Blackberry Cheesecake Muffins

These Blackberry Cheesecake Muffins are a delicious treat that combines the sweetness of fresh blackberries with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, these muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. With a hint of vanilla and the tanginess of cream cheese, they offer a delightful contrast of textures in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup blackberry preserves
• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
6. Fold in the blackberry preserves and fresh blackberries into the cream cheese mixture.
7. Fill the muffin cups halfway with the batter, then add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top.
8. Top with the remaining batter to cover the cream cheese mixture.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
10. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Berry Blend: Use a mix of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries in place of blackberries for a different fruity twist.
• Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright citrus flavor that complements the blackberries.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of the muffins before baking for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their soft texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Just be sure to thaw them before using and fold them in gently to avoid bleeding color into the batter.
2. What can I substitute for vegetable oil? You can use melted butter, coconut oil, or a neutral oil like canola oil instead of vegetable oil.
3. Can I skip the cream cheese filling? While the cream cheese filling adds richness, you can skip it for a simpler muffin. You can also substitute with ricotta or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy effect.
4. Can I make these muffins gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
5. How do I know when the muffins are done? The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, bake for a few more minutes.
6. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make 24 muffins. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly and check for doneness.
7. How can I make these muffins sweeter? To make the muffins sweeter, increase the sugar by 2-3 tablespoons or drizzle with honey or maple syrup after baking.
8. Can I freeze these muffins? Yes, these muffins freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
9. Can I add more blackberry preserves? Yes, you can add more blackberry preserves to the cream cheese mixture for a stronger berry flavor, just make sure the texture remains balanced.
10. What should I do if I don’t have a muffin tin? If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can bake the batter in a cupcake pan or even use a regular cake pan, though baking time may need to be adjusted.

Conclusion

Blackberry Cheesecake Muffins offer a perfect combination of tender, fluffy muffin and rich, creamy cheesecake filling. The sweet burst of fresh blackberries and the smooth tang of cream cheese make these muffins an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a snack, or as a dessert, these muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re the perfect addition to your baking repertoire.