Irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping
Introduction
Few things are as delightful as biting into a fresh, homemade muffin. Blueberry muffins are a classic favorite, but when you add a creamy cream cheese filling and a crunchy streusel topping, you elevate them to an entirely new level of deliciousness. These Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day. The combination of tart blueberries, rich cream cheese, and a crumbly streusel topping makes these muffins utterly irresistible. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step process to create these delectable treats.
Ingredients
Streusel Crumb Topping:
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Blueberry Muffins:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (divided)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing the blueberries)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ – 2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and set it aside. This recipe makes approximately 9-10 muffins, so prepare your pan accordingly.
Step 2: Prep the Blueberries
Divide the blueberries in half. Toss ¾ cup of the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This step helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking. Reserve the remaining ¾ cup of blueberries for topping the muffins. Set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Streusel Crumb Topping
In a medium-sized bowl, stir together 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Add ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter and whisk with a fork until coarse crumbs form. This crumbly mixture will add a delightful crunch to the top of your muffins. Set the streusel aside.
Step 4: Mix the Muffin Batter
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and ½ cup of granulated sugar until well combined. Whisk in ½ cup of Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of vegetable oil, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix everything together by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the ¾ cup of blueberries that have been tossed with flour. This will ensure that the blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together 6 oz. of room temperature cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth. The cornstarch helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture during baking.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
Add about 1 ½ tablespoons of muffin batter to each cupcake liner. Using a spoon, spread the batter up the sides of the paper liners to create a small dent in the center. Drop 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin. Fill each cup to about 2/3 to ¾ full with the remaining muffin batter.
Sprinkle a few of the reserved blueberries on top of each muffin, then generously top each muffin with the streusel crumbs. Add a few more blueberries on top of the streusel and gently press them down to help them stick to the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven. Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the tops of the muffins are golden brown and the centers are set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. It should come out with a few crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 8: Cool the Muffins
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the muffins properly ensures that the cream cheese filling sets and the muffins maintain their structure.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, stir together ¾ cup of powdered sugar with 1 ½ to 2 ½ teaspoons of milk or cream. Start with 1 teaspoon of the liquid and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable, allowing you to drizzle it over the muffins easily.
Step 10: Drizzle the Glaze and Serve
Once the muffins are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops. This sweet finishing touch adds a beautiful shine and a touch of extra sweetness to the muffins. Serve the muffins immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Tips and Variations
- Berry Variations: While blueberries are a classic choice, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For a more marbled look, you can swirl the cream cheese mixture into the muffin batter instead of placing it in the center.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the muffin batter for a hint of citrus that complements the blueberries beautifully.
- Healthier Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with a low-fat version or use a plant-based yogurt for a healthier twist. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if desired.
Health Benefits
These Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins offer several health benefits, thanks to the nutritious ingredients used. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which promote heart health and help reduce inflammation. Greek yogurt adds protein and calcium, contributing to strong bones and muscles. While this recipe is an indulgent treat, it also provides some nutritional value that you can feel good about.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping are a delicious and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of a moist blueberry muffin, creamy cream cheese filling, and a crunchy streusel topping creates a wonderful symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.
Baking these muffins is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the process of creating something special from scratch. The detailed steps ensure that you achieve the perfect muffin every time. The aroma of freshly baked muffins filling your kitchen is simply irresistible.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on the delightful journey of making these Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and indulge in every delicious bite. Happy baking!
Irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping
Introduction
Few things are as delightful as biting into a fresh, homemade muffin. Blueberry muffins are a classic favorite, but when you add a creamy cream cheese filling and a crunchy streusel topping, you elevate them to an entirely new level of deliciousness. These Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day. The combination of tart blueberries, rich cream cheese, and a crumbly streusel topping makes these muffins utterly irresistible. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step process to create these delectable treats.
Ingredients
Streusel Crumb Topping:
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Blueberry Muffins:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (divided)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing the blueberries)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ – 2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and set it aside. This recipe makes approximately 9-10 muffins, so prepare your pan accordingly.
Step 2: Prep the Blueberries
Divide the blueberries in half. Toss ¾ cup of the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This step helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking. Reserve the remaining ¾ cup of blueberries for topping the muffins. Set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Streusel Crumb Topping
In a medium-sized bowl, stir together 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Add ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter and whisk with a fork until coarse crumbs form. This crumbly mixture will add a delightful crunch to the top of your muffins. Set the streusel aside.
Step 4: Mix the Muffin Batter
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and ½ cup of granulated sugar until well combined. Whisk in ½ cup of Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of vegetable oil, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix everything together by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the ¾ cup of blueberries that have been tossed with flour. This will ensure that the blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together 6 oz. of room temperature cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth. The cornstarch helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture during baking.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
Add about 1 ½ tablespoons of muffin batter to each cupcake liner. Using a spoon, spread the batter up the sides of the paper liners to create a small dent in the center. Drop 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin. Fill each cup to about 2/3 to ¾ full with the remaining muffin batter.
Sprinkle a few of the reserved blueberries on top of each muffin, then generously top each muffin with the streusel crumbs. Add a few more blueberries on top of the streusel and gently press them down to help them stick to the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven. Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the tops of the muffins are golden brown and the centers are set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. It should come out with a few crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 8: Cool the Muffins
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the muffins properly ensures that the cream cheese filling sets and the muffins maintain their structure.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, stir together ¾ cup of powdered sugar with 1 ½ to 2 ½ teaspoons of milk or cream. Start with 1 teaspoon of the liquid and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable, allowing you to drizzle it over the muffins easily.
Step 10: Drizzle the Glaze and Serve
Once the muffins are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops. This sweet finishing touch adds a beautiful shine and a touch of extra sweetness to the muffins. Serve the muffins immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Tips and Variations
- Berry Variations: While blueberries are a classic choice, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For a more marbled look, you can swirl the cream cheese mixture into the muffin batter instead of placing it in the center.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the muffin batter for a hint of citrus that complements the blueberries beautifully.
- Healthier Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with a low-fat version or use a plant-based yogurt for a healthier twist. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if desired.
Health Benefits
These Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins offer several health benefits, thanks to the nutritious ingredients used. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which promote heart health and help reduce inflammation. Greek yogurt adds protein and calcium, contributing to strong bones and muscles. While this recipe is an indulgent treat, it also provides some nutritional value that you can feel good about.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping are a delicious and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of a moist blueberry muffin, creamy cream cheese filling, and a crunchy streusel topping creates a wonderful symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.
Baking these muffins is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the process of creating something special from scratch. The detailed steps ensure that you achieve the perfect muffin every time. The aroma of freshly baked muffins filling your kitchen is simply irresistible.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on the delightful journey of making these Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and indulge in every delicious bite. Happy baking!