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.
Strawberry Balsamic Muffins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 muffins or 24 cupcakes 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups AP flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk (or sour milk see notes below)
- 1 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup Balsamic Reduction (I used Tuscanini but see notes on how to make your own)
For the Streusel:
- 1 cup AP flour
- 1/2 brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
For the Streusel:
- 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.
For the Muffins:
- 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.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool before serving.
Notes
To make sour milk 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 airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
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Heather says
I've never tried balsamic in muffins before, but I bet the flavor is amazing. I'm printing this out to make soon.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you. I do hope you enjoy these if you give them a try. Have a beautiful day!
angiesrecipes says
I like balsamic reduction..we can easily find them with fig, raspberry flavours here. These muffins look awesome!
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you dear Angie, I love balsamic reduction. There are so many uses for it. Have a wonderful day Angie. xo
Kristine Nicole Alessandra says
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.
Catherine Pappas says
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
Gloria says
These muffins look wonderful !!
Hugs xo
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you dear Gloria. Have a beautiful day!! xo
DAVID J MYERS says
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
Catherine Pappas says
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.
chad says
oh myyyyy!!! This looks so so good!! I would love to make this tomorrow, can't wait to be honest.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you Chad for your kind words. I hope that you like these muffins if you give them a try. Have a beautiful day!
norma says
I love muffins. I would love to give your easy and delicious looking recipe a try!
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you Norma. I hope that you like these if you give them a try. Have a great day!!
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says
These muffins look so yummy. I would love to try this recipe over the weekend.
Catherine Pappas says
I hope that you like these if you give them a try. Have a wonderful day!
Dan "Jay" Reyes says
These strawberry balsamic muffins looks yummy! Thank you for sharing your baking talent and the recipe 🙂
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you for your kind words and visiting.
kumamonjeng says
I think it is lovely to add in the strawberry and strawberry is my top favorite fruits.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you for your kind words and thank you for visiting.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
These are so dreamy! They look absolutely perfect! I love the flavor combo in these, too.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you for your nice words and visiting. Have a wonderful day!
Carrie Robinson says
I love the strawberry & balsamic combo! These look amazing. 🙂
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you! I liked this combo as well. Thank you for visiting and kind words. Have a great day!
Pam Greer says
These are amazing!! The best strawberry muffins ever! I love that bit of cardamom in the topping!
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you for your kind words and for visiting. Have a great day!
Jessica Formicola says
I made these over the weekend and OMG are they delicious! I will definitely be making them again soon!
Catherine Pappas says
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!!
ali randall says
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.
Catherine Pappas says
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!!
Chef Dennis says
Never tried balsamic on muffins before but this Strawberry Balsamic Muffins looks really mouthwatering that I can't help myself from drooling!
Georgina @ Culinary Travels says
Strawberry and balsamic is such a classic combination. I love the idea of using it in baking. The muffins look scrumptious
paige says
My mouth is watering looking at these pictures! These look and sound great and I cant wait to try them!
Denise says
I love a good muffin! I never thought of trying balsamic in a muffin recipe, I can't wait to try these.
Tara says
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!
Eileen Kelly says
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.
Alena says
The balsamic strawberries alone would have been good, but then this recipe took it up another notch with that streusel - SO GOOD!
Jo says
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!
Natalie says
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.
Anonymous says
I just made these and they are incredible! (even though I forgot the vanilla!) Have to admit I panicked for a few seconds when I poured the balsamic over the mix thinking it would be too intense, but it's just right. Substituted frozen banana/strawberry pack (not defrosted) instead of fresh strawberries and added pecans to the streusel.