Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping

The aroma of freshly baked blueberry muffins wafting through your kitchen is the ultimate invitation to slow down and savor the moment.
These bakery-style blueberry muffins feature a golden, buttery crumb topping and a soft, moist interior bursting with plump blueberries. They’re simple to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday treat. Whether you’re enjoying them warm from the oven or packing them in a lunchbox, these muffins hit the sweet spot every single time.

The balance of tart blueberries and sweet brown sugar crumble makes each bite irresistible.
Thanks to buttermilk and melted butter, these muffins are incredibly tender and moist. The cinnamon-sugar topping adds that nostalgic coffee-shop touch, making them feel extra special. You can use fresh or frozen berries depending on the season, and they still turn out beautifully. They’re a delightful way to showcase seasonal produce while indulging in something comforting and homemade.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¾ cup buttermilk

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 large eggs

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners or spray with nonstick spray.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.

5. Carefully fold in the blueberries.

6. Spoon the batter evenly into muffin cups, filling them about ¾ full.

7. In a small bowl, mix all crumb topping ingredients until coarse crumbs form.

8. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin.

9. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 265 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins

Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping: A Classic Bakery Favorite at Home

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked blueberry muffins filling your kitchen. It evokes comfort, warmth, and the nostalgic feel of homemade goodness. These blueberry muffins with crumb topping are a true breakfast and brunch classic, bringing together soft, fluffy muffin texture with juicy blueberries and a sweet, buttery streusel topping that adds the perfect crunch. Whether you’re preparing a special weekend breakfast, a school snack, or a baked treat for coffee with friends, this recipe is one that never fails to impress.

These muffins are inspired by the bakery-style version we all know and love: tall domes, moist interiors, and a generous helping of crumb topping. They’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients and can be whipped up quickly without needing any fancy tools or techniques. You’ll find that each bite delivers a burst of blueberry sweetness, balanced with warm cinnamon and brown sugar in the topping. The result? A muffin that’s both light and indulgent, ideal for satisfying cravings while still feeling homemade and heartfelt.

The Secret to Bakery-Style Muffins

What separates these muffins from a standard recipe is the attention to texture and balance. We use buttermilk, which adds a slight tang and tenderizes the crumb for that ultra-moist, soft interior. Melted butter brings richness, while brown sugar in both the batter and topping provides depth and caramel-like notes that pair perfectly with blueberries. The crumb topping, made with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter, is the showstopper, it bakes into golden, crunchy clusters that contrast beautifully with the fluffy muffin underneath.

If you’ve ever wondered how bakeries get that perfect muffin top, here’s the trick: fill your muffin liners almost to the top, and bake at a slightly higher temperature (in this case, 375°F). This helps the batter rise quickly, creating a domed top without making the muffins dry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile: Enjoy these muffins for breakfast, snack time, dessert, or even pack them into lunchboxes.

• Easy to Make: No mixer needed, just a couple of bowls and a whisk.

• Freezer Friendly: Bake a double batch and freeze extras for busy mornings.

• Customizable: Swap blueberries for raspberries, chopped strawberries, or chocolate chips.

• Perfect Texture: Moist, tender muffins with a sweet and crunchy topping.

Blueberries: Fresh or Frozen?

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. If you’re using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter, this helps prevent bleeding and turning your muffins purple. Fresh blueberries are always a treat during summer, but the beauty of this recipe is its year-round adaptability.

For even distribution and to prevent berries from sinking to the bottom, toss them lightly in flour before folding into the batter. This ensures every muffin is packed with juicy fruit from top to bottom.

The Role of the Crumb Topping

The crumb topping is what takes this muffin from good to great. It’s made with just a few ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon but adds incredible flavor and texture. As it bakes, the butter melts and helps the topping crisp up into little golden clusters of sugary delight.

If you like extra crunch, you can even double the topping and store any extra in the freezer for your next batch. It works beautifully on coffee cakes, quick breads, and other muffins too.

Tips for Perfect Muffins Every Time

1. Don’t overmix: Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.

2. Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together more evenly.

3. Rest the batter (optional): Letting your batter rest for 15–30 minutes before baking can result in a higher rise.

4. Fill the muffin cups generously: Fill them at least ¾ full for those bakery-style domes.

5. Add extra berries on top: Press a few extra blueberries into the top of each muffin before adding the crumb for extra visual appeal.

Make It Your Own

While these blueberry muffins with crumb topping are pretty perfect as-is, there’s always room for personalization:

• Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest for a bright citrusy note.

• Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for extra fiber.

• Greek Yogurt: Replace some of the buttermilk with Greek yogurt for added protein and a creamy texture.

• Spiced Variation: Try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the batter for warm, spiced flavor.

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delicious served warm, straight from the oven, but they also store well. Pair them with:

• A hot cup of coffee or latte in the morning

• A dollop of butter or cream cheese

• A brunch board with fresh fruit and breakfast meats

• A side of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey

If you’re hosting brunch or preparing for a weekend gathering, bake these ahead of time and reheat them slightly before serving. They’ll taste just as fresh and delightful.

Storage and Freezing

To keep your muffins moist and fresh:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days (though this may dry them out slightly).

• Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Conclusion

These blueberry muffins with crumb topping are everything you want in a homemade baked good: simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious. The combination of tender muffin base, sweet bursts of berries, and a buttery crumble topping makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re making them for a quiet Sunday breakfast, prepping snacks for the week, or sharing with friends, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.

In a world of complex recipes and over-the-top ingredients, this muffin brings things back to basics, in the most delicious way possible. They’re proof that the classics never go out of style and that a homemade treat from your oven can brighten even the busiest of mornings. So, preheat that oven and enjoy the smell of sweet success wafting through your kitchen!