When the warm months roll in, it’s the perfect time to indulge in summer fruits, and Bing cherries have always held a special place in my heart. Reminiscing about my childhood, I remember my mom whipping up an array of delicious treats with fresh cherries, amongst which her Cherry Fresh Pie stood out. It’s a challenge to keep fresh Bing cherries for long in our household; they tend to vanish in no time! In fact, I often find myself buying double the amount just to ensure I have enough for these muffins.

These high-crowned breakfast muffins packed with juicy cherries are an absolute pleasure to wake up to. Enjoy them warm with or without butter, and you’ll be raving about them just like I do!

If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, consider trying out a Cherry Quick Bread as well, or explore other muffin recipes. There’s always a delightful option waiting for you!

Why Make This Recipe for Bing Cherry Muffins

1. These muffins are a summer staple in our kitchen, and they’re always a hit at breakfast, alongside favorites like Sour Cream Apple Pie Muffins and blueberry muffins!
2. If you adore high-topped muffins, look no further—this recipe is your golden ticket to achieving that beautiful crown!
3. Versatile and easy to make, you can substitute other fruits as desired, making this recipe a great basis for variety.
4. And the best part? They freeze like a dream, so you can savor that cherry goodness year-round!

Best Bing Cherry Muffin Tips

• These muffins are handcrafted from scratch using fresh, sweet cherries and simple pantry staples, delivering a deliciously quick treat.
• Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or mix-ins, such as chocolate chips and nuts (think pistachios or macadamias!).
• While they aren’t overly sweet, you can always add a light drizzle of frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for that extra touch.
• This basic recipe is a canvas for creativity, so adapt it to suit your preferences; my family loves mixing in nuts and chocolate with cherries, so why not experiment?
• Be sure to dry the cherries with a paper towel before adding them to the batter for the best results.

Additions and Mix-ins (1/2 cup measurements)

1. White or semi-sweet chocolate chips
2. Any type of nuts (pistachios and macadamia nuts are personal favorites)
3. Shredded coconut
4. Dried cranberries or raisins
5. Add zest of lemon or orange for a citrusy twist
6. Topping suggestions:
7. Drizzle with frosting mixed with maraschino cherry juice
8. Make a streusel topping to sprinkle on before baking
9. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving

Pitting the Cherries

What You Will Need

1. A kitchen towel, knife, cutting board, bowl (or freezer bag to store them), and a cherry pitter if available; it’s the easiest option.
2. Keep in mind that peak season cherries are juicy and may stain—consider wearing something old or protecting your clothes with a towel!
3. Method 1: Place the cherry on a cutting board. Use the side of a knife to gently press down until the cherry gives way. Split it apart to reveal the pit and discard it.
4. Method 2: Using a paring knife, gently slice around the cherry as you would with an avocado or peach, twist the two halves apart, and remove the pit.

Ready to Bake?

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare a muffin pan for 12 muffins—grease it with butter or cooking spray. You can also use a small 6-inch loaf pan for any leftover batter.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, stirring for about a minute.
4. Add the eggs and blend until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients.
6. Alternately add the milk and dry ingredients to the butter mixture, folding in gently.
7. Finally, fold in the cherries just until everything is combined—don’t overmix; the batter should remain a bit lumpy.
8. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the center is dry (you can do the toothpick test for accuracy).