These muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with juicy blueberries and creamy cheese. Every bite offers a delightful mix that will make your taste buds dance!
Honestly, who can resist a warm muffin fresh from the oven? I love having these with my morning coffee—they’re like a treat in disguise! ☕️🧁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your muffins. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great results with blends that include almond or coconut flour for a different texture!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal for bursting flavor, but frozen can work too! Just make sure they’re thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture. I often use a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a fun twist!
Sour Cream/Yogurt: Both add moisture and richness. If you’re out of either, unsweetened applesauce can be a great alternative, but keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different. I’ve sometimes added a splash of lemon juice for extra zing!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for control over salt content. If you’d like a lighter version, you can substitute half of it with applesauce or replace it with oil, like coconut or vegetable oil. Just make sure to adjust for the moisture content.
Cream Cheese: The creamy filling is key here. If you prefer a healthier option, try using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese that’s been blended until smooth. It’s a great way to cut down on fat without sacrificing too much flavor!
How Can I Ensure My Muffins Come Out Moist and Fluffy?
To achieve that perfect muffin texture, it’s all about the mixing and baking.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Gently fold in the blueberries to keep them whole and distribute flavor without breaking them.
- Oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. An oven thermometer can be a lifesaver if your oven tends to run hot or cold.
- For those extra moist muffins, don’t skip the cooling step in the pan; it adds to their softness!
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to bake some of the best muffins around! Happy baking!
Deliciously Moist Muffins with Blueberry and Cream Cheese Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups fresh blueberries (you can substitute frozen, just thaw and drain them)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (for cream cheese filling)
- 1 egg yolk (for cream cheese filling)
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. After that, allow for about 10 minutes of cooling in the pan. So, you can have delicious muffins ready to enjoy in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners, or if you prefer, grease the muffin cups well to help them come out easily later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream (or yogurt), and milk until everything is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps. Then, carefully fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring you don’t mash them up!
5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and egg yolk. Beat them together until smooth and creamy; this will be our delightful filling!
6. Make the Crumb Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the flour and sugar, then cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you like, sprinkle in some cinnamon for extra flavor!
7. Assemble the Muffins:
Fill each muffin cup about 1/3 full with the batter. Then, add about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each cup. Top off with more muffin batter until the cups are about ¾ full. Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin.
8. Bake Them Up:
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into one (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
9. Cooling Time:
Once baked, cool the muffins in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them finish baking and keeps them from becoming soggy.
10. Finishing Touch:
Before serving, dust the tops of your muffins with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Now they’re ready to impress!
Enjoy these deliciously moist blueberry muffins with a delightful cream cheese center and a crunchy topping—absolutely perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack time! 🧁💙
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen blueberries before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent extra moisture from the thawing process, ensuring your muffins stay fluffy.
How Can I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them—just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream! It will add the same moisture and a nice tang to your muffins. You can use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt blended until smooth. Just remember, the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious! Alternatively, a combination of ricotta cheese with a bit of sugar can work too.
