There's nothing quite like biting into a freshly-made lemon blueberry muffin with a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. These delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack any time of the day. The combination of tart lemon and juicy blueberries creates a burst of flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.
When preparing this recipe, you may need to take a trip to the supermarket for a few specific ingredients. Blueberries and lemon zest might not be staples in every home, but they are essential for this recipe. Ensure you grab unsalted butter and raw sugar as well, as these could be less common in everyday pantries.
Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, these add a burst of juicy sweetness to the muffins.
All-purpose flour: The base substance for the muffin batter and the streusel topping.
Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture to the muffins and topping.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the muffin batter and the streusel topping.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the muffins.
Vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor to the muffins.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, helping to create the perfect texture.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor to the muffins.
Lemon zest: Provides a concentrated lemon flavor that complements the blueberries.
Raw sugar: Adds a crunchy texture to the streusel topping.
One reader, Drake Corey says:
These lemon blueberry muffins are a delightful treat! The lemon zest adds a refreshing twist, and the streusel topping provides a perfect crunch. They turned out moist and flavorful, making them a hit with my family. Will definitely bake these again!
Techniques Required for Making Lemon Blueberry Muffins
How to toss blueberries with flour: In a small mixing bowl, add the blueberries and 3 tablespoons of flour. Gently toss the blueberries until they are evenly coated with the flour. This helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking.
How to whisk ingredients: Use a whisk to combine ingredients until they are smooth and well-mixed. This technique is used to incorporate air into the mixture, making it light and fluffy.
How to fold in flour mixture: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. This technique involves carefully mixing the ingredients by lifting and turning them over, which helps to avoid over-mixing and ensures a tender muffin.
How to make streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the butter, flour, granulated sugar, and raw sugar. Use a whisk or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. This topping adds a sweet and crunchy layer to the muffins.
How To Make Lemon Blueberry Muffins
These lemon blueberry muffins are fresh summery sweet treats with juicy blueberries and an added pop of freshness from the lemons.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Muffins:
- 1½cupsblueberries,fresh or frozen
- 2cupsall-purpose flour,+3 tbsp, divided
- 1½tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- ½cupunsalted butter,softened
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- 2largeeggs
- 2tspvanilla extract
- 7tbspmilk
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1tbsploosely-packed lemon zest
For Streusel Topping:
- 2tbspbutter,melted, slightly cooled
- 2tbspall-purpose flour
- 2tbspgranulated sugar
- ¼cupraw sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking pan (or two if needed) with 16 paper liners, or grease with cooking spray.
-
In a small mixing bowl, toss blueberries with 3 tablespoons of flour until blueberries are coated. Use a slotted spoon to remove blueberries and shake off any excess flour. Set aside.
-
In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl (or an electric stand mixer), whisk together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and continue whisking until smooth. Fold in flour mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined. Carefully stir in blueberries.
-
Fill muffin cups about ¾ full of batter. Sprinkle each cup of batter with about 1 tablespoon streusel topping.
-
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
-
Let muffins cool for a few minutes in the muffin pan before removing to cool on a wire rack. Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Streusel Topping:
-
Whisk together all ingredients until combined and mixture is crumbly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210.02kcal
- Fat: 8.21g
- Saturated Fat: 4.90g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.17g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.49g
- Carbohydrates: 31.62g
- Fiber: 0.82g
- Sugar: 18.13g
- Protein: 2.90g
- Cholesterol: 42.97mg
- Sodium: 120.71mg
- Calcium: 50.81mg
- Potassium: 53.55mg
- Iron: 1.00mg
- Vitamin A: 74.11µg
- Vitamin C: 2.20mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Muffins
When folding the blueberries into the batter, be gentle to avoid breaking them. This helps prevent the muffins from turning blue and ensures even distribution of the fruit throughout the muffins.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Lemon Blueberry Muffins Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth workflow and prevents last-minute scrambling.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time and effort when mixing the batter. It also ensures a more consistent texture.
Make streusel ahead: Prepare the streusel topping in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, it's ready to sprinkle when needed.
Line muffin tin: Use paper liners in the muffin tin to save time on greasing and cleaning.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Blueberry Muffins Recipe
blueberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries provide a similar tartness and sweetness, though they may be slightly more delicate in texture.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the muffins denser.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for each tsp of baking powder to achieve a similar leavening effect.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a slight coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that provides binding.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar liquid content and is a good dairy-free alternative.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity, though it lacks the citrus flavor.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest offers a similar citrus aroma and flavor, though it will be slightly sweeter.
butter (for streusel topping) - Substitute with margarine: Margarine provides a similar fat content and texture, making it a good dairy-free option.
all-purpose flour (for streusel topping) - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour adds a different texture and a slight nutty flavor, while still providing structure.
granulated sugar (for streusel topping) - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor and moisture.
raw sugar - Substitute with turbinado sugar: Turbinado sugar has a similar coarse texture and molasses flavor, making it a good substitute.
Presenting Your Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that blueberries are fresh and plump, and opt for organic all-purpose flour and unsalted butter to enhance the flavor profile.
Create a uniform size: Use a standard muffin pan and fill each cup about ¾ full to ensure even baking and a consistent appearance.
Incorporate a burst of color: The lemon zest and blueberries provide a vibrant contrast. Make sure the streusel topping is evenly distributed to add a golden-brown finish.
Focus on texture: The streusel topping should be crumbly and slightly crunchy, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, moist muffin base.
Serve warm: Present the muffins slightly warm to enhance the aroma and flavor. This can be achieved by timing the baking process to finish just before serving.
Garnish with finesse: Add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the muffins for an elegant touch. A small sprig of mint can also add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Use elegant plating: Serve the muffins on a pristine white plate to make the colors pop. Arrange them in a circular pattern with a small bowl of lemon curd or blueberry compote in the center for dipping.
Highlight the ingredients: Place a few fresh blueberries and a twist of lemon peel around the plate to emphasize the key flavors in the muffins.
Ensure a clean presentation: Wipe any stray crumbs or smudges from the plate before serving to maintain a professional and polished look.
Essential Tools for Making Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Oven: Used to bake the muffins at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Baking pan: Holds the muffin batter in place while baking. You may need one or two, depending on the size.
Paper liners: Line the baking pan to prevent the muffins from sticking and make them easier to remove.
Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking pan if not using paper liners.
Small mixing bowl: Used to toss the blueberries with flour and to mix the dry ingredients.
Slotted spoon: Helps to remove the blueberries from the flour mixture while shaking off excess flour.
Large mixing bowl: Used to combine the wet ingredients and then fold in the dry ingredients and blueberries.
Electric stand mixer: Optional but useful for whisking together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Rubber spatula: Used to fold in the flour mixture and carefully stir in the blueberries.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring both dry and wet ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
Whisk: Used to mix the dry ingredients and to whisk together the streusel topping.
Toothpick: Used to check if the muffins are done by inserting it into the center of a muffin.
Wire rack: Allows the muffins to cool evenly after baking.
Sealed container: Used for storing the muffins to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
Storing and Freezing Your Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation from forming and making the muffins soggy.
To store, place the cooled muffins in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze the muffins:
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal.
- Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen muffins:
- Remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
- Alternatively, microwave individual muffins on high for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.
For a fresher taste, you can reheat thawed muffins in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the muffins on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Note that streusel topping may lose some of its crunchiness after freezing and thawing, but the muffins will still taste delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Blueberry Muffins
The best way to reheat leftover lemon blueberry muffins is to wrap them individually in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and freshness of the muffins, while also keeping the exterior slightly crisp.
Another option is to use a microwave, although this method may result in a softer texture. Place the muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the muffin isn't warm enough, continue to heat it in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the muffin, as it may become rubbery or tough.
For a quicker and more convenient method, you can also reheat the lemon blueberry muffins in a toaster oven. Cut the muffin in half horizontally and place it cut-side up on the toaster oven rack. Toast the muffin halves for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. This method works well if you prefer a slightly crunchy exterior on your reheated muffins.
If you have multiple muffins to reheat, you can also use a steamer basket. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the muffins in a steamer basket and set it over the simmering water. Cover the pot and steam the muffins for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps to maintain the soft, fluffy texture of the muffins while reheating them gently.
Interesting Fact About Lemon Blueberry Muffins
A random fact about this lemon blueberry muffins recipe is that tossing the blueberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
Is Making Lemon Blueberry Muffins at Home Cost-Effective?
This lemon blueberry muffins recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like all-purpose flour, blueberries, lemon, and sugar are relatively inexpensive and commonly found in most kitchens. The total cost for making 16 muffins, which can easily serve a household of 4, is approximately $10-$12 USD. Given the delightful combination of fruits and the homemade dessert appeal, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness and overall satisfaction.
Are Lemon Blueberry Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?
The lemon blueberry muffins recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar (1 cup granulated sugar in the muffins and additional sugar in the streusel topping), which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues when consumed in large quantities.
- The use of all-purpose flour provides minimal fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- Butter is used in both the muffins and the streusel topping, adding saturated fat to the recipe.
However, the recipe does include some healthier ingredients, such as blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and provide various health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the muffins by 1/4 to 1/2 cup and omit the sugar in the streusel topping, replacing it with a sprinkle of rolled oats for added texture and fiber.
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the muffins.
- Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture.
- Increase the amount of blueberries to 2 cups for added antioxidants, fiber, and natural sweetness.
- Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the batter for a boost of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Muffins
This lemon blueberry muffin recipe is a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors. The use of fresh lemon juice and zest adds a refreshing citrus note that complements the juicy blueberries perfectly. The streusel topping provides a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of sweetness. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Overall, these muffins are a fantastic choice for a breakfast treat or a midday snack.
Enhance Your Lemon Blueberry Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Why trust this Lemon Blueberry Muffins Recipe:
This lemon blueberry muffins recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. The streusel topping adds a perfect crunch, making these muffins irresistible. With clear instructions and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results. Trust this recipe for its balance of sweetness and tanginess, ensuring a delicious treat every time.
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