Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest and Sugar Topping Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, this Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest and Sugar Topping Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with juicy frozen wild Maine blueberries and topped with a bright lemon zest sugar crunch, these muffins are moist, tender, and have that perfect dome you dream about. It’s a recipe that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make, bringing a little sunshine to your breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snack.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building up the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the crumb to the bright lemon zest that adds a fresh pop on top, these simple pantry staples come together beautifully.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Use properly measured flour to ensure the muffins have a perfect structure and tenderness.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully for that perfect dome.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk to create a tender crumb and lift.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and moisture to keep muffins soft.
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins just right without overpowering.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Contributes richness and moisture.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind ingredients for perfect muffin texture.
• 1/3 cup sour cream: Adds extra moisture and tenderness.
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist over time.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups frozen wild Maine blueberries: Using frozen prevents the batter from turning blue and gives bursts of juicy sweetness.
• 1/8 cup granulated sugar for topping: Combines with lemon zest for a crunchy, bright finish.
• Zest of 1/2 lemon: Adds fresh citrus aroma and a zesty contrast to the sweet berries.

How to Make Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest and Sugar Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher initial temperature helps create those delightful puffed domes that we all love. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with six liners, so you can bake the muffins in two batches, giving each muffin enough room to rise perfectly.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. This step ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent muffin rise and texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla bean paste. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This blend forms the rich and tender base for the muffins.

Step 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture gradually into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. It’s important to mix just until all the flour disappears to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in tough muffins.

Step 5: Fold in Blueberries

Carefully fold the frozen wild Maine blueberries into the batter. Using frozen berries prevents the muffins from turning blue and distributes the fruity bursts evenly throughout each bite.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Liners

Scoop the batter generously into the lined muffin cups, filling them all the way to the top. This is the secret to getting that signature muffin top – overflowing with moist, tender batter ready to rise and bloom.

Step 7: Add the Lemon Zest and Sugar Topping

Mix together the granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest, then sprinkle this vibrant topping generously over each muffin. This simple addition gives your muffins a sweet crunch and bright citrus aroma that will have everyone reaching for a second one.

Step 8: Bake in Two Stages

Bake the muffins at 425°F (220°C) for the first 5 minutes to set the tops quickly, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 15 to 18 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This ensures they stay moist without becoming soggy, and lets that sugar topping harden just enough for a satisfying crunch.

How to Serve Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest and Sugar Topping Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness, top your muffins with a few extra fresh blueberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A thin slice of lemon alongside really ties in the citrus notes and makes for a friendly presentation.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese, making breakfast feel like a special occasion. A side of fresh fruit salad or a cup of your favorite tea or coffee also complements the flavors perfectly for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest and Sugar Topping Recipe in a charming rustic basket with a soft linen napkin or arrange them on a tiered stand for brunch. They also work wonderfully as individual gifts wrapped with twine and a sprig of fresh herbs, making them thoughtful delights for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, placing them in the fridge can extend their life for up to a week, although the texture may slightly firm up.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their tender crumb or vibrant flavor. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or refrigerated muffins, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms them through and restores that fresh-baked aroma and texture, bringing your Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest and Sugar Topping Recipe back to life.

FAQs

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh blueberries work well if they are in season. Keep in mind that fresh berries may cause the batter to turn slightly blue and can sometimes lead to a wetter texture, so reduce any additional liquid slightly if needed.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

No worries! You can make a great buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 1/4 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This mimics the tang and acidity of buttermilk essential in this recipe.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, with some adjustments. Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to ensure proper texture. Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly depending on the flour blend used.

Why do you use both melted butter and oil?

Combining melted butter with oil gives you the best of both worlds: rich, buttery flavor and a moist, tender texture. Butter adds flavor depth, while oil keeps the muffins exceptionally soft over time.

How important is using lemon zest in this recipe?

The lemon zest is a star ingredient here! It adds a bright, fresh zing that highlights and balances the sweetness of the blueberries. Skipping it means missing out on that signature lift that makes this Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest and Sugar Topping Recipe stand out.

Final Thoughts

These Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest and Sugar Topping Recipe are a true joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment, their tender crumb, vibrant fruit, and sparkling topping bring simple happiness to any day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy those perfectly domed muffins fresh from your oven!

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