Whipping up a batch of blueberry muffins not only fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma but also sets the stage for a perfect morning or a cozy afternoon snack. This recipe, inspired by the legendary Mary Berry, transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The classic combination of tender muffin and burst of blueberry flavor is enhanced by a hint of lemon zest, making each bite a refreshing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at this for the first time, these muffins promise to be a crowd-pleaser, ideal for any day of the month.
Why You’ll Be Glad You Tried This Recipe
Bursting with Flavor: Each muffin is packed with the juicy sweetness of blueberries, enhanced by the bright, aromatic zest of lemon for a refreshing twist.
Simple Ingredients, Stellar Results: Using everyday ingredients, this recipe transforms basic components into delightful muffins that taste like they’re straight from a bakery.
Versatile and Adaptable: Suitable for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins fit beautifully into any meal plan. Plus, you can easily swap in non-dairy milk or gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs.
Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions that ensure success every time.
Great for Making Ahead: These muffins keep well, making them ideal for meal prep or as a quick grab-and-go option throughout the week. They also freeze beautifully for long-term storage.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, these muffins are sure to be a hit whether you’re serving them at home or bringing them to a gathering.
Mary Berry Inspired Blueberry Muffins Recipe Overview
This recipe for blueberry muffins is straightforward and promises to deliver the delicious, old-fashioned charm you’d expect from a berry-studded treat. The addition of lemon zest brings a refreshing zestiness that enhances the sweetness of the blueberries. These muffins are ideal for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat in your lunchbox. The recipe yields about 18 medium-sized muffins and takes approximately 25 minutes to bake. Including preparation, you’ll be enjoying your homemade muffins in just under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (280g) self-rising flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) caster sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- Zest of one large lemon
- 1 cup (225g) blueberries (fresh or if using frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder in a big bowl. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and lemon zest: Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Starting and ending with the flour, alternately add the milk and flour combination to the creamed mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Spoon into muffin tins: Fill the prepared muffin cups about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Value (per muffin)
Calories: 180
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g (Saturated: 5g)
Carbohydrates: 24g (Sugar: 10g)
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 180mg
Also Read: Mary Berry’s Delicious Blondie Recipe
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries are a great alternative when fresh ones aren’t available. Just remember not to thaw them before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the colors from bleeding and ensures that your muffins will have a beautiful, even distribution of blueberries without turning the batter purple.
How can I ensure my muffins are fluffy?
To achieve fluffy muffins, it’s crucial to avoid overmixing the batter. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to dense muffins. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh as it is a key ingredient in helping the muffins rise.
Why are bakery muffins so much better?
Bakery muffins often taste better because they use high-quality ingredients. Bakers at bakeries also have expert skills and recipes that have been perfected over time. These muffins are usually made fresh daily. This freshness adds to their flavor and texture. Bakeries also have professional equipment that helps bake the muffins evenly. All these factors combine to make bakery muffins moist, fluffy, and delicious compared to many store-bought or homemade ones.
Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, any non-dairy milk alternative works well in this recipe. Almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk are all excellent choices. They substitute perfectly on a one-to-one basis and can add a slight flavor variation that might be pleasantly surprising.
Why is my muffin batter so thick?
A thicker muffin batter is typical and quite necessary. It helps in suspending the blueberries throughout the batter, preventing them from sinking to the bottom during baking. This consistency ensures that each muffin is studded evenly with berries, providing a uniform texture and flavor in every bite.
Conclusion
These blueberry muffins Mary Berry style are a delightful treat that can brighten up any day. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this recipe is foolproof and sure to yield delicious results. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcomes—happy baking!