Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, freshly baked muffin, especially when it’s bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel. These Blueberry Muffins are not only easy to make but are also family-friendly, making them perfect for a quick on-the-go breakfast or a delightful addition to a holiday brunch. With a moist, tender crumb and a generous amount of blueberries in every bite, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through creating the perfect blueberry muffins every time.
Why You’ll Love These Blueberry Muffins
Packed with Fresh Berries
These muffins are loaded with fresh blueberries, providing bursts of juicy flavor in every bite. Blueberries are not only delicious but are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making these muffins a slightly healthier option for breakfast or snack time.
Irresistible Cinnamon Crumb Topping
The cinnamon crumb topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the tender muffin beneath. It’s the kind of topping that will make you want to savor every crumb.
Simple and Quick to Make
With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, these muffins come together quickly and bake up beautifully in under 20 minutes. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you need something fast yet satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Streusel Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup butter, melted
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups fresh blueberries (see notes for using frozen blueberries)
Instructions
Preparing the Streusel Crumble Topping
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Add Butter: Drizzle in the melted butter while stirring with a fork. Continue stirring until the mixture forms crumbs. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the muffin batter.
Preparing the Muffins
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a standard 12-count muffin pan with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare Muffin Pan: Add 1 tablespoon of the batter to each muffin cup in the prepared pan. This helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the remaining batter, then divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one nearly to the top.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the streusel crumble topping over each muffin.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes at 425°F. Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 17-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean except for a bit of blueberry juice.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Muffins
Use Fresh Blueberries
For the best flavor and texture, always opt for the freshest blueberries available. If fresh blueberries are not in season, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent them from bleeding into the muffins.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until the ingredients are mixed. Overmixing can result in dense, tough muffins instead of the light and fluffy texture you’re aiming for.
Prevent Blueberries from Sinking
Adding a tablespoon of batter to the muffin cups before folding in the blueberries helps keep the berries evenly distributed throughout the muffins. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Use a Scoop for Even Batter Distribution
To ensure your muffins bake evenly, use a large ice cream scoop to portion out the batter into the muffin cups. This also makes the process quicker and less messy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before adding to the batter—just fold them in gently to avoid the berries bleeding into the batter.
How do I store these muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To enjoy frozen muffins, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, these muffins are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the batter and the streusel topping the night before and bake them fresh in the morning. Alternatively, you can bake them in advance and store them in the freezer until needed.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil in equal amounts. This will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the muffins, but they will still be delicious.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with the exception of a little blueberry juice. Be sure not to overbake them, as this can cause the muffins to dry out.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Muffins are a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of fresh blueberries and the crunch of a cinnamon crumb topping. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick breakfast, a snack, or part of a special brunch, these muffins are sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions and tips for success, this recipe is a foolproof way to bring the joy of homemade muffins into your home.