Double Chocolate Cherry Crumble Muffins

When I made these Double Chocolate Cherry Crumble Muffins, the kitchen smelled like cocoa and warm sugar.
They came out soft and rich, with little bursts of cherry in every bite.
I remember sprinkling the crumble on top—it baked into a sweet, crunchy layer that made them irresistible.

These muffins are moist, chocolatey, and perfect for dessert or breakfast.
They’re simple to make and feel like a bakery treat right at home.

Let’s bake them together—you’ll love how cozy and indulgent they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Chocolate Experience: Double the chocolate means double the joy with cocoa powder and chocolate chips in every bite.
• Perfectly Moist: The combination of butter and oil keeps these muffins tender for days.
• Sweet and Tart Balance: Fresh cherries add a bright, fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.
• Bakery-Style Crumble: The crunchy topping makes these muffins feel extra special.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a batch ahead and enjoy fresh-baked muffins anytime.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 12 standard muffins. Perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch or packing into lunchboxes throughout the week. Need more? The recipe doubles easily.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for experienced cooks to enjoy making.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Standard 12-cup muffin tin
• Paper muffin liners or cooking spray
• Two mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for crumble topping

Ingredients

These chocolate cherry muffins use simple pantry ingredients that come together to create something truly special. The cocoa powder provides deep chocolate flavor, while the cherries add pops of sweetness. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this recipe together:

For the Muffins:

• Flour: All-purpose flour creates the perfect muffin structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives rich chocolate flavor throughout.
• Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter just right.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Butter: Adds richness and tender texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist for several days.
• Whipping Cream: Creates an incredibly tender crumb.
• Lemon Juice and Vinegar: Work with baking powder to make muffins light and fluffy.
• Chocolate Chips: Extra chocolate in every bite.
• Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries add fruity bursts of flavor.

For the Crumble Topping:

• Flour: Forms the base of the crumble.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the topping.
• Butter: Creates those delicious crunchy clusters.

Variations for Double Chocolate Cherry Crumble Muffins

• Berry Swap: Try blueberries or raspberries instead of cherries for different fruit flavors.
• White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier chocolate experience.
• Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Coffee Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Sour Cream Substitute: Replace whipping cream with sour cream for tang and moisture.
• Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate taste.

How to Make Double Chocolate Cherry Crumble Muffins Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

2. Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and cold butter using your fingers or a fork. Work the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs that look like wet sand. Set this aside while you make the batter.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This ensures the cocoa and leavening are evenly distributed throughout your muffins.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the egg with sugar until slightly fluffy. Add melted butter, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, whipping cream, lemon juice, and vinegar. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.

5. Bring the Batter Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Gently fold together using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix just until no flour streaks remain. The batter should look thick and slightly lumpy.

6. Add Mix-Ins

Fold in chocolate chips and cherries gently. If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them first as this prevents the batter from turning purple.

7. Fill and Top

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each muffin.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The tops should look set and the crumble should be golden.

9. Cool Properly

Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This prevents soggy bottoms while letting them finish setting.

Serving and Decoration

These muffins look beautiful with their crumbly tops and chocolate-studded interiors. Serve them warm with a pat of butter melting on top, or enjoy them at room temperature with your morning coffee. For special occasions, dust the cooled muffins lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. They pair wonderfully with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Cherry Crumble Muffins

These versatile muffins work for any time of day:

• Breakfast: Pair with yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced morning meal.
• Brunch: Arrange on a platter with other pastries and fresh coffee.
• Snack Time: Pack in lunchboxes or enjoy with afternoon tea.
• Dessert: Warm slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream.
• Gift Giving: Package in clear bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Storing Double Chocolate Cherry Crumble Muffins

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The muffins stay moist thanks to the oil and cream.
• Refrigerator: Keep muffins fresh for up to 5 days in a sealed container in the fridge.
• Freezer: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing creates tough, dense muffins.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and cream to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Packing flour makes dry, heavy muffins.
• Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking at 22 minutes to avoid dry muffins.
• Fresh vs Frozen Cherries: Both work beautifully. Frozen cherries should go straight into the batter without thawing.
• Make Mini Muffins: This recipe makes about 24 mini muffins. Reduce baking time to 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Double Chocolate Cherry Crumble Muffins FAQs

Conclusion

These Double Chocolate Cherry Crumble Muffins combine everything you love about chocolate desserts with the freshness of cherries and the satisfying crunch of a buttery topping. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, packing them for snacks, or serving them as dessert, these muffins deliver bakery-quality results right from your home kitchen. The recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, and the results are moist, flavorful muffins that stay delicious for days.