Karen’s Blueberry Yogurt Muffins: A Delightful and Sweet Treat
If you’re looking for a scrumptious, kid-friendly muffin that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, Karen’s Blueberry Yogurt Muffins are an absolute must-try. This recipe, which was generously shared through a recipe swap, has quickly become a family favorite due to its delightful sweetness and tender crumb. Though the original recipe calls for a modest amount of sugar, we’ve enhanced it slightly for an extra touch of sweetness that’s sure to please everyone’s taste buds. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these delectable muffins in no time!
Ingredients:
To make 18 perfectly golden and berry-filled muffins, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬 (original recipe calls for 3/4 cup, but we’ve increased it for added sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder 🥄
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 🌰
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 cup plain yogurt 🥄 (you can use Greek yogurt for a richer texture)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest 🍊 (freshly grated for maximum flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 🍊
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil 🌿
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 🍇 (see tips for using frozen blueberries)
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the muffins.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. This mixture forms the dry base of your muffins, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, yogurt, orange zest, orange juice, and vegetable oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. The yogurt will provide moisture and tenderness, while the orange zest and juice will infuse a bright, citrusy flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. The key is to combine the ingredients until no dry spots remain, but the batter should be a bit lumpy.
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Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries, taking care not to crush them if you’re using fresh berries. If using frozen blueberries, keep them frozen until the very last moment and fold them into the batter with minimal stirring to prevent the batter from turning blue.
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Spoon Batter: Evenly distribute the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This will ensure your muffins have a nice dome shape and rise beautifully.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top and a bit firm to the touch.
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Cool and Finish: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like to add a finishing touch, you can drizzle them with a simple orange glaze made from mixing 2 teaspoons of orange juice with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Just whisk the juice into the sugar until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled muffins. For a decorative touch, sprinkle with a few fresh blueberries or a bit of grated orange rind.
Tips for Perfect Muffins:
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Frozen Blueberries: If you’re using frozen blueberries, keep them frozen until the last possible moment before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent the muffins from turning a blueish hue and ensures the berries stay plump and juicy.
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Orange Glaze: For a special touch, consider adding a simple orange glaze. Mix 2 teaspoons of orange juice into 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle this over the muffins once they have cooled for a sweet and tangy finish.
Nutritional Information (per muffin):
- Calories: 158.1
- Fat: 3.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Cholesterol: 21.2 mg
- Sodium: 141.5 mg
- Carbohydrates: 28.1 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Sugar: 15.3 g
- Protein: 3 g
These muffins are not only a great way to enjoy the goodness of fresh or frozen blueberries but also a perfect option for a quick, wholesome breakfast or a delightful snack. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats with your family and friends! 🌟🍇🧁