Perfect Baked Chicken Breast Recipe for Dinner

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate culinary destination where we bring you detailed, comprehensive, and mouthwatering recipes. Today, we delve into the world of delectable baked goods with our luscious blueberry cream muffins—a perfect harmony of moist, fluffy texture, bursting blueberry sweetness, and creamy richness that makes every bite a delightful experience. These muffins are versatile enough to serve for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent snack throughout the day. Crafted with fresh blueberries and enriched with sour cream, they promise a tender crumb and vibrant flavor, making them an irresistible treat for family and friends alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook exploring new baking adventures, this recipe is designed to be accessible yet rewarding, ensuring you achieve bakery-quality muffins in your own kitchen.

Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Needed Equipment

Essential Baking Tools

• Standard muffin tin (12-cup capacity or larger)
• Mixing bowls (preferably stainless steel or glass)
• Electric hand or stand mixer (or a whisk and strong arm for manual mixing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or silicone scraper
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag or spoon for filling muffin tins
• Pastry brush (optional, for greasing)
• Oven mitts
• Toothpick or cake tester (for checking doneness)
• Kitchen scale (optional, for precise ingredient measurement)

Tags

Baking, Muffins, Blueberries, Breakfast, Snack, Homemade, Easy, Quick, Kid-Friendly, Fruit, Dessert, Oven-Baked

Serving Size

Each batch yields approximately 24 muffins, making it ideal for family gatherings, brunch, or meal prep for the week. Serving size is typically 1 muffin, though you can adjust based on appetite or occasion.

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate. This recipe involves basic mixing and baking techniques, suitable for beginners with some baking experience and also enjoyable for seasoned bakers seeking a quick, satisfying project.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Contains dairy and eggs. Not suitable for vegans or those with gluten intolerance unless modified with gluten-free flour and plant-based dairy substitutes.

Course

Breakfast, Snack, Dessert

Cuisine

American, Contemporary Baker’s Style

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities and Details

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Wet Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms, gather a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the eggs on medium speed or briskly whisk until the mixture turns pale yellow and becomes frothy—this should take about 2–3 minutes. Achieving a light, airy egg mixture is crucial for the muffins’ overall fluffiness and volume. Slowly add the sugar to the eggs in a steady stream, continuing to beat or whisk. This process should take an additional 2–3 minutes, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.

Step 2: Incorporating Fat and Flavors

With the mixer still running or using a sturdy spatula, slowly pour in the oil (if using) or melted butter, if the recipe is adjusted for butter. For this particular recipe, oil is not explicitly listed, but if you prefer a richer muffin, you can add ½ cup of vegetable or canola oil. For the original recipe, focus on the vanilla extract, adding it to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the vanilla is evenly distributed, ensuring every bite will have a hint of aromatic sweetness.

Step 3: Sifting and Combining Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Sifting is a vital step as it aerates the flour and prevents clumping, resulting in a lighter crumb in the baked muffins. Use a fine mesh sieve or sifter, and sift the dry ingredients directly into the bowl to make mixing easier and more uniform. Mix these dry ingredients gently with a whisk or fork to combine thoroughly, ensuring the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients

With the wet ingredients prepared, add the dry ingredients in three additions to the wet mixture. Start by adding approximately one-third of the sifted flour mixture, then fold gently using a spatula or spoon. Once incorporated, add about half of the sour cream, folding again gently. Repeat this process—flour, sour cream, flour, sour cream, and finally the remaining flour—until all components are combined. This alternating addition prevents overmixing, which can develop gluten and make the muffins dense. Mix just until the batter is smooth, with no streaks of flour remaining, but do not overmix.

Step 5: Folding in Blueberries

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries using a spatula or large spoon. Be cautious not to crush the berries or overmix, as this can cause the blueberries to bleed into the batter, turning it purple, and affect the muffins’ delicate texture. Carefully incorporate the berries until evenly distributed, ensuring each muffin will have delightful bursts of fruit.

Step 6: Preparing the Muffin Tin

Grease your muffin tins thoroughly with butter, non-stick spray, or line with paper muffin cups for easy removal. Using a cookie scoop or a large spoon, fill each muffin cup approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Filling each cup adequately ensures the muffins will be tall, fluffy, and evenly baked. Place the filled muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Step 7: Baking

Bake the muffins at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. During baking, the batter will rise, the tops will turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin will come out clean when done. To check doneness, gently insert a toothpick or cake tester into the middle of a muffin; if it emerges with moist crumbs but no wet batter, the muffins are ready. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

Transfer the muffins to a wire cooling rack to cool completely or serve warm. Cooling prevents the muffins from becoming soggy from residual steam. These blueberry cream muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later consumption.

Preparation Tips

• Ensure blueberries are dry before folding into the batter to prevent streaks and uneven coloration.
• Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor; frozen blueberries can be used but should be thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture.
• Do not overmix the batter—lumps are acceptable and preferable to dense muffins.
• Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification and rise.
• For a more intense vanilla flavor, consider adding vanilla bean seeds or using vanilla bean paste.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter—this enhances the blueberry flavor and adds brightness.
• If you prefer a crumbly topping, sprinkle streusel or crushed nuts over the batter before baking.
• For healthier options, substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or add ground flaxseed.
• To prevent blueberries from sinking, coat them lightly with a small amount of flour before folding into the batter.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing sugar based on preference; the current level works well for a balanced sweet muffin.

Add-ons

• Chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a richer, sweeter variation
• Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch
• Shredded coconut for a tropical twist
• Cream cheese filling or glaze for an extra indulgent treat

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing accompaniment
• Greek yogurt or whipped cream for added richness
• Herbal tea or coffee to complement the sweetness
• Light mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette

Improvements

• Use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile and natural sweetness.
• Experiment with different berries—strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries—for variety.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and added protein.
• Incorporate a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for added warmth.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Save and Store

Let the muffins cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a sealed plastic bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in a low-temperature oven for 10 minutes. Reheating enhances the moistness and fresh-baked aroma, making leftovers almost as delightful as freshly baked muffins.

FAQ

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used. Thaw and dry them thoroughly to prevent added moisture, which can affect the batter’s consistency. Tossing frozen berries lightly in flour before folding helps prevent sinking during baking.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes. Substitute eggs with flaxseed or chia seed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed + 3 tablespoons water per egg, mixed and set for 5 minutes). Use plant-based sour cream (such as coconut or almond-based) and vegan vanilla extract. Ensure the baking soda and baking powder are aluminum-free and vegan-friendly.

How can I make these muffins healthier?

Replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or oat flour. Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Incorporate chopped nuts, seeds, or shredded coconut for added fiber and nutrients. Reduce sugar to taste if preferred.

What variations can I try?

Mix in lemon or orange zest for citrus brightness. Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. Swap blueberries for other berries or fruit chunks. Create a streusel topping for a crispy crust.

Conclusion

These blueberry cream muffins from Love With Recipes exemplify the perfect balance between moist tenderness, fruity brightness, and creamy richness. Their straightforward preparation, combined with the vibrant flavor of fresh blueberries and the luxurious touch of sour cream, makes them an ideal choice for any baking enthusiast looking to impress family and friends or to indulge in a comforting homemade treat. Whether served warm with a pat of butter or enjoyed at room temperature alongside a hot beverage, these muffins are destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Remember, quality ingredients and gentle handling are key to achieving bakery-level muffins right in your own kitchen. Happy baking!

References

• King Arthur Baking Company, “Blueberry Muffins Recipe,” https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/blueberry-muffins
• Joy of Baking, “Blueberry Muffins,” https://www.joyofbaking.com/blueberrymuffins.html