If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to have a strawberry explosion in your mouth while biting into the coziest, crumb-topped muffin, you’re about to find out. My Strawberry Shortcake Muffins are straight-up magic, the perfect mix of sweet, tangy strawberries and that dreamy vanilla crumb topping that makes you forget every boring muffin you’ve ever met. These babies aren’t just berry breakfast muffins; they’re a full-on flavor celebration that kicks off your morning or dessert time with bang. I still remember the first test batch in my cramped kitchen — the moment my taste buds hit that perfect combo was a game-changer. The strawberries weren’t just a background note; they danced with the vanilla crumb muffin base in a way that screamed bold flavors only this Cuba Queen recipe delivers.
This Strawberry Shortcake Muffins recipe drips with my bold flavor philosophy: no shy ingredients, no plain textures, just explosive combinations you’ll want on repeat. If you love berry breakfast muffins or sweet muffin recipes that pack a punch, this recipe is your new go-to. I’m buzzing to share the full recipe and all the insider secrets that make this Strawberry Shortcake Muffins in a league of its own. Trust me—once you try it, your kitchen becomes a flavor playground.
Ingredients You Need for This:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour (the base for that tender crumb)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (you want enough to balance the tart strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for that perfect lift)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (flavor balance is king)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (game-changer for texture and richness)
- 1 cup whole milk (for that moist muffin base)
- 2 large eggs (holding everything together like magic)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (trust me, this turns them into vanilla crumb muffins on steroids)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (stay fresh or frozen—fresh reigns supreme)
For the crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds warmth)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Now here’s the kicker: The secret to epic Strawberry Shortcake Muffins is using whole milk instead of skim or plant-based substitutes. It gives the muffin body and richness that sings with those juicy berries. You’ll find the freshest strawberries at your local farmer’s market or grocery store’s produce section, and grabbing the best quality butter elevates these sweet muffin recipes to a whole new level of indulgence. For a budget-friendly alternative, swap half the butter in the crumb topping with coconut oil, but keep the rest as butter for flavor fidelity.
Pro tip: Chop your strawberries just before mixing to keep them from bleeding too much into your batter. Trust me, bright bursts of berry are way better than a pinkish, floppy mess. Store your dry ingredients airtight to keep your Strawberry Shortcake Muffins fresh and let your butter come to room temp unless you’re melting it for that tender crumb base.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Get ready, this Strawberry Shortcake Muffins recipe is about to rock your muffin world.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a muffin pan with paper liners. Don’t stress—your Strawberry Shortcake Muffins are about to be incredible.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix lays the solid flavor foundation for your strawberry muffins.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. The vanilla crumb muffin flavor starts here.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and fold gently until just combined. Overmixing is where most people mess up their Strawberry Shortcake Muffins—tough muffins are never a vibe.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Your batter should look speckled with bright red gems.
- Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full. This ensures your Strawberry Shortcake Muffins get that perfect domed top.
- For the crumb topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mix looks like coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin—this is where your Strawberry Shortcake Muffins transforms into pure magic.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes. Pro tip for Strawberry Shortcake Muffins perfection: If your oven runs hot, start checking at 18 minutes. The muffins should spring back when gently pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Let your Strawberry Shortcake Muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While they’re cooling, this is a perfect time to snap photos—the golden tops and berry crush make serious Instagram gold.
If the crumb topping starts browning too quick, tent with foil halfway through. For extra efficiency, prep your crumb topping while mixing the batter—double duty magic.
Presentation:

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Strawberry Shortcake Muffins at weekend brunches or casual get-togethers. The rustic golden crumb crust with bright ruby-studded interiors feels celebration-worthy every time. For maximum impact, plate these beauties on a simple white platter so the colors pop, and serve alongside a small bowl of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
If you’re feeling cheeky, pair these strawberry dessert muffins with a cold cup of Cuban coffee or even a creamy vanilla latte for that bold flavor punch Cuba Queen’s all about. Strawberry Shortcake Muffins absolutely slay at garden parties, breakfast feasts, and even as a sweet little afternoon pick-me-up.
Seasonal twist? Swap fresh strawberries for a mix of berries in late summer. Or make these vanilla crumb muffins with frozen berries in the off-season—they hold up surprisingly well.
Leftovers? Toast ‘em gently and spread with cream cheese or honey butter for breakfast remix magic.
This Strawberry Shortcake Muffins also remind me of some similar incredible berry breakfast muffins from the folks at New Recipe: Sourdough Strawberry Muffins with Oat Crumb Topping. If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try their crumb twist!
FAQs:
Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Muffins spicier?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cayenne or even ginger powder to the crumb topping adds a surprising kick. The warmth plays beautifully with the sweet berries. I tested this with both and the crowd was into that unexpected flavor explosion.
What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries work fine if you thaw and drain them well to avoid soggy batter. I’ve also swapped in dried strawberries chopped small with success for berry dessert muffins with a chewy texture twist.
How do I know when my Strawberry Shortcake Muffins is perfectly done?
The toothpick test is your friend. Insert in the center—when it comes out clean with moist crumbs, your muffin is home. The top should be golden with a slightly crisp crumb.
Can I substitute the butter?
Use coconut oil or a vegan butter for a dairy-free version, but don’t skip it entirely. The fat here is your flavor and texture MVP.
How do I store these muffins?
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or freeze for longer. Thaw and lightly toast for best results.
Can I add other berries?
Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work beautifully in this vanilla crumb muffins framework. Mix and match for your favorite berry breakfast muffins.
How can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Muffins keto-friendly?
I’ve got your back with this Keto Strawberry Muffins with Almond Flour recipe that keeps the berry magic with almond flour magic.
For more sweet muffin recipes and turning up berry dessert muffins flavor, check out Strawberry Ricotta Muffins and Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe. And if you’re on the hunt for crumb topping inspiration, Strawberry Muffins with Crumble Topping | Muffin Recipe or Strawberry Muffins with Streusel Topping – West of the Loop have stellar tips.
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Shortcake Muffins recipe is everything that embodies Cuba Queen’s bold, flavor-loaded cooking philosophy. It’s not shy, not boring, and definitely not forgettable. These muffins bring together bold vanilla crumb muffins textures, juicy berries, and a crumb topping that takes sweet muffin recipes to party status.
My Strawberry Shortcake Muffins Power Tips:
- Use whole milk and real butter to deliver ultra-moist, tender crumb every time.
- Fold your strawberries in gently for fresh berry bursts, no mush.
- Don’t skip the crumb topping—this is pure crispy-sweet gold.
I’ve whipped up Strawberry Shortcake Muffins with ricotta for richness, berry breakfast muffins with mixed berries, and even a keto-friendly take. The strawberry crumb-on-top version always steals the show with the biggest reactions and flavor bombs.
Now it’s your turn to make this Strawberry Shortcake Muffins your signature dish. I trust your kitchen adventures are about to get a major upgrade, and I’m pumped to see your results. Share your baking wins and photos because this recipe calls for stories—and celebrations!
Strawberry Shortcake Muffins
Delight in these moist and fluffy strawberry shortcake muffins that combine fresh strawberries with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced strawberries carefully to avoid breaking them up too much.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

