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Strawberry Balsamic Muffins

Jul 2, 2020 · 39 Comments

Bursting with bits of fresh strawberries, a hint of sweet Balsamic, and a buttery streusel on top, these Strawberry Balsamic Muffins are a delicious surprise to enjoy this season.

Blueberry + Basil. Brown Butter + Ice Cream. Strawberry + Balsamic.

I love trying new and unexpected flavors but I’m especially excited to be sharing the recipe for these muffins with you today.

Are you a fan of sliced strawberries and balsamic? If you haven’t tried it yet, I really encourage you to do so and I hope this post inspires you. It’s one of those understated summer treats that I feel like some people will either immediately be intrigued by or be immediately turned off.

Sweet Vinegar

When you hear the word ‘vinegar’ the last thing you’re going to think of is dessert. It’s an ingredient we acquaint with salads, but don’t be so easily fooled. Balsamic Vinegar is truly a vinegar in its own class. It can be used for sweet dishes and savory ones. Balsamic itself is thicker, almost syrupy and is a good balance of sweet yet tart. It has fruity notes to it which makes it so delicious with berries, papaya, melons, and citrus fruits.

Today I’m using a balsamic reduction glaze from Tuscanini. If you don’t have balsamic reduction on hand, making your own is a very simple process. As the name suggests, you’re simply going to cook down 1 cup of balsamic vinegar (I suggest adding a heaping tablespoon of dark brown sugar as well) until it has thickened to a syrupy sauce. It will take about 20 minutes to do so. Once that is complete, you’ll be ready to start on these muffins.

Fresh or Preserved

A common question I receive when it comes to baking with strawberries is whether or not to cook them down. I know sometimes strawberries can be a little tart, and you don’t want to end up with a sour dessert, but personally for this recipe, I didn’t want to over-complicate it nor did I want it too sweet. I didn’t cook the strawberries down or use preserves. I quartered the fresh berries so there wouldn’t be large bits and I made sure that they were ripe to ensure natural sweetness. You really don’t need to toss them in sugar either, much like the balsamic reduction, the berries are sweet and tart which works perfectly together, plus these are finished off with a rich streusel.

Speaking of which, the streusel here is what really takes these muffins to the next level, and it’s one thing I won’t compromise on. The topping is definitely NOT optional here. I added a pinch of cardamom for added warmth which plays well into the brown sugar, vanilla, and balsamic of the muffins.

These muffins are all about the layers of flavor, so don’t skimp! And just like that you have something to enjoy in the morning or in the evening, however and whenever you choose. Either way, I am confident you’re going to love these and I hope you make them soon.

More Strawberries Recipes to Love

1. Strawberry & Cream Cake – I absolutely love this recipe for its elegant simplicity, super-basic preparation process, and down-to-earth ingredient list – and I’m positive you will too.

2. Strawberry and Rhubarb Pies with Vegan Whipped Cream – These pies are a perfect dessert to enjoy the summer evenings with. We’re serving ours with a cool Vegan Whipped Cream topping for the ultimate indulgence.

3. Classic Eton Mess – This traditional English dessert boasts of doubled whipped cream, crushed meringue cookies, and mix of fresh strawberries and cherries.

Living the Gourmet

Yields 9 muffins or 24 cupcakes

Strawberry Balsamic Muffins

15 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

45 minTotal Time

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5 based on 16 review(s)

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Ingredients

  • 2½ cups AP flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or sourmilk see notes below)
  • 1 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
  • ½ cup Balsamic Reduction (I used Tuscanini but see notes on how to make your own)
  • For the Streusel:
  • 1 cup AP flour
  • ½ brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

    For the Streusel:
  1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the streusel and mix until a crumbly mixture comes together. Set aside until ready to top the muffins.
  2. For the Muffins:
  3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. and line your muffin tin. If you are using a jumbo muffin tin, you'll get about 9 muffins. If you are using a cupcake tin, you'll get about 2 dozen.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom. Set aside.
  5. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat sugar, buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Reduce the mixer to low speed and gradually add the flour mixture. Continue to beat until the batter is smooth and whipped. Fold in the strawberries.
  6. Spoon the batter into the prepared tins and top each with a tablespoon of Balsamic Reduction, then using a toothpick, swirl it through the muffin. Top generously with the streusel.
  7. Bake the muffins for 5 minutes then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees, baking for about 25-30 minutes or until the cake tester comes out clean.
  8. Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool before serving.

Notes

To make sourmilk in place of buttermilk, combine 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar but you can also use white vinegar). Let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes until the milk has curdled.

Homemade Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 heaping tablespoon dark brown sugar. Cook down until thickened, about 20 minutes over medium-low heat.

Muffins can be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tags

Diet
vegetarian
pescetarian
Allergy
seafood free
treenut free
sesame free
mustard free
7.8.1.2
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https://livingthegourmet.com/2020/07/strawberry-balsamic-muffins.html

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heather says

    03/07/2020 at 2:07 am

    I've never tried balsamic in muffins before, but I bet the flavor is amazing. I'm printing this out to make soon.
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:51 pm

      Thank you. I do hope you enjoy these if you give them a try. Have a beautiful day!
      Reply
  2. angiesrecipes says

    03/07/2020 at 2:29 am

    I like balsamic reduction..we can easily find them with fig, raspberry flavours here. These muffins look awesome!
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:52 pm

      Thank you dear Angie, I love balsamic reduction. There are so many uses for it. Have a wonderful day Angie. xo
      Reply
  3. Kristine Nicole Alessandra says

    03/07/2020 at 6:25 am

    This is a great recipe for strawberry muffins. I haven't make muffins in quite a while, so I am happy I found this unique recipe of yours. Thanks for sharing and hopefully I can make mine to look as good as these ones you've made.
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:52 pm

      Oh, thank you for your kind words. I hope that you enjoy these muffins if you give them a try. Have a beautiful day! xo
      Reply
  4. Gloria says

    03/07/2020 at 3:06 pm

    These muffins look wonderful !! Hugs xo
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:53 pm

      Thank you dear Gloria. Have a beautiful day!! xo
      Reply
  5. DAVID J MYERS says

    03/07/2020 at 5:08 pm

    Catherine, Lovely muffins! Strawberries with streusel...both winners! Never thought of baking with balsamic vinegar although we use it on so many things... Stay Safe and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:54 pm

      Thank you Dave! I love a good muffin with coffee in the morning or anytime for that matter. lol. I love balsamic vinegar for so many dishes too. Stay safe and give my very best to Laurie.
      Reply
  6. chad says

    03/07/2020 at 6:24 pm

    oh myyyyy!!! This looks so so good!! I would love to make this tomorrow, can't wait to be honest.
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:55 pm

      Thank you Chad for your kind words. I hope that you like these muffins if you give them a try. Have a beautiful day!
      Reply
  7. norma says

    03/07/2020 at 7:10 pm

    I love muffins. I would love to give your easy and delicious looking recipe a try!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:55 pm

      Thank you Norma. I hope that you like these if you give them a try. Have a great day!!
      Reply
  8. Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says

    03/07/2020 at 10:28 pm

    These muffins look so yummy. I would love to try this recipe over the weekend.
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:56 pm

      I hope that you like these if you give them a try. Have a wonderful day!
      Reply
  9. Dan "Jay" Reyes says

    04/07/2020 at 2:55 am

    These strawberry balsamic muffins looks yummy! Thank you for sharing your baking talent and the recipe :)
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:56 pm

      Thank you for your kind words and visiting.
      Reply
  10. kumamonjeng says

    05/07/2020 at 1:01 am

    I think it is lovely to add in the strawberry and strawberry is my top favorite fruits.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:57 pm

      Thank you for your kind words and thank you for visiting.
      Reply
  11. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

    06/07/2020 at 2:29 pm

    These are so dreamy! They look absolutely perfect! I love the flavor combo in these, too.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:58 pm

      Thank you for your nice words and visiting. Have a wonderful day!
      Reply
  12. Carrie Robinson says

    06/07/2020 at 2:39 pm

    I love the strawberry & balsamic combo! These look amazing. :)
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:58 pm

      Thank you! I liked this combo as well. Thank you for visiting and kind words. Have a great day!
      Reply
  13. Pam Greer says

    06/07/2020 at 2:50 pm

    These are amazing!! The best strawberry muffins ever! I love that bit of cardamom in the topping!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:59 pm

      Thank you for your kind words and for visiting. Have a great day!
      Reply
  14. Jessica Formicola says

    06/07/2020 at 2:52 pm

    I made these over the weekend and OMG are they delicious! I will definitely be making them again soon!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 4:59 pm

      Thank you dear Jessica for trying this recipe and for letting me know that you enjoyed them. I really appreciate your kindness. Have a wonderful day!!
      Reply
  15. ali randall says

    06/07/2020 at 2:59 pm

    This recipe was a hit with my boys. We went strawberry picking and make muffins this morning. Love the addition of the balsamic. They made these muffins delicious and the boys went back for seconds. Thanks so much.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      06/07/2020 at 5:01 pm

      Thank you dear Ali for giving this recipe a try and for letting me know that you and your family liked it. It means so much. I really appreciate it. Thank you for visiting. Have a wonderful day!!
      Reply
  16. Chef Dennis says

    07/07/2020 at 8:21 am

    Never tried balsamic on muffins before but this Strawberry Balsamic Muffins looks really mouthwatering that I can't help myself from drooling!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  17. Georgina @ Culinary Travels says

    10/07/2020 at 9:13 pm

    Strawberry and balsamic is such a classic combination. I love the idea of using it in baking. The muffins look scrumptious
    Reply
  18. paige says

    10/07/2020 at 11:24 pm

    My mouth is watering looking at these pictures! These look and sound great and I cant wait to try them!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  19. Denise says

    11/07/2020 at 3:32 pm

    I love a good muffin! I never thought of trying balsamic in a muffin recipe, I can't wait to try these.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  20. Tara says

    12/07/2020 at 3:06 am

    I love muffins, but a muffin with streusel, I die! These muffins were so moist and yummy! loved the balsamic vinegar. So unexpected, but definitely welcomed!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  21. Eileen Kelly says

    12/07/2020 at 10:10 pm

    What a wonderful idea adding balsamic to muffins. I love the combo of the strawberry and balsamic. Moist and tasty with the most wonderful streusel topping.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  22. Alena says

    13/07/2020 at 2:12 am

    The balsamic strawberries alone would have been good, but then this recipe took it up another notch with that streusel - SO GOOD!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  23. Jo says

    13/07/2020 at 7:26 am

    What a amazing flavors in this muffins! Totally love it. Balsamic over strawberries is my favorite. I'm sure these would be hit in the family, looks so good!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  24. Natalie says

    13/07/2020 at 4:17 pm

    These muffins look gorgeous. I love how you added balsamic. I bet that elevated the taste beyond delicious. I must give this recipe a try.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

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