Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Craving a bakery-style treat at home? Blueberry Streusel Muffins are the perfect solution—tender, buttery muffins bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel topping.

Ingredients List

Creating irresistible Blueberry Streusel Muffins requires the right balance of ingredients for both the fluffy muffin base and the crunchy, buttery streusel topping. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Streusel Topping Ingredients

• ⅔ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, melted
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Muffin Batter Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries, tossed with 1 tablespoon flour (to prevent sinking)

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the proper tools on hand makes preparing these muffins a smooth and enjoyable process. Here are the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:

1. Muffin Pan: A standard 12 or 16-cup muffin tin will shape and hold the batter during baking.
2. Paper Liners: Prevent sticking and make for easy clean-up.
3. Mixing Bowls: Multiple bowls in varying sizes will help organize your wet, dry, and topping ingredients.
4. Electric Mixer: Ideal for creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are crucial for baking success.
6. Spatula and Whisk: For folding ingredients and ensuring everything is well combined.
7. Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate around baked muffins for even cooling.

Streusel and Muffin Batter Preparation

Making Blueberry Streusel Muffins is all about building delicious layers of texture and flavor. Start with a buttery, sweet crumb topping and a moist, tender batter.

Preparing the Streusel Topping

Begin by making the crumbly topping that will add texture and sweetness to your muffins:

1. In a medium bowl, combine ⅔ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
2. Pour in ¼ cup melted salted butter and use a fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles wet sand.
3. Set aside while you prepare the muffin batter.

Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients

To create a light and fluffy muffin, it’s important to combine the ingredients in stages:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a muffin pan with 16 paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients:
   • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 tablespoon baking powder
   • ½ teaspoon baking soda
   • ¼ teaspoon salt
   • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
     Set this mixture aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter with 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all the butter is fully incorporated.
5. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
6. In a separate measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together 1 cup sour cream and ½ cup whole milk until smooth.

Combining and Baking the Muffins

With your streusel and batter components ready, it’s time to bring everything together for a bakery-worthy finish.

Finalizing the Muffin Batter

1. With the mixer on low speed, begin adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream mixture to the creamed butter mixture alternately, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
   • Add ⅓ of the flour mixture, then ½ of the sour cream mixture, repeating and finishing with the remaining flour.
   • Mix just until combined—be careful not to over-mix to maintain a tender crumb.
2. In a small bowl, toss 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. This helps keep the berries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
3. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter using a spatula. Be delicate to avoid bursting the berries.

Assembling and Baking the Muffins

1. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one to the top.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of the prepared streusel topping over each muffin and gently press the crumbs down to help them adhere.
3. Place the muffin tray on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes.
4. Without opening the oven door, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
5. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Serving and Decoration

Blueberry Streusel Muffins are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm, making them a perfect addition to breakfast spreads, brunch tables, or afternoon coffee breaks. The golden-brown streusel topping offers a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft, berry-filled center.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To elevate your muffin experience even further, consider the following options:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled muffins for a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
• Add a Glaze: For a dessert-style finish, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the streusel topping.
• Serve with Butter or Jam: Though already flavorful, a pat of butter or a spoonful of blueberry jam enhances the richness and berry notes.

Storage Instructions

Keeping your Blueberry Streusel Muffins fresh is key to maintaining their irresistible texture and flavor.

How to Store Muffins Properly

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container and another on top of the muffins to absorb excess moisture and keep the streusel from becoming soggy.

Freezing Blueberry Streusel Muffins

These muffins freeze exceptionally well. Once cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Blueberry Streusel Muffins offer a delightful fusion of soft, buttery cake and a crisp, cinnamon-kissed topping.

With a simple list of ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and the right techniques, you can master this recipe and enjoy a fresh-from-the-oven bakery experience right at home. Don’t forget to freeze a few for later—you’ll be glad you did.