Quick Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe

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There’s something about the smell of blueberry muffins on a cool morning that feels like a hug. The warm cinnamon crumble, buttery edges, and burst of sweet berries make these Quick Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping feel like a small, cozy victory before the day begins. Perfect with coffee or tucked into a lunchbox.

Why These Quick Blueberry Muffins Stand Out

Bakery-Style Texture and Flavor

These muffins rise high with a soft, tender crumb and crisp, golden tops. The crumble adds a buttery crunch that rivals your favorite café version, only fresher and made right at home.

Fast Prep for Busy Mornings

The batter comes together in about 20 minutes. You can even prepare the crumble ahead and chill it overnight. That way, when morning hits, you’re only 30 minutes away from warm, bakery-style muffins.

Bright Citrus Notes and Juicy Berries

Zest from key limes (or lemon or orange) gives each bite a light tang. Paired with juicy blueberries, the flavor feels balanced and vibrant, not overly sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Muffins and Crumble

Crumble Topping Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted butter, slightly cooled
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Muffin Batter Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • Zest of 2 key limes (or lemon/orange)
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Notes on Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries

Frozen blueberries work just as well. Don’t thaw them or they’ll bleed into the batter. Instead, toss them lightly in flour before folding in to prevent sinking.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Quick Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. This keeps cleanup simple and muffins soft around the edges.

Step 2: Make and Chill the Cinnamon Crumble

In a bowl, stir flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Add cooled butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Chill the topping while you prepare the batter. This helps it bake up crisp and golden.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and zest. Mixing the dry ingredients first keeps everything light and even.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Bring the Batter Together

In another bowl, whisk melted butter, buttermilk, and egg. Pour into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. A few streaks of flour are fine.

Step 5: Fold In Blueberries the Right Way

Gently fold in blueberries with a spatula. Move slowly so they don’t burst or stain the batter.

Step 6: Fill, Top, and Bake to Golden Perfection

Spoon the batter into muffin cups. Sprinkle the chilled crumble over each. Bake for 28–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.

Golden blueberry muffins with buttery crumble topping fresh from the oven

Expert Tips to Guarantee Perfect Muffins Every Time

Preventing Blueberries from Sinking or Bleeding

Coat blueberries in a spoonful of flour before mixing. Also, never overmix the batter.

Getting the Best Crumble Texture

Use butter that’s melted but slightly cooled. If it’s too warm, the crumble will flatten while baking.

Avoiding Overmixed, Dense Muffins

Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing breaks down gluten and makes muffins heavy instead of soft.

Ingredient Swaps and Easy Variations

Citrus Options: Key Lime, Lemon, or Orange

Any citrus zest works beautifully here. Lemon adds brightness, orange adds warmth, and key lime feels tropical.

Using Self-Rising Flour

Skip the salt and baking powder if you use self-rising flour. The result will still be fluffy and light.

Dairy and Flavor Substitutions

Swap buttermilk for plain yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar. Add a hint of vanilla extract for extra sweetness.

Serving Ideas for Breakfast or Brunch

Simple Pairings to Round Out the Meal

Pair these muffins with Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs for a satisfying morning. Try them with a drizzle of honey or butter while still warm.

When to Serve Warm vs. Room Temperature

They’re best enjoyed slightly warm so the crumble stays crisp, but they also make a perfect room-temperature snack later in the day.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

Short-Term Storage

Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

Longer Refrigeration

Store up to a week in the fridge, layering with paper towels to keep the crumble dry.

Freezing and Reheating for Best Texture

Freeze muffins in a zip bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes for that just-baked taste.

Estimated Nutrition for the Full Recipe

Total calories: 1800–2100
Protein: 20–25g
Fat: 80–90g
Carbs: 250–300g

FAQ: Troubleshooting and Common Questions

What is the crumble on top of blueberry muffins?

It’s a mix of butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon that bakes into a sweet, crunchy topping.

What is the crumble topping on muffins?

It’s often called streusel, and it gives muffins that bakery-style finish.

Can you make a blueberry crumble?

Yes! A blueberry crumble uses the same topping, just spread over fruit instead of muffin batter.

What is the crumble on top of a muffin called?

That topping is typically known as streusel. It adds texture and flavor to baked goods.

More Such Recipes

Overhead view of blueberry muffins with crumble topping in a muffin tray
Golden blueberry muffins with buttery crumble topping cooling in a muffin tray

Conclusion

These Quick Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping are the kind of breakfast that makes mornings easier and sweeter. Whether you’re rushing out the door or sitting with a quiet cup of coffee, they bring a little joy to your day. For more recipes and updates, follow me on Pinterest or Facebook.

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Quick Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping

Quick Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, golden Quick Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping packed with juicy berries and a crisp cinnamon streusel. A comforting breakfast made in under an hour.


Ingredients

Scale

For crumble topping:

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup melted butter (slightly cooled)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

For muffins:

2/3 cup buttermilk

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 large egg

1.5 cups all-purpose flour

Zest of 2 key limes (or lemon/orange)

1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled

3/4 cup sugar

2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Make crumble: Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Chill.

3. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and zest in a bowl.

4. In another bowl, whisk butter, buttermilk, and egg.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until blended.

6. Gently fold in blueberries.

7. Fill muffin cups with batter, top with crumble.

8. Bake 28–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Do not thaw frozen blueberries to prevent color bleeding.

Lightly coat berries in flour to keep them from sinking.

Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain soft texture.

Citrus zest adds brightness—lemon or orange works too.

Store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 175
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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