Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines the sweet juiciness of fresh berries with the rich, tangy creaminess of cheese, look no further than this Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe. These muffins are a perfect harmony of moist, tender crumb and luscious filling, dotted with bursts of vibrant blueberries and topped with a buttery streusel that adds just the right crunch. Whether you are starting your morning, enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, or looking to impress guests with a homemade delight, these muffins bring warmth and joy to every bite. Let me take you through this wonderful recipe that has quickly become one of my favorites to whip up and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and texture that these muffins are known for.
- Vegetable oil (¼ cup): Keeps the muffins moist without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 Tablespoons): Adds richness and depth, especially in the streusel topping.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + â…“ cup): Sweetens the muffin batter and cream cheese filling for a wonderful balance.
- Large egg + large egg white: Provides structure and tenderness to the batter.
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Brings a slight tang, making the crumb tender and light.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons + ½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cup + ¼ cup): The foundation for the muffin’s soft texture and the cream cheese filling.
- Cornstarch (1 Tablespoon): Ensures a tender crumb by reducing gluten development.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Leavens the muffins beautifully for a light rise.
- Salt (½ teaspoon + ⅛ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Blueberries (1 ½ cups): Bursts of juicy, fresh flavor that make these muffins unforgettable.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): The star of the filling, smooth and tangy to complement the berries.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup, firmly packed): Adds a caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the crunchy streusel topping.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures your muffins bake evenly and are easy to remove once done.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, one whole egg, and one egg white until fully combined and slightly fluffy. Then, stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, which will add moisture and lovely aromatic notes to the batter.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This mixture provides the structure and rise your muffins will need, making it crucial not to skip this step.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so stop just as the flour disappears. Then, fold in the fresh blueberries to distribute their juicy flavor throughout the batter.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, additional granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling will add a luscious surprise in every muffin bite.
Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping
Combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter in a small bowl. Mix with your fingers or a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and looks like coarse sand. This topping adds the perfect sweet crunch on top.
Step 7: Assemble the Muffins
Start by spooning about half of the muffin batter into the paper liners, then dollop a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling into the center. Cover with the remaining batter, then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly on each muffin. This layering ensures every bite has a divine balance of cake, filling, and crunch.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the muffins for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, and the tops are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying their irresistible aroma and taste.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or adding a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra blueberries placed on top can add a fresh, colorful touch that immediately impresses.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making for an ideal breakfast or afternoon treat. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy yogurt to enjoy the fruity and creamy notes complementing each other.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, arrange the muffins in a charming basket lined with a pastel cloth. Individual servings on pretty plates with a drizzle of honey or a smear of jam on the side turn this recipe into a delightful experience your guests will love and remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover muffins by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This protects their moisture while keeping them fresh and soft, ready to enjoy with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to make these Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe ahead of time, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy a muffin as if freshly baked, thaw it at room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. For an added touch, warming in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes revives that delightful fresh-baked aroma and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter to prevent excess moisture that could make the muffins soggy.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix ½ cup of milk with one teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade version will give the same tender crumb and slight tang.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like margarine and vegan cream cheese. The texture might be slightly different but the flavor will still be delicious.
How long do the muffins keep fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh for up to two days. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life, but it might dry them out unless reheated properly.
Can I double this Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe?
Definitely! The recipe scales up well. Just be sure to divide the batter evenly between your muffin tins and check baking time, as larger batches might require a few extra minutes to bake completely.
Final Thoughts
Making this Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe is like creating a little piece of happiness in your kitchen. The joyful blend of textures and flavors, from soft and tangy cream cheese to the sweet burst of blueberries and crumbly streusel, makes every bite something to look forward to. I encourage you to dive in and bake a batch — your senses and loved ones will thank you for it!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins, featuring a tender crumb bursting with fresh blueberries, a rich cream cheese filling, and a sweet crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Muffins
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 4 Tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg white, room temperature preferred
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¾ cup (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups (210 g) blueberries
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (brick), softened
- â…“ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Streusel Topping
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, firmly packed
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted but not too hot
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, add granulated sugar, egg, and egg white. Whisk thoroughly until well combined. Then add buttermilk and vanilla extract, whisking to blend everything smoothly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Mix Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix for tender muffins.
- Add Blueberries: Carefully fold in the blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them up.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ¼ cup flour until smooth and creamy.
- Make Streusel Topping: Combine the brown sugar, salt, flour, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbly and well incorporated.
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon a layer of muffin batter into each paper liner, add a dollop of cream cheese filling on top, and then cover with more muffin batter. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if frozen, do not thaw to avoid bleeding color into the batter.
- Room temperature ingredients help to achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- The cream cheese filling adds a nice tangy contrast and moisture to the muffins.
- The streusel topping can be adjusted for sweetness or replaced with chopped nuts for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
