Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins are delicious and moist muffins, bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a crunchy sugar crust. They are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins step by step, with tips and tricks along the way.
What are Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins Recipe?
Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins are a delightful baking creation that marries the classic American muffin texture with the culinary expertise of Mary Berry, a renowned British baker. These muffins are known for their moist interior, bursting with the juiciness of blueberries, complemented by a unique crunchy sugar crust on top. Using straightforward ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and the zestiness of lemon and vanilla, these muffins bring a fresh and flavorful experience to any table.
This recipe makes 12 muffins and can be prepared in about 40 minutes.
Other Mary Berry Muffins Recipes
Reasons to Fall in Love with This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe, such as:
- Simplicity: Straightforward and quick to prepare, requiring no advanced baking skills or equipment.
- Nutrition: Blueberries add a nutritious punch, packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
- Flavor and Texture: Expect soft, fluffy muffins with a perfect balance of sweetness, enhanced by hints of lemon and vanilla.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable, allowing for substitutions or additions like different fruits, nuts, spices, or chocolate chips.
- Occasion-Ready: Perfect for any time of the day or event, adding a special touch to your meals.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 250 g (9 oz) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 75 g (3 oz) caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g (4 oz) butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 175 ml (6 fl oz) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 175 g (6 oz) blueberries, fresh or frozen
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins
Follow these steps to make this recipe:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan, gas mark 6).
- Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases, or lightly grease the tin with butter or oil.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Add the sugar and stir to combine.
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, butter, milk, vanilla, and lemon zest.
Step 4: Combine the wet and dry ingredients
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the egg mixture.
- Gently fold with a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix, as this will make the muffins tough and dense.
- The batter will be thick and lumpy, which is normal.
Step 5: Add the blueberries
- Fold in the blueberries, reserving some for the top if you like.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them, as this will make the batter too wet and the muffins soggy.
Step 6: Fill the muffin cases and bake
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cases, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Sprinkle some sugar on top of each muffin, and some extra blueberries if you reserved some.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden and risen, and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
- Transfer the muffins to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving, or enjoy them warm.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins?
These muffins are exceptionally versatile, pairing well with:
- Spreads: Elevate their taste with butter, jam, honey, or Nutella for added sweetness.
- Creamy Additions: For a contrast in textures, consider serving with yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream.
- Fresh Fruits: Complement the muffins with a side of strawberries, raspberries, or bananas for a healthy boost.
- Crunchy Toppings: Add nuts, seeds, or granola to introduce a satisfying crunch and extra protein.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins
Here are some tips and tricks to make the best blueberry muffins ever:
- Quality Matters: Opt for the freshest and highest quality ingredients available, especially when it comes to blueberries and dairy products.
- Avoid Overmixing: To ensure the muffins stay tender and airy, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.
- Proper Filling: Fill the muffin cases about two-thirds full to allow space for the muffins to rise without spilling over.
- Oven Watch: Keep the oven door closed during baking to maintain a consistent temperature, only checking towards the end of the baking time.
- Doneness Test: Use a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.
- Cooling: Let the muffins cool on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy, ensuring the perfect texture both inside and out.
Variations of Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins
Experimenting with variations can add an exciting twist to the classic Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins.
Here are some ideas:
- Lemon and Poppy Seed Blueberry Muffins: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the dry mix and substitute milk with the juice of 1 lemon for a tangy flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Blueberry Muffins: Mix in 100 g (4 oz) of chocolate chips into the batter. For chocolate lovers, reduce the flour by 50 g (2 oz) and add 50 g (2 oz) of cocoa powder.
- Banana and Oat Blueberry Muffins: Add 2 ripe mashed bananas and 50 g (2 oz) of rolled oats to the batter for a heartier texture. You may also want to reduce the sugar to 50 g (2 oz) for a less sweet option.
- Coconut and Almond Blueberry Muffins: Blend 50 g (2 oz) of desiccated coconut and 50 g (2 oz) of ground almonds into the flour mix, and use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical twist.
- Cinnamon and Apple Blueberry Muffins: Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and 1 grated apple into the batter. For an extra crunch and sweetness, sprinkle brown sugar and chopped walnuts on top before baking.
How do I Store Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins Leftovers?
Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness and taste of your muffins.
Follow these steps:
At Room Temperature
- Cool Completely: Ensure muffins are completely cooled to avoid condensation inside the storage container.
- Airtight Container: Place the muffins in an airtight container to keep them moist and prevent them from absorbing odors.
- Separate Layers: If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Duration: Stored this way, muffins can last up to 3 days while retaining their quality.
In the Refrigerator
- Cool and Wrap: After cooling, wrap each muffin individually in cling film to preserve moisture.
- Airtight Container: Place wrapped muffins in an airtight container to further extend freshness.
- Duration: Refrigerated, muffins can last up to 5 days.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins Leftovers?
To enjoy a warm muffin as if it were freshly baked, you can reheat it by following these steps:
Oven Method
- Preheat: Warm your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4).
- Prepare: Place the muffins on a baking sheet. If they are unwrapped, cover them loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Reheat: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed.
Microwave Method
- Short Bursts: Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds on high. This method works best for individual servings.
Toaster Oven
- Warm Up: A toaster oven can also be used for reheating. Set it to a medium setting and monitor it closely to avoid over-browning.
Nutrition value per muffin:
- Calories: 211 kcal
- Fat: 9.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28.5 g
- Protein: 4.1 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Sugar: 12.6 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh in Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones without needing to thaw them first. Frozen blueberries are a convenient alternative and can help the muffins stay moist. Just fold them into the batter as you would with fresh blueberries. Keep in mind that frozen blueberries might slightly alter the color of the batter, turning it a bit blue or purple, but this won’t affect the delicious taste of your muffins.
How Can I Prevent the Blueberries from Sinking to the Bottom?
To prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins, lightly coat them in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This technique helps to distribute the berries evenly throughout the muffin. Use just enough flour to lightly coat the blueberries without adding excess to the batter. Alternatively, reserving a portion of the blueberries to sprinkle on top just before baking can also ensure an even distribution of fruit.
What Makes Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins Moist and Fluffy?
The moistness and fluffiness of Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins can be attributed to the right balance of wet and dry ingredients, as well as not overmixing the batter. Using ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk adds moisture, while careful mixing ensures that gluten development is minimal, keeping the muffins light and airy. Additionally, the inclusion of baking powder as a leavening agent helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts to the Recipe?
Absolutely, Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins are versatile, allowing for various additions or substitutions. Feel free to incorporate other fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, or diced apples to add different flavors and textures. Nuts like walnuts or almonds can also be added for a crunchy contrast. If adding heavier fruits or nuts, coat them lightly in flour to prevent them from sinking. Experimenting with these additions can lead to delightful variations of the classic blueberry muffin.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins. This recipe is easy, quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Try it out and let me know how it turns out. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy baking!