Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin or grease it.
In a large bowl, whisk together: ricotta, milk, eggs, oil, vanilla and lemon zest.
In another bowl, mix: Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and gently stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
Fold in the chopped cherries.
Spoon into muffin cups (fill about ¾ full). Sprinkle coarse sugar or almonds if using.
Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan 5 mins, then transfer to a wire rack