Name: Old Fashioned Blueberry Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup milk; 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon grated fresh orange zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated white sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh blueberries (divided (or frozen, unthawed))

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm blueberry muffin, fresh out of the oven. The burst of juicy blueberries, the hint of orange zest, and the soft, buttery crumb make for the perfect breakfast or snack. These Old Fashioned Blueberry Muffins are a delightful treat that will transport you back to simpler times. Whether you’re enjoying them at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your household.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Classic Flavor: The combination of blueberries and orange zest creates a deliciously refreshing and nostalgic taste.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll have these muffins in the oven in no time.
Perfect Texture: Each muffin is soft and fluffy, with a delightful crumb that’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Versatile: Enjoy them as-is, or add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or spices for a personal twist.

Ingredient List

1 cup milk
1 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon grated fresh orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries, divided (or frozen, unthawed)

Tools & Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk: To blend your ingredients smoothly.
Rubber Spatula: For folding in the blueberries gently.
Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin will work perfectly for this recipe.
Paper Liners or Cooking Spray: To ensure your muffins don’t stick to the pan.
Cooling Rack: To allow the muffins to cool evenly.

Step-by-Step: Old Fashioned Blueberry Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your muffins will bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, orange zest, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the blueberries, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for topping the muffins. This helps distribute the blueberries without breaking them.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Top each muffin with a few of the reserved blueberries for a beautiful presentation.

Step 8: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool

Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Make It Year-Round

Use Frozen Blueberries: These muffins can be made year-round by substituting fresh blueberries with frozen ones. Just make sure they are unthawed.
Experiment with Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
Change the Zest: Try substituting the orange zest with lemon or lime for a different flavor profile.
Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can be added for a crunchy texture.

Avoid These Mistakes

Overmixing: This can lead to dense muffins. Mix until just combined.
Skipping the Cooling Rack: Leaving muffins in the tin for too long can make them soggy.
Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense muffins.
Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for best results.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

To store your Old Fashioned Blueberry Muffins, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Quick Q&A

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Yes, you can substitute melted coconut oil or vegetable oil for the butter, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture.

What type of blueberries should I use?

Fresh blueberries are preferred, but you can also use frozen blueberries without thawing them. Just be aware they may bleed a bit more color into the batter.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is a 1:1 replacement to make these muffins gluten-free.

How can I add more sweetness to the muffins?

If you prefer sweeter muffins, you can increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups or add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

Final Thoughts

These Old Fashioned Blueberry Muffins are not just a treat for your taste buds, but they also evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. With their rich flavor and delightful texture, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying solo with your morning coffee. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to make it your own with various ingredient swaps and additions.

So, gather your ingredients and preheat your oven; it’s time to create something special. Indulge in the deliciousness of these homemade muffins and experience the joy they bring to your kitchen and your heart. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or savoring them later, these Old Fashioned Blueberry Muffins are sure to become a cherished favorite.