Muffins are a type of bread that are baked in small portions, usually in a muffin tin or cupcake pan. They are typically sweet or savory, with sweet muffins often containing ingredients like fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips, while savory muffins may contain cheese, bacon, or herbs. Muffins have a moist and tender crumb and are often enjoyed for breakfast or snacks. They can be served plain or with toppings such as butter, jam, or honey. Muffins are popular in many cultures and are enjoyed in various forms around the world. Blueberry muffins are a classic treat loved for their fluffy texture and bursts of juicy blueberries. But what if we told you there’s a way to take these beloved muffins to the next level? Enter the crumb topping. This simple addition transforms ordinary blueberry muffins into a delightful indulgence. The crumb topping adds a crunchy texture and a sweet, buttery flavor that perfectly complements the soft, moist muffin. With just a sprinkle of this irresistible topping, each bite becomes a symphony of flavors and textures, making these blueberry muffins truly unforgettable. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a delightful snack, blueberry muffins with crumb topping are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Why is this the best blueberry muffin recipe?
Moist and Tender Texture: The use of sour cream in place of milk adds moisture, resulting in a tender crumb that’s not dry or dense. Rich Flavor: The combination of butter, eggs, and vanilla extract creates a rich, buttery flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The amount of sugar in the batter and the crumble topping is just right, providing a balanced sweetness that’s not overly sugary. Generous Amount of Blueberries: The recipe calls for a generous amount of blueberries, ensuring that each bite is filled with juicy bursts of fruit flavor. Crumble Topping: The crumble topping adds a delightful crunchy texture and an extra layer of sweetness, elevating the muffins from ordinary to extraordinary. Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it easy for even novice bakers to achieve delicious results.
Ingredients and substitutes
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the muffins. Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, but the texture may be denser. Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to tenderize the muffins. Brown sugar can be used for a slightly different flavor, or a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option. Leavening: Baking powder and baking soda act as leavening agents to help the muffins rise. A mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar can be used if baking powder is unavailable Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and flavor to the muffins. Salted butter can be used, but reduce the added salt in the recipe. Vegetable oil can also be used as a substitute. Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the muffins. A flax or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) can be used for each egg for a vegan option. Sour cream: makes for a richer, more tender crumb in your muffins. The sour cream adds moisture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries. Greek yogurt or buttermilk is also a great substitute. Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the muffins. Almond extract or other flavored extracts can be used for a different flavor profile. Blueberries: Add sweetness and bursts of flavor to the muffins. Other berries such as raspberries or blackberries can be used, or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. Crumble topping (flour, sugar, butter): Adds a crunchy, sweet topping to the muffins. Oats, nuts, or seeds can be added to the crumble for texture. Brown sugar or a sugar substitute can be used for a different flavor.
Step by step: Blueberry muffins
Prep – Preheat your oven to 400°F /200°C/ Gas mark 6 and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease them with cooking spray.
Crumble topping – Mix the flour and sugar for the crumble topping in a small bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set in the fridge to keep chilled. Dry ingredients – Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Wet ingredients – In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and airy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined. Dry to wet – Add the flour mixture along with the sour cream. Fold in the blueberries gently making sure not to overmix or break them.
Divide – Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Sprinkle the crumble topping over each muffin.
Bake for 7 to 8 minutes at high temperature, then reduce the oven to 375°F /190°C/ Gas mark 5 and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.Pro tip– The size of the muffins will determine the time needed to bake these muffins. Cool – Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries will give your muffins the best flavor and texture. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent the color from bleeding. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Fill Muffin Cups Properly: Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full to ensure the muffins bake evenly and rise properly. Make a Generous Crumble Topping: Don’t skimp on the crumble topping. A generous amount adds flavor and texture to the muffins. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow ingredients like eggs, butter, and sour cream to come to room temperature before using. This helps them mix more evenly into the batter. Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the muffins to ensure even baking. Cool Muffins Properly: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store Muffins Correctly: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Creative variations
Lemon Blueberry Muffins: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the blueberries. Streusel Topping: Replace the crumble topping with a streusel topping made from flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for extra sweetness and crunch. Cream Cheese Filling: Fill the center of each muffin with a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese before adding the batter for a delicious surprise inside. Almond Blueberry Muffins: Add almond extract to the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the crumble topping for a nutty twist. Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin with a nuttier flavor. Coconut Blueberry Muffins: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flair that pairs well with the blueberries. Greek Yogurt Muffins: Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter muffin that’s still moist and flavorful. Spiced Blueberry Muffins: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor that complements the blueberries.
Creative ways to serve blueberry muffins
With Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over the muffins for a sweet and tangy finish. As a Trifle: Cut the muffins into cubes and layer them with whipped cream and fresh berries in a trifle dish for a beautiful and delicious dessert. Grilled or Toasted: Slice the muffins in half and grill or toast them for a warm, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. With Ice Cream: Serve warm muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Stuffed: Slice the muffins in half and fill them with cream cheese, whipped cream, or lemon curd for an extra indulgent treat. In Parfaits: Crumble the muffins and layer them with yogurt and fresh berries in a parfait glass for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack. With Savory Toppings: Serve the muffins with savory toppings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, or bacon for a unique flavor combination. In Bread Pudding: Cube the muffins and use them in place of bread in a bread pudding for a twist on a classic dessert.
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