Name: Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (72g); 1/2 cup sugar (112g); 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup butter, melted (salted or unsalted); 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (212g); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; Zest of 2 Meyer lemons (or zest of 1 orange plus zest of 1 lemon); 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (about 5.33 tbsp); 1 large egg; 2/3 cup buttermilk; 2 cups blueberries (frozen works fine)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 50 reviews

If you have been searching for a muffin that perfectly balances tender crumb, juicy bursts of blueberry, and a satisfyingly crunchy finish, you have found it! This Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping Recipe is a personal favorite that never fails to bring comfort and smiles. With a zesty hint of citrus and a streusel topping that adds just the right texture, these muffins are an irresistible treat for breakfast, snacks, or even a cozy dessert. Every bite delivers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug from the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a shiny silver mixing bowl filled with thick, creamy batter that is pale yellow with dark purple spots from whole blueberries spread evenly throughout. The batter has a rough texture with some areas smooth and others lumpy. A blue spatula is partially buried in the batter on the right side, showing remnants of batter on its surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are deceptively simple, but each plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture in your Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping Recipe. From the tangy citrus zest to the rich buttermilk, every element contributes to the muffin’s freshness and fluffiness.

1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Used to create the light and crumbly streusel topping that adds texture and sweetness.
1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the crumb topping just enough for a delicate crunch.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the crumble’s flavor profile.
1/4 cup butter (melted): Binds the crumb topping ingredients and adds richness; both salted or unsalted butter works well.
1.5 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the muffin batter, creating a tender crumb.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps develop a golden crust on the muffins.
2 tsp baking powder: Your rising hero that ensures fluffy muffins with great lift.
1/4 tsp kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and tangy flavors.
Zest of 2 Meyer lemons: Injects a subtle but bright citrus aroma and flavor; alternatively, zest of 1 orange plus 1 lemon can be used.
1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and richness to the batter for tender muffins.
1 large egg: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients together.
2/3 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the blueberries beautifully.
2 cups blueberries: Bursting with juicy sweetness, I love using frozen blueberries to make this recipe year-round.

How to Make Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures even baking and makes clean-up a breeze—plus, liners hold the crumb topping in place perfectly while baking.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Crumb Topping

Whisk together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix until crumbly clusters form. This cooling step in the fridge helps firm up the crumbles, so they bake crisp and golden on top of your muffins.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Muffins

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and zesty citrus. This fragrant, flavorful blend lays the foundation for your tender, flavorful muffins.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and tangy buttermilk. Don’t worry if it looks lumpy or curdled—that’s exactly what you want for a moist, fluffy crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; a thick, lumpy batter means light and tender muffins when baked.

Step 6: Fold in the Blueberries

Carefully fold the blueberries into the batter, distributing them evenly but gently to keep their shape and avoid turning the batter purple. This is where the muffins get their juicy, bright fruit pockets!

Step 7: Portion Muffin Batter into Liners

Using a large 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion slightly overfilled scoops of batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups, ensuring consistent size and even baking.

Step 8: Add the Crumb Topping

Retrieve your chilled crumb topping and break it up with your fingertips. Sprinkle the crumbly topping generously over each muffin, adding that irresistible crunchy finish that defines this Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping Recipe.

Step 9: Bake the Muffins

Bake for 28 to 30 minutes until the crumb topping is golden brown and muffins spring back lightly when pressed. That gentle spring-back means they’re perfectly baked with tender centers.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Although these delightfully fresh muffins can be enjoyed warm, I recommend letting them cool for about two hours. This rest lets the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite even more memorable.

How to Serve Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping Recipe

A close-up image of a blueberry muffin with a crumbly, golden brown topping that covers the entire surface. The muffin's body is light brown with visible deep purple blueberry spots inside the paper liner. In the blurred background, there are more muffins of the same kind and a white bowl filled with fresh blueberries. The setting rests on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin visible on the left side of the frame. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the texture of the crumb topping and blueberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of lemon glaze to complement the citrus zest already in the muffins. Fresh blueberries on the side brighten the presentation and add a pop of natural sweetness.

Side Dishes

Blueberry muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory and tangy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread, stack these muffins on a tiered stand with fresh fruit and a bowl of whipped cream or honey butter. Cutting a muffin in half and toasting it lightly, then spreading some cream cheese or nut butter on top, creates an inviting, extra-special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the crumb topping crisp and the muffin interiors moist and tender—ready to enjoy anytime.

Freezing

Blueberry muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can have freshly baked muffins available with no extra effort on busy mornings.

Reheating

To enjoy muffins from frozen or refrigerated, warm them in a 350-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. This revives the crumb topping’s crunch and restores the muffin’s tender softness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh blueberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be gentle when folding them in to avoid bursting and staining the batter too much.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 2/3 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use that as a perfect tangy substitute.

Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten which can make muffins tough and dense. A lumpy, slightly uneven texture ensures your muffins stay light, soft, and tender.

Can I make the crumb topping dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or coconut oil melted to hold those crumbs together deliciously without compromising texture.

How long do these muffins keep their best flavor?

For optimal flavor and texture, enjoy within the first two days. Beyond that, refrigerate or freeze to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping Recipe shines as a timeless, feel-good treat that promises smiles with every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend breakfast, a special occasion, or a cozy afternoon snack, they deliver that perfect home-baked warmth and brightness. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and make a batch that will surely become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. You won’t be disappointed!