Get ready to savor a delightful treat with my Blueberry Lemon Crumb Muffins! These muffins burst with fresh blueberries and a zingy lemon flavor, topped with a sweet crumbly topping. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they’re easy to make and bursting with flavor. In this post, I’ll guide you step by step, so you can create a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
Liquid Ingredients
– 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Crumb Topping Ingredients
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Gathering the right ingredients is key. Start with fresh blueberries; they give the best flavor. Use all-purpose flour for a soft muffin. The sugar adds sweetness, while butter keeps them rich and moist. Eggs bind everything together, creating a nice texture.
For liquid ingredients, milk or buttermilk makes the muffins tender. Lemon zest and juice add brightness. You can use the zest from one lemon for a burst of citrus.
When it comes to dry ingredients, baking powder helps the muffins rise. Salt adds balance, while baking soda works with the acidic lemon juice.
Finally, for the crumb topping, mix flour with both sugars and cinnamon. This creates a sweet, crunchy layer on top. Melted butter binds it all, making it easy to sprinkle on the muffins.
All these ingredients come together to create a delightful treat. They are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Prepare the muffin tin with liners or grease.
Making the Crumb Topping
– Combine 1/3 cup flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon.
– Mix until crumbly and set aside.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Combining Wet Ingredients
– In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
– Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
– Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing for fluffiness.
Adding Blueberries and Filling Muffin Tin
– Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
– Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full with batter.
Baking the Muffins
– Sprinkle crumb topping generously over each muffin.
– Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Cooling and Serving
– Cool the muffins in the tin for 5 minutes.
– Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Moist Muffins
– Use fresh blueberries for best results. They burst with juice and flavor.
– Consider using buttermilk for extra moisture. It helps keep the muffins soft.
Preventing Overmixing
– Fold gently to maintain muffin texture. Overmixing makes them tough.
– Understand the signs of proper mixing. Stop when the batter is just combined.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve warm or at room temperature. Warm muffins taste wonderful.
– Pair with beverages for a full experience. Coffee or tea enhances the flavor.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can easily brighten your muffins with lemon zest. This adds a fresh, zesty taste. Just grate the peel of a lemon and mix it into the batter. You can also try almond extract. This gives your muffins a lovely nutty flavor. Use about half a teaspoon for a nice twist.
Dietary Substitutions
If you want dairy-free muffins, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. You can also swap butter for coconut oil. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Both substitutions keep the muffins tasty and light.
Muffin Size Variations
You can make mini muffins for a fun snack. Just fill the mini muffin cups about halfway. They bake faster, so check them at 15 minutes. If you want a bakery-style muffin, fill the regular cups all the way. This makes larger muffins that are perfect for breakfast.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
Store your blueberry lemon crumb muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 2-3 days. After that, they may lose some taste and texture.
Long-term Storage
For longer storage, freeze the muffins. They last up to 3 months in the freezer. Wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven. This gives them a fresh taste, just like when they were baked.
Thawing Tips
To thaw your muffins, place them at room temperature. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. To refresh their texture, pop them in the oven for a few minutes. This makes them warm and delightful again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but do not thaw them before folding into the batter. Frozen blueberries keep their shape better. They also help cool the batter slightly. This can lead to a fluffier muffin.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the muffins?
You can reduce the sugar in the batter. Another option is to add a sweeter topping, like a glaze. This gives you control over the final taste.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with a mix of milk and lemon juice or vinegar. Use 1/2 cup of milk and add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes. This will create a tangy flavor.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
Check with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean, your muffins are done. This is a simple and effective way to avoid underbaking.
Can I make the crumb topping in advance?
Yes, you can make the crumb topping ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. This saves time when you’re ready to bake.
These blueberry muffins are easy to make and delicious. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared ideas for flavor variations and how to store them. Remember, using fresh blueberries and folding gently are key for moist, fluffy muffins. Enjoy your homemade treats warm or with your favorite drink. With these simple steps, you can bake muffins that impress. Get ready to delight your taste buds!
