If you are looking for the perfect balance between tangy cream cheese and juicy bursts of blueberries in a tender muffin crumb, then this Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe will quickly become your new go-to treat. It’s a delightful combination of rich, creamy filling nestled inside moist blueberry muffins, all topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel that adds an irresistible texture. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a snack anytime during the day, these muffins bring warmth and happiness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and approachable, yet each plays a pivotal role in creating the amazing flavor and texture that make this Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe so memorable. From the richness of butter and cream cheese to the fresh pop of blueberries and the light tang of buttermilk, every component contributes to the magic.
- Vegetable oil (¼ cup): Adds moisture and keeps the muffins tender without overwhelming richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Imparts a subtle buttery flavor and richness to both batter and streusel.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + ⅓ cup for filling): Sweetens the muffins and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and blueberries.
- Large egg + egg white (1 each): Provides structure and stability to the muffin batter for a perfect rise.
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Gives a gentle tang and tender crumb while activating the leavening agents.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons + ½ teaspoon for filling): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups + ¼ cup for filling): The backbone of the muffins, ensuring a perfect crumb and binding the ingredients.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the texture and keeps the muffins light and tender.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): The leavening agent that ensures a nice rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon + ⅛ teaspoon for streusel): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Blueberries (1 ½ cups): Fresh or frozen, they deliver juicy bursts and wonderful color throughout.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the filling, providing creamy tangy bliss in every bite.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup, firmly packed): Sweetens the streusel while adding a hint of molasses flavor.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This step ensures even cooking and makes it easy to remove the muffins without sticking, setting you up for success from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients for the Muffin Batter
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, one whole egg, and one egg white. Whisk them together vigorously until everything is well combined and light. This helps to introduce air, creating a lighter muffin texture. Next, stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter—key for a well-risen muffin.
Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients bowl, folding gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix—fold until just incorporated to keep the muffins tender. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy, which is perfect!
Step 5: Gently Incorporate the Blueberries
Fold in the blueberries with a light hand to avoid breaking them up too much. These bursts of fresh, fruity sweetness are what make the blueberry cream cheese muffin experience truly special.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the additional granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. This luscious filling is what gives the muffins a delightful surprise layer of creamy tang inside.
Step 7: Make the Streusel Topping
Combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until crumbly. This crumbly topping will bake into a buttery, crunchy crust that perfectly complements the soft muffins.
Step 8: Assemble the Muffins
Spoon a portion of muffin batter into each lined muffin cup, then add a dollop of the cream cheese filling in the center. Top with more batter to cover the filling, and finish by sprinkling the streusel generously on top. This layering ensures you get a perfect slice of every element in each muffin.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the muffins in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. You’ll notice the streusel turns golden brown, and the muffins puff up into light, tender delights.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar over these muffins just before serving adds a pretty touch and a hint of sweetness. Alternatively, fresh blueberries or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice elevate the presentation and complement the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying breakfast or snack. Pairing them with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt makes for a balanced, bright meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely brunch spread, serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of honey, butter, and jam. You could also slice them in half and lightly toast for a warm, melty treat. Their vibrant colors make them perfect for a festive table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve their tender texture. Beyond that, refrigeration will help extend their freshness for about 4 days, but be aware they may dry out slightly.
Freezing
Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe freezes wonderfully! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This makes them perfect to bake ahead and enjoy anytime you want a homemade treat without the wait.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the muffin and warm it in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5–7 minutes. This refreshes the texture and deliciously melts the cream cheese filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well, or gently fold frozen blueberries directly into the batter to minimize bleeding of color.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Definitely. The filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator, making assembly quicker on baking day.
What if I want to make the muffins dairy-free?
You can substitute vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, and use plant-based milk with a splash of lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute. Keep in mind this may slightly alter texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the batter?
Make sure your batter is thick enough before adding it to the muffin cups and add the streusel topping just before baking to help it stay on top and bake into a crisp crust.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about waking up to the smell of freshly baked blueberry muffins filled with creamy cheese and topped with a crunchy streusel. This Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe brings together all those wonderful elements in a simple, yet impressive way that anyone can make. I encourage you to try it soon—it will become a cherished favorite in your home just like it is in mine!
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Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins, featuring a tender crumb bursting with fresh blueberries, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack, these muffins combine classic flavors with a rich, creamy twist.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg white, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (210 g) blueberries
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (brick), softened
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Streusel Topping
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, firmly packed
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted but not too hot
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, whole egg, and egg white thoroughly until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, whisking to blend all wet ingredients smoothly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until mixed; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Add Blueberries: Carefully stir in the fresh blueberries, dispersing them evenly throughout the batter without crushing.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix until smooth and creamy to create a luscious filling.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, salt, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and streusel-like in texture.
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon a layer of muffin batter into each liner, add a dollop of cream cheese filling on top, followed by another layer of batter. Finish each muffin with a sprinkling of streusel topping.
- Bake: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs and cream cheese ensure smoother mixing and better texture.
- To avoid sinking blueberries, toss them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if frozen, do not thaw before adding to the batter to prevent color bleeding.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
