Unleash the essence of spring with each bite of these Sumptuous Strawberry Shortcake Muffins, a perfect blend of juicy strawberries and sweet, tender cake. Infused with the charm of vanilla and enriched with the lushness of browned butter, these muffins offer a unique twist on the classic strawberry shortcake. Topped with a crunchy, freeze-dried strawberry crumble, they promise a satisfying texture contrast that makes each bite an unforgettable experience.
Why You’ll Love This: These muffins capture the heartwarming joy of strawberry shortcake in a convenient, hand-held form. The process of browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the vanilla, creating a complex flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and gourmet flair.
Perfect Occasion: These Strawberry Shortcake Muffins are ideal for any occasion, from a luxurious brunch to a casual afternoon tea. They make a delightful addition to a picnic basket, bringing a touch of elegance to your outdoor gatherings. Celebrate the return of strawberry season in the spring, or bring a taste of summery sweetness to the colder months. These muffins are also a thoughtful homemade gift, sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Decoration Tips: For an extra burst of color and flavor, top each muffin with a fresh strawberry slice and a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling creative, a dollop of whipped cream on top can mimic the classic strawberry shortcake experience. Presenting them on a vintage cake stand alongside fresh flowers will enhance their visual appeal, making them irresistible at any table.
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry pieces
For the Crumble:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
Instructions:
- Begin by lining a muffin tray with paper liners and preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until it turns brown and emits a nutty aroma. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula to combine. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
- Gently fold in the strawberry jam and fresh strawberry pieces.
- Distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- For the crumble, mix the flour, sugar, and cold butter cubes in a bowl until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the freeze-dried strawberries.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the batter-filled muffin cups.
- Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 5 minutes, then lower the heat to 175°C (350°F) and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool before serving, garnished with additional freeze-dried strawberries if desired.
Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Muffins, a treat that combines the comfort of home-baked goods with the exquisite flavors of fresh strawberries and vanilla, topped with a memorable strawberry crumble.
