15 Best Cherry Muffin Recipes

Cherry muffins are perfect when fresh cherries are in season, but you can enjoy them year-round using frozen or dried cherries too. The sweet-tart cherries add bursts of flavor and pretty color. These 15 recipes give you plenty of options, from classic combos like cherry-almond to more unique flavors. The hardest part of making cherry muffins is pitting the cherries, but it’s worth it for the amazing flavor (and you can always use frozen pre-pitted ones to save time).

Fresh Cherry Almond Muffins

Cherry and almond is a classic combo that never disappoints. The almond flavor comes from extract and sometimes sliced almonds on top or in the batter. This pairing works so well because cherries and almonds are actually related and share similar flavor compounds. Some recipes use almond flour which makes them extra moist. These smell amazing while baking. Perfect for summer breakfasts when fresh cherries are at their peak.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Muffins

The combo of dark chocolate and cherries is like Black Forest cake in muffin form. The chocolate batter gets studded with juicy cherries that pop against the dark background. Some recipes add chocolate chips too for double chocolate action. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweet cherries perfectly. These feel like a treat but aren’t as heavy as dessert. Great for serious chocolate lovers who want something special for breakfast.

Cherry Streusel Muffins

The crunchy streusel topping on these makes regular cherry muffins extra special. The streusel has butter, sugar, and sometimes oats or nuts that gets all crispy in the oven. The contrast between the soft muffin, juicy cherries, and crunchy top is what makes these work so well. Some recipes add a bit of cinnamon to the streusel which works surprisingly well with cherries. These look bakery-worthy but aren’t difficult to make at home.

Sour Cherry Crumb Muffins

Sour cherries have more tang than sweet cherries which makes these extra interesting. They’re harder to find fresh but worth seeking out when in season (or look for frozen ones). The crumb topping is similar to streusel but usually a bit more substantial. Some recipes add a touch of almond extract which enhances the cherry flavor. These have a perfect balance of sweet and tart that makes them more complex than most fruit muffins. Great with coffee.

Cherry Vanilla Bean Muffins

The vanilla bean flecks in these look pretty and taste amazing with cherries. Using real vanilla beans instead of just extract makes them special. The vanilla flavor is subtle enough to let the cherries shine but adds warmth and depth. Some recipes include a vanilla glaze on top which adds sweetness and makes them look fancy. These are perfect when you want something that feels special but not too complicated. Great for weekend brunches.

White Chocolate Cherry Muffins

The white chocolate chips in these balance the tartness of the cherries perfectly. The chips get melty and create pockets of sweetness that contrast with the fruit. The creamy white chocolate and juicy cherries are a match made in heaven. Some recipes add a bit of lemon zest which brightens everything up. These are a bit sweeter than most cherry muffins which makes them feel more like a treat. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress someone.

Cherry Cream Cheese Muffins

These have a surprise inside – a dollop of sweetened cream cheese that stays creamy after baking. You just put half the batter in the cup, add a spoonful of cream cheese mixture, then cover with more batter and cherries. The tangy cream cheese works so well with the sweet-tart cherries. Some recipes add a streusel on top for extra texture. These feel like something from a fancy bakery but aren’t much harder to make than regular muffins.

Whole Wheat Cherry Oatmeal Muffins

These are heartier and more filling than regular muffins. The whole wheat flour and oats add fiber and nutrition while the cherries keep them from tasting too “healthy.” They’re not as fluffy as white flour muffins but that’s OK – their denser texture means they’ll keep you full longer. These aren’t as sweet as most muffins which makes them better for everyday breakfasts. Great for busy mornings when you need something substantial.

Cherry Coconut Muffins

Adding coconut flakes gives these great texture and tropical flavor that works surprisingly well with cherries. The coconut on top gets all toasty in the oven which adds another flavor dimension. Some recipes use coconut oil instead of butter which doubles the coconut flavor. The combo might sound unusual but it really works! The slight tropical vibe makes these perfect for summer. These are different enough to be interesting but still crowd-pleasing.

Black Forest Cherry Muffins

These are inspired by Black Forest cake with chocolate batter, fresh cherries, and sometimes a touch of kirsch (cherry liqueur) for authenticity. Some recipes include a cream cheese swirl to mimic the whipped cream in the cake. The combo of chocolate and cherries is classic for good reason – they just work perfectly together. These feel more like dessert than breakfast but who’s going to complain about that? Perfect for special occasions or when you need a chocolate fix.

Cherry Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Adding cherries to traditional lemon poppy seed muffins creates a winning combo. The bright lemon flavor works really well with the cherries, and the poppy seeds add nice crunch and visual appeal. Some recipes include a lemon glaze on top which adds sweetness and makes them look fancy. These are lighter and fresher tasting than most cherry muffins which makes them perfect for spring and summer. The red cherries also look pretty against the yellow batter.

Cherry Yogurt Muffins

The yogurt in these makes them super moist and gives a slight tang that works well with the cherries. They have a tender crumb and stay fresh longer than regular muffins. Some recipes use Greek yogurt for extra protein or vanilla yogurt for more flavor. These are less sweet than most muffins which makes them good for everyday breakfasts. They’re also pretty fool-proof even for beginner bakers since the yogurt keeps them from drying out.

Cherry Pistachio Muffins

The green pistachios look stunning against the red cherries which makes these some of the prettiest muffins around. The nuts add a nice crunch and slightly savory element that balances the sweet cherries. Some recipes add a touch of cardamom which goes really well with both cherries and pistachios. These have a more sophisticated flavor profile that makes them feel special. Perfect for brunch with friends or when you want something a little different.

Cherry Cornmeal Muffins

The cornmeal adds interesting texture and a subtle corn flavor that pairs surprisingly well with cherries. These have a slightly gritty (in a good way) texture that contrasts with the soft fruit. Some recipes add a honey butter glaze on top which soaks in a little and makes them extra special. These are different enough from regular muffins to be interesting but still familiar enough that most people will enjoy them. Great split and toasted with butter.

Dried Cherry and Orange Muffins

Using dried cherries means you can make these year-round without worrying about cherry season. The dried cherries get a little chewier during baking which adds nice texture. The orange zest brightens everything up and complements the cherries perfectly. Some recipes soak the dried cherries in orange juice before adding them to the batter which plumps them up. These have a more complex flavor than most fruit muffins. Good keepers that stay fresh for several days in an airtight container.