Blueberry Muffins With Crumb Topping – The Ultimate Bakery-Style Muffins

Introduction

Few things compare to the taste of a freshly baked blueberry muffin, and when topped with a sweet, buttery crumb topping, they become truly irresistible. These Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping are soft, fluffy, bursting with juicy blueberries, and finished with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these muffins are guaranteed to impress.

This detailed, step-by-step guide will teach you how to make bakery-style blueberry muffins at home. From choosing the right ingredients to baking tips and variations, this guide has everything you need to perfect your muffin-making skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a no-fail method make these muffins perfect for all skill levels.
• Bakery-Style Texture: Soft, moist muffins with a tender crumb and a golden, crunchy streusel topping.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of sweet blueberries, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon makes each bite irresistible.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack with coffee or tea.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients for different flavors or dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra moisture)
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For Extra Topping (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for added crunch)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for a bright, citrusy flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the muffin batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix!

Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries

1. Gently fold in the blueberries using a spatula. If using frozen blueberries, toss them in a tablespoon of flour first to prevent sinking.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

1. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
2. Sprinkle crumb topping generously over each muffin.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Expert Tips for the Best Blueberry Muffins

• Use Fresh Blueberries for Best Flavor: Fresh berries give the best texture, but frozen work well too (just don’t thaw them first!).
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing will make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Make Extra Crumb Topping: If you love a crunchy topping, double the streusel for extra texture.
• Use Buttermilk for Extra Moisture: Buttermilk adds a tender crumb and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• Try Different Flavors: Add lemon zest, almond extract, or nutmeg for a flavor twist.

Delicious Variations

1. Lemon Blueberry Muffins

• Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy kick.
• Replace vanilla extract with lemon extract for extra brightness.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Muffins

• Sprinkle the tops with a mix of cinnamon and sugar before baking for a spiced touch.

3. Healthy Blueberry Muffins

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Replace butter with applesauce for a lower-fat option.
• Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup.

4. Chocolate Chip Blueberry Muffins

• Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.

5. Vegan Blueberry Muffins

• Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
• Swap milk with almond or oat milk.
• Replace butter with coconut oil.

How to Store and Freeze Blueberry Muffins

Storing at Room Temperature:

• Keep muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh the texture.

Refrigerating for Longer Freshness:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing Instructions:

• Place completely cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, microwave for 30 seconds or let them sit at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes! Do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent them from bleeding into the muffins.

2. How do I prevent my muffins from getting too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and use fresh baking powder for the best rise.

3. Can I make mini blueberry muffins?

Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and bake for 12-15 minutes.

4. Why is my crumb topping sinking into the muffins?

Chill the topping before using and press it lightly onto the batter before baking.

5. What’s the secret to bakery-style muffins?

Filling the muffin cups ¾ full and using a higher initial baking temperature (400°F for the first 5 minutes) helps create a tall, domed muffin top.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping are the perfect combination of soft, moist, and crumbly with a burst of juicy blueberries in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven, as a grab-and-go breakfast, or with a cup of coffee, they’re guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your day.

Try this recipe today and experience bakery-style muffins right at home!

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