Strawberry Shortcake Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are a breeze to make, with simple ingredients and no fancy equipment required. The recipe brings together the nostalgic flavor of strawberry shortcake with the ease of grab-and-go muffins. They’re tender, slightly sweet, and packed with fresh fruit in every bite. Whether you're baking for a picnic, party, or a cozy morning at home, this recipe delivers a delicious homemade treat that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Sugar

• Salt

• Butter (cold and cubed)

• Almond extract

• Milk (whole milk preferred)

• Heavy cream (or substitute with more milk)

• Strawberries (chopped into bite-size pieces)

Directions

1. Wash the strawberries, remove stems, and chop into bite-size pieces. Measure 2 cups and set aside.

2. Cube the cold butter and keep it ready.

3. Prepare a standard muffin tin with liners or spray with cooking spray.

4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

5. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

6. Add sugar and stir to combine.

7. Add cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

8. Fold in the chopped strawberries, reserving a few for topping.

9. Mix together milk, heavy cream, and almond extract. Add to the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until combined. The batter will be thick.

10. Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin tin using an ice cream scoop or spoon.

11. Top each muffin with reserved strawberry pieces and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).

12. Bake for 20–22 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

13. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few extra minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 muffins and takes about 32 minutes in total: 10–12 minutes for prep and 20–22 minutes for baking.

Variations

• Lemon twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.

• Berry mix: Replace half the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries.

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Sugar topping: Swap coarse sugar with a cinnamon-sugar blend for a spiced finish.

• Vegan version: Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes. Skip the cream or use a non-dairy alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk, cream, and butter with non-dairy alternatives.

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can, but reduce or omit the baking powder and salt accordingly.

Do I need to use almond extract?

No, you can skip it or substitute with vanilla extract for a different flavor.

Why is my muffin batter so thick?

That’s normal for this recipe—thicker batter gives the muffins their soft, dense shortcake texture.

Can I make mini muffins instead?

Absolutely. Just reduce the baking time to about 12–15 minutes and keep an eye on them.

Should I peel the strawberries?

No, just wash and chop them. The peel adds color and texture.

Why did my muffins come out dry?

Overbaking or using too little fat can cause dryness. Watch the baking time closely and use whole milk or cream for moisture.

Can I add a crumb topping?

Yes, a simple crumb topping made with butter, flour, and sugar would add a nice touch.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Muffins are the perfect blend of sweet, fruity, and buttery flavors in a convenient muffin form. Whether you're enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving some for later, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try and enjoy the classic taste of strawberry shortcake in every bite.