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Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest and Crunchy Topping Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 82 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack, Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These classic blueberry muffins are perfectly moist and fluffy with a tender crumb, bursting with wild Maine blueberries. Featuring a slight lemony sugar topping and a beautiful muffin dome, they are an ideal homemade treat for breakfast or snack time.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (measured properly, see notes)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Fruit

  • 1 1/2 cups frozen wild Maine blueberries (do not thaw)

Topping

  • 1/8 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Pan: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with 6 liners, as the muffins will be baked in two batches to achieve perfect domes.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
  4. Mix Wet into Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients, gently folding and stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
  5. Fold in Blueberries: Carefully fold in the frozen wild Maine blueberries, distributing them evenly without breaking the berries or overmixing the batter.
  6. Fill Muffin Liners: Spoon the batter into each muffin liner, filling them all the way to the top to create that signature muffin dome.
  7. Add Topping: Combine 1/8 cup granulated sugar with the zest of half a lemon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the muffins.
  8. Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the muffins turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Measure flour properly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling off the excess to avoid dense muffins.
  • Use frozen blueberries without thawing to prevent the batter from turning purple and to keep the muffin texture intact.
  • Baking in two batches helps achieve tall, domed muffin tops.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and muffin texture.
  • You can substitute vanilla bean paste with pure vanilla extract if unavailable.