Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping

Light and Fluffy Muffins with a Crunchy Cinnamon Streusel

These delightful blueberry muffins strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, featuring a satisfying crunchy topping. The muffin base is made with buttermilk for extra tenderness and brightened with citrus zest, while two cups of blueberries ensure a burst of fruit in every bite. A cinnamon streusel topping adds a delicious crunch and an extra layer of sweetness. Taking just 45 minutes from start to finish, these muffins are ideal for weekend baking and special breakfasts. Yielding 12 generous muffins, they can be enjoyed warm but develop even better flavor after cooling for a couple of hours.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Muffin Tops: Achieves that coveted crispy top with a tender, moist interior.
• Juicy Blueberries: Features pockets of juicy berries in every bite.
• Bakery-Style Domes: Creates Instagram-worthy domed tops without special techniques.
• Complex Flavors: Develops complex flavor notes that improve over time.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: Stays fresh and delicious for several days.

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Ingredients

Streusel Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (72g)
• 1/2 cup sugar (112g)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (salted or unsalted)

Muffin Batter

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (212g)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Zest of 2 Meyer lemons (or 1 orange plus 1 lemon)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (5.33 tablespoons)
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners for easy removal.

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Step 2: Make the Streusel

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add Butter:
   Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbs form. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the batter.

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Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and citrus zest.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In another large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and buttermilk. Don’t worry if it looks slightly curdled.
3. Combine:
   Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir just until the batter comes together—it should be thick and lumpy. Avoid overmixing.
4. Fold in Blueberries:
   Gently fold in blueberries until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to prevent the batter from turning purple.

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Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Fill Muffin Cups:
   Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, divide the batter between 12 muffin cups.
2. Add Streusel:
   Break up the chilled crumb topping with your fingers and sprinkle over the muffin batter.
3. Bake:
   Bake for 28-30 minutes until crumbs are golden brown and the muffin springs back when lightly pressed.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve Warm: Enjoy slightly warm, around 80°F, for optimal texture.
• Pairings: Serve with cultured butter, local honey, or homemade blueberry compote.
• Brunch Tip: Warm each muffin for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving.

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Make It Your Own

• Add Nuts: Experiment by adding toasted nuts to the streusel.
• Berry Variations: Swap in different berries for a unique twist.
• Spice It Up: Introduce complementary spices like cardamom or nutmeg for extra flavor.

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Storage Success

• Cool Completely: Before storing, let muffins cool completely.
• Store Properly: Place in an airtight container lined with paper towels, layering muffins with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Shelf Life: Stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to two months.

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Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Paper Liners: Line your muffin tin with high-quality paper liners for easy removal.
• Consistent Portioning: Use an ice cream scoop for even batter distribution.
• Perfect Domes: Fill each cup precisely 3/4 full for perfect domes.
• Oven Temperature: Test your oven’s temperature regularly for accuracy.
• Clean Oven: Ensure your oven is clean to prevent off-flavors.

Through countless batches and careful refinement, this recipe has become a signature breakfast offering. The combination of tender crumb, juicy berries, and buttery streusel creates an unforgettable morning treat that elevates any breakfast or brunch gathering from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tart with these delightful blueberry muffins!