Easy Fluffy Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping Perfect for Breakfast

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kate

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It was one of those slow Sunday mornings when the kitchen smelled faintly of last night’s coffee and the hum of quiet chatter filled the air. I found myself rummaging through the fridge, eyes landing on a sad little container of blueberries that had been forgotten in the back corner. Honestly, I wasn’t in the mood for anything complicated, and the idea of throwing together a quick breakfast had me skeptical at first. But then, I remembered this easy fluffy blueberry muffins recipe with streusel topping that I’d been meaning to try out again. The first time I made these muffins, it was a bit of an accident—it started as a “let’s just see what happens” kind of moment.

What surprised me was how the muffins puffed up with a lightness that felt almost like biting into a cloud, while the streusel added this sweet, crumbly crunch that made every bite a tiny celebration. The blueberries burst with juicy goodness, sending little pockets of flavor through the soft crumb. It turned into a ritual that weekend—three batches, one after the other—and I caught myself sneaking them straight from the oven before they even cooled down. That simple, almost lazy morning is why these easy fluffy blueberry muffins with streusel topping have stuck with me—they’re comforting without being fussy, perfect for those moments when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend the whole morning baking.

There’s something quietly satisfying about waking up to a kitchen that smells like warm blueberries and cinnamon sugar. It’s like the day starts with a little hug, even if you’re just cooking for yourself. That’s why I keep coming back to this recipe, no matter how many muffin recipes I’ve tried. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat and a cozy routine all at once.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Whips up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh blueberries—no need for fancy shopping trips.
  • Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch: Ideal for lazy weekend mornings, school lunches, or mid-afternoon snacks.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, even picky eaters tend to ask for seconds.
  • Unbelievably Delicious: The balance of fluffy texture with the crunchy streusel on top hits all the right notes.
  • This recipe stands out because of the streusel topping, which adds a layer of texture and sweetness that’s often missing from basic blueberry muffins.
  • Unlike other versions, the batter is lightly mixed to keep it airy, resulting in that irresistible fluffiness that you can’t fake.
  • It’s the kind of recipe that makes you pause and savor the moment—each bite is a soft, sweet burst of blueberry with a buttery crunch that lingers.
  • This recipe isn’t just about the muffins themselves; it’s about creating a little morning ritual that feels special without the stress.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and a satisfying texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples, and the blueberries add that fresh pop of sweetness. Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • All-purpose flour – 2 cups (240g), for the tender muffin base
  • Baking powder – 2 teaspoons, to give the muffins their fluffy rise
  • Baking soda – ½ teaspoon, balances the acidity
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon, enhances overall flavor
  • Granulated sugar – ¾ cup (150g), for sweetness without overpowering
  • Unsalted butter – ½ cup (113g), melted and slightly cooled (I prefer Kerrygold for its rich flavor)
  • Large eggs – 2, room temperature for proper mixing
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup (240ml), adds tenderness and tang (if you don’t have buttermilk, see substitution tips below)
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, for warmth and depth
  • Fresh blueberries – 1 ½ cups (225g), gently tossed in a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking

For the streusel topping:

  • All-purpose flour – ½ cup (60g)
  • Brown sugar – ⅓ cup (70g), packed
  • Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon, for that cozy spice
  • Unsalted butter – ¼ cup (57g), cold and cubed
  • Optional: A pinch of salt to balance sweetness

Substitution tips: For a dairy-free option, swap buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice, letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can also replace butter with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor. Frozen blueberries work fine too—just don’t thaw before mixing to keep the batter from turning purple.

Equipment Needed

  • Muffin tin: Standard 12-cup size, non-stick preferred for easy removal
  • Muffin liners: Paper or silicone to prevent sticking and ease cleanup
  • Mixing bowls: One large for dry ingredients, one medium for wet
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient portions
  • Whisk and spatula: Whisk for combining wet ingredients, spatula for folding batter
  • Cooling rack: To let the muffins breathe and avoid sogginess

If you don’t have a muffin tin, mini loaf pans or ramekins can work in a pinch—just adjust baking time. I’ve tried baking these muffins in silicone pans, and while they’re easy to pop out, the bottoms sometimes don’t brown as nicely. For budget-friendly alternatives, a simple metal muffin pan lined with parchment paper works wonders and lasts for years if cared for properly. Just avoid using non-stick sprays with paper liners—they can sometimes make the liners stick instead of release.

Preparation Method

easy fluffy blueberry muffins preparation steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with liners or grease it lightly. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and come out clean.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar. Make sure everything is well combined—this helps with even rising.
  3. Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk ½ cup (113g) melted butter (let cool slightly), 2 large eggs, 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. If your butter’s too hot, it can cook the eggs, so take care here.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold gently just until combined. The batter should be lumpy, not smooth—overmixing makes muffins tough, so resist the urge to stir more.
  5. Add blueberries: Toss 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh blueberries in a tablespoon of flour, then fold them carefully into the batter to avoid crushing.
  6. Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup (60g) flour, ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if using. Cut in ¼ cup (57g) cold cubed butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Fill muffin cups: Spoon batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Sprinkle the streusel generously over each muffin—don’t be shy, it’s the best part!
  8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Start checking around 18 minutes—insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. The streusel should be golden and slightly crisp.
  9. Cool: Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. This prevents sogginess and helps the muffins finish setting perfectly.

Quick tip: If your blueberries tend to sink, lightly dusting them with flour before folding them into the batter keeps them suspended better. Also, try not to open the oven door during the first 15 minutes to maintain consistent heat.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

One of the key secrets to these easy fluffy blueberry muffins with streusel topping is gentle mixing. You want to combine ingredients just enough to bring them together, leaving lumps in the batter intact. Overmixing activates gluten, which makes muffins dense or chewy—definitely not what you want here.

Another tip is to use fresh, firm blueberries whenever possible. Soft or overripe berries can bleed too much, turning your batter a dull color and affecting texture. If you must use frozen, keep them frozen and fold in quickly just before baking.

For the streusel, cold butter is essential. When you mix it in, the tiny butter pieces melt during baking, creating that signature crumbly topping. I’ve learned the hard way that using melted butter here turns the streusel into a soggy mess.

Timing is everything—don’t leave the batter sitting for too long before baking. The baking powder and soda start reacting immediately, so the muffins won’t rise as well if you delay.

Lastly, multitasking by preheating the oven early, measuring ingredients before mixing, and setting up your streusel while the batter rests briefly can save precious time in busy mornings.

Variations & Adaptations

  • Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to choose one with xanthan gum included for proper texture.
  • Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
  • Seasonal Twist: Swap blueberries with fresh or frozen raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries for different berry flavors. In fall, try diced apples with a pinch of nutmeg in the streusel.
  • Lower Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to ½ cup (100g) and replace brown sugar in streusel with coconut sugar or omit it for a less sweet topping.
  • One variation I love is adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, fresh contrast to the sweet berries—makes the muffins feel even more special.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These blueberry muffins are best served warm or at room temperature. The streusel topping shines when fresh out of the oven but holds up well for a day or two. Pair them with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a smear of cream cheese for a little extra indulgence.

They make a wonderful companion to a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

To store, keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20 seconds.

Flavors tend to mellow and meld after a day, so if you can resist eating them right away, you might find the next-day muffins just as enjoyable (if a little less crumbly on top).

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each muffin (based on 12 servings) contains approximately 220 calories, 9g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, and 4g protein. The blueberries add antioxidants and vitamin C, while buttermilk contributes calcium and probiotics.

This recipe is naturally free from artificial preservatives and relies on wholesome ingredients, making it a better breakfast option than many store-bought muffins. You can adjust sugar levels to suit your dietary needs or swap ingredients to make it gluten-free or vegan.

Personally, I appreciate that these muffins offer a comforting treat without feeling like a guilty indulgence. There’s enough fiber and protein to keep me satisfied through mid-morning, which is no small feat with most sweet baked goods.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a muffin recipe that’s both simple and truly satisfying, these easy fluffy blueberry muffins with streusel topping won’t disappoint. They strike the perfect balance between light and sweet, with that irresistible crumbly topping that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re rushing through a busy morning or enjoying a leisurely weekend breakfast, they fit right in.

Feel free to make this recipe your own—add a personal touch with your favorite berries or spices, and tweak sweetness to your liking. I’ve found that the little moments spent baking these muffins turn into moments worth savoring, and I hope you feel the same way.

Give them a try and let me know how they turn out. I’d love to hear about your twists or any tips you’ve picked up along the way. Happy baking, and here’s to many cozy mornings filled with warm muffins and plenty of smiles!

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Use frozen blueberries directly from the freezer and fold them into the batter without thawing to prevent color bleeding and sogginess.

How do I keep the blueberries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the muffins.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the muffins, then store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Warm them slightly before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

Mix 1 cup (240ml) of milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This homemade buttermilk substitute works well.

How do I achieve the streusel topping’s crumbly texture?

Use cold butter cut into the dry streusel ingredients until it forms coarse crumbs. Avoid melting the butter here; cold butter creates that perfect crumbly texture during baking.

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easy fluffy blueberry muffins recipe

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easy fluffy blueberry muffins - featured image

Easy Fluffy Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping

Light and fluffy blueberry muffins topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh blueberries, tossed in 1 tablespoon flour
  • For streusel topping:
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • Optional: pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined; batter should be lumpy.
  5. Toss blueberries in 1 tablespoon flour and fold carefully into the batter.
  6. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt if using. Cut in cold cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Fill muffin cups about ¾ full with batter and sprinkle streusel topping generously over each muffin.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking at 18 minutes with a toothpick; muffins are done when toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs and streusel is golden.
  9. Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use fresh, firm blueberries for best results. Toss blueberries in flour before folding to prevent sinking. Use cold butter for streusel to achieve crumbly texture. Avoid overmixing batter to keep muffins light and fluffy. Frozen blueberries can be used directly from freezer without thawing. If no buttermilk, substitute with milk plus lemon juice or vinegar.

  • Author: David
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 15
  • Sodium: 200
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: blueberry muffins, streusel topping, breakfast muffins, easy muffins, fluffy muffins, homemade muffins, quick breakfast

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