawberry Muffins! Every bite is a delightful burst of sweetness, and they’re incredibly easy to whip up. The combination of juicy strawberries and rich maple syrup creates a unique flavor that makes these muffins perfect for breakfast or a snack. I especially enjoy how moist and fluffy they turn out, thanks to the addition of yogurt. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your baking game and impress your friends and family. Let’s get started on making these delicious treats!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-21T21:06:18.817Z

When I first baked these muffins, the scent of fresh strawberries and maple wafted through my kitchen, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. Trust me, it felt like a warm hug from the oven! One key aspect I learned is to gently fold the strawberries into the batter to prevent them from breaking down, which helps in keeping that lovely burst of flavor intact.

Another tip I found invaluable is to let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking. This allows the flour to hydrate fully, resulting in tender muffins that rise perfectly in the oven. The slight sweetness from the maple syrup makes these treats irresistible!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Sweet maple flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Incredibly moist and fluffy texture
Quick and easy to prepare for busy mornings
Perfect for sharing at brunch or breakfast gatherings

The Role of Yogurt

In these Sweet Maple Strawberry Muffins, yogurt plays a crucial role in achieving the desired moisture and fluffiness. By using plain yogurt, you'll not only add moisture but also a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and strawberries. My favorite is Greek yogurt because it’s thicker and denser, which contributes to a more satisfying texture. If you’re out of yogurt, a similar amount of buttermilk or sour cream can also work in this recipe, though the flavor will shift slightly.

The leavening properties of yogurt can help the muffins rise beautifully. When combined with baking powder and baking soda, the acid in the yogurt reacts with these leavening agents, giving the muffins that nice lift while keeping them tender. Just be sure to stir gently when combining your wet and dry ingredients to prevent overmixing, which could lead to dense muffins.

Strawberry Selection and Preparation

Choosing the right strawberries is key to elevating these muffins. Look for ripe, sweet strawberries that are deep red in color and free of blemishes. If you’re lucky enough to find local, in-season strawberries, their flavor will be even more pronounced. For this recipe, dicing the strawberries into smaller pieces ensures that every muffin has some delicious fruit in every bite, delivering that burst of sweetness without any large chunks that could disrupt the texture.

When preparing strawberries, wash them gently and remove the green tops before dicing. Since strawberries can be juicy, let them drain on a paper towel for a few minutes to reduce excess moisture in the batter. This simple step helps avoid soggy muffins, allowing you to enjoy a light, airy texture with the comforting flavor of fruit in every mouthful.

Customization and Variations

These muffins are quite versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries alongside the strawberries. You could also incorporate chopped nuts for added crunch or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. Each addition may slightly alter the bake time, so keep an eye on them and check for doneness with a toothpick.

If you prefer a less sweet muffin, you can reduce the sugar in the recipe without compromising the overall texture. Using maple syrup infuses a pleasant flavor, so cutting the sugar by a quarter cup can be a good start. For a healthier option, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It will give you a denser muffin with added nutritional value, though be mindful that the texture may change slightly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful muffins:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Make sure to prepare all ingredients before you start mixing!

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious muffins:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the yogurt, maple syrup, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir gently until just combined.

Fold in Strawberries

Carefully fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to overmix.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Once cooled, enjoy your muffins with butter or as they are!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter. Also, try substituting blueberries or raspberries for a different fruit twist!

Storing and Freezing

These Sweet Maple Strawberry Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend freezing them. To freeze, allow the muffins to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.

When you're ready to enjoy a muffin, there’s no need to defrost them; they can be warmed directly from the freezer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the muffins for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but keep an eye on them to avoid making them rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delightful on their own, but they can also be dressed up for special occasions. Try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of additional maple syrup for a sweeter treat. They make an excellent accompaniment to coffee or tea, making them perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy afternoons at home.

For those who appreciate a bit of savory with their sweet, consider serving these muffins alongside sharp cheese or a butter spread. Their light texture and sweet flavors complement both savory dishes and breakfast staples. You can pair them with scrambled eggs or top them with cream cheese for a delicious and fulfilling breakfast experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store the muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the muffins for longer storage.

→ Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I substitute for yogurt?

You can use sour cream or even applesauce if you want a healthier option.