Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins are the kind of treat that instantly turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion. They emerge from the oven with tender, fluffy crumb, bursts of juicy berries, and irresistible pockets of creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese—all bundled into a perfect handheld delight. Whether you’re gearing up for a busy weekday or inviting friends over for brunch, these muffins never fail to win hearts (and empty the muffin tin in record time).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins is how accessible the ingredients are. Each one is purposefully chosen to deliver a dreamy combination of flavors and that iconic bakery-style texture. Let’s break down why each element matters:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of your muffins, creating structure while keeping bites light and tender.
- Granulated sugar: Brings just the right level of sweetness to highlight both the berries and the cream cheese.
- Baking powder: Assures those gorgeous domed tops by giving the batter an essential rise.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the powder to keep everything fluffy and well-balanced.
- Salt: Accentuates all the other flavors so nothing tastes flat.
- Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the batter together for a cohesive texture.
- Milk: Ensures the muffins are moist throughout—full-fat or low-fat both work beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Provides a delicate crumb and keeps the muffins tender (plus, no buttery melting fuss!).
- Vanilla extract: Offers warmth and depth, tying sweet and tangy notes together.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: The star of the show, giving every bite that juicy pop of color and tart sweetness.
- Cream cheese (cubed): Dotted throughout, these creamy nuggets make each muffin a mini cheesecake surprise.
- Coarse sugar (optional): A sparkling, crunchy finish on top that just looks (and tastes) bakery-perfect.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—that way everything is ready for a good bake when your batter comes together. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease it if you prefer a more rustic edge. This helps the muffins release effortlessly and keeps the bottoms golden.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these first ensures your leaveners are evenly spread out, which sets you up for even, lofty muffins every time.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture. This little bit of whisking adds air for extra fluffiness and guarantees there won’t be any pockets of oil or egg in your final batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir them together. The key here is to mix only until everything is just combined; overmixing can make the muffins tough. A few little streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Gently Fold in Blueberries and Cream Cheese Cubes
Add the blueberries and cream cheese cubes to the batter and carefully fold them in. The cream cheese makes these Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins extra luscious, so be gentle to keep the nuggets intact. If you’re using frozen berries, add them straight from the freezer to minimize color bleed.
Step 6: Fill, Top, and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top for sparkle and crunch if desired. Slide the pan onto the middle rack and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for five minutes to set up. Then transfer them to a wire rack, where the aroma will tempt everyone nearby. They’re delicious warm, but just as lovely at room temperature if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar can create a charming, bakery-style presentation. A drizzle of lemon glaze also tastes heavenly and brings out the brightness of the berries. Garnish with a few extra fresh blueberries on the plate to let everyone know what’s inside.
Side Dishes
Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins are lovely on their own but even better when paired with a creamy Greek yogurt parfait, a fresh fruit salad, or a silky latte. For brunch, try serving them alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or savory bacon to create a well-rounded spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tucking these muffins into a pretty basket for a brunch picnic, stack them on a tiered cake stand at a shower, or package them in cellophane with a bright ribbon for a homemade gift. For big gatherings, mini muffin versions are adorable and easy to pop into your mouth while mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins fresh by storing any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is very warm, it’s best to transfer them to the fridge to keep the cream cheese happy and safe for up to four days.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just grab one whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm muffins always bring out the best flavors and textures. For a quick fix, microwave a muffin for 15–20 seconds straight from the fridge or about 30 seconds if frozen. Or, reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked aroma and taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just use them straight from the freezer without thawing. This helps prevent their color from bleeding into the batter, so your Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins will look as pretty as they taste.
How do I ensure my muffins stay moist?
Avoid overbaking; start checking at 18 minutes. Also, storing them in an airtight container and only slicing or breaking them open when ready to eat helps lock in that lovely moisture.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your preferred 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour. The results will be just as delicious, though the texture may be a bit different depending on the blend you choose.
What’s the best way to incorporate the cream cheese?
Cut cream cheese into small cubes and gently fold them into the batter as your final mix-in. This keeps the cream cheese pockets intact and evenly distributed throughout every muffin.
Can I add lemon flavor?
Definitely! Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. It brightens up the entire flavor profile and pairs wonderfully with the blueberries and cream cheese.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend these Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins enough—they’re simple, packed with flavor, and always get rave reviews from anyone who tries them. If you’re searching for a new favorite breakfast treat or a sweet way to brighten your morning, give this recipe a whirl. You’ll be hooked from your very first bite!
PrintBlueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these moist and flavorful Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins for a delightful breakfast treat. Bursting with juicy blueberries and creamy pockets of cream cheese, these muffins are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk egg, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Add wet ingredients to dry, mix until just combined.
- Add Blueberries and Cheese: Gently fold in blueberries and cream cheese cubes.
- Bake: Divide batter into muffin cups, top with coarse sugar, bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let muffins cool in pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with a hint of lemon zest.
- Use frozen blueberries without thawing to prevent bleeding.
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