Cheery Cherry Muffins

HeatherFeather's Note:

We were very lucky to have once had a home with a cherry tree that produced an abundance of fresh baking cherries. I used to make these muffins a lot when I had fresh cherries on hand, and I kept bags of them in the freezer pre-measured for this recipe. These are not sweet eating cherries - these are baking cherries. The original recipe came from a flyer from the Cherry Marketing Institute.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 2 1/2 cups frozen unsweetened tart red cherries, pitted,divided
• 1/2 cup sweet unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream, whole milk or 1/2 cup light cream

Directions:

1. While cherries are still frozen, cut them into halves, then set aside to thaw and drain in a mesh colander over a bowl.
2. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer.
3. Add eggs, almond extract, and vanilla and beat well.
4. Crush 1/2 cup of the thawed cherries with a fork; add the mashed cherries to the batter.
5. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
6. Fold half of the flour mixture into the butter mixture using a spatula; do not overmix.
7. Add half of the cream or milk, mixing just enough to combine.
8. Add remaining flour, then remaining milk; again avoid overmixing.
9. Fold in the remaining cherry halves.
10. Fill 12 paper-lined muffin tins with batter.
11. If desired, you may sprinkle the muffins with some extra sugar.
12. Bake in a preheated 375 F oven until golden brown, about 20-30 minutes.

Reviews

[Evie*]

Yummy muffin recipe. I bought frozen cherries from the supermarket, the amount was just over 2 Cups. (muffins were still full of cherries) I really liked the hint of almond flavour throughout the muffin. Next time Im going to add some chopped almonds as well. Delicious!

[Quiltingqueen]

Yum! I made these with fresh bing cherries, but otherwise followed the recipe. I also sprinkled a little cinnamon sugar in the bottom of the muffin cups and on top. Fantastic!

[BostonMark]

This is a keeper. Easy recipe, great cherry and almond combo taste. And I agree with Evie, next time I might add chopped almonds (maybe on top).