CopyCat Junior’s “Berries on Top” Jumbo Blueberry Muffins are a delightful treat adapted from the famous New York eatery, Junior’s, renowned for their exquisite cheesecakes. These muffins not only showcase the essence of Junior’s culinary prowess but also bring together the goodness of blueberries in a tender, flavorful package. Whether you’re preparing a batch for breakfast or a midday snack, these muffins promise to impress with their bursts of berry goodness.
Recipe Overview:
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes 6-8 jumbo-sized muffins or 12-18 regular-sized muffins
Ingredients:
The ingredients list for these CopyCat Junior’s muffins is straightforward and uses pantry staples with a focus on fresh blueberries:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sweet unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- 3 cups fresh blueberries, divided
- 1 cup milk
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 554.3
- Total Fat: 18.4g
- Saturated Fat: 10.8g
- Cholesterol: 105.5mg
- Sodium: 413.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 90.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.2g
- Sugars: 49.4g
- Protein: 8.3g
Instructions:
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Prepare Berries: Start by dividing the fresh blueberries into three portions. Set aside 2/3 cup for mashing. Divide the remaining berries into two equal portions—one for folding into the batter and the other for topping the muffins before baking.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease well either 6 jumbo muffin tins or 12 regular-sized muffin tins to prevent sticking.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, cream the sweet unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until well incorporated.
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Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
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Add Mashed Berries: Blend in the mashed 2/3 cup of blueberries until thoroughly combined with the butter-sugar mixture.
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Alternate Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to medium. Gradually add portions of the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, alternating between the two and ending with the flour mixture. This step helps in achieving a well-aerated batter.
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Fold in Whole Berries: Gently fold in one portion of the whole blueberries into the batter until evenly distributed. This ensures every bite of the muffin is loaded with juicy blueberries.
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Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each almost to the top.
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Top with Berries: Distribute the remaining portion of whole blueberries evenly on top of each muffin, gently pressing them into the batter.
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Bake: Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the tins before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely or serving warm.
Recipe Notes:
- Berry Distribution: The method of dividing the berries ensures that each muffin has a balanced distribution of mashed and whole berries, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
- Texture: Beating the batter adequately and folding in the berries gently contribute to a light and airy texture, characteristic of Junior’s famous muffins.
- Storage: These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion:
These CopyCat Junior’s “Berries on Top” Jumbo Blueberry Muffins are a testament to the culinary legacy of Junior’s, bringing their iconic flavors into your kitchen. Whether you’re an avid baker or trying your hand at muffins for the first time, this recipe promises to deliver a delicious batch of moist, berry-packed treats that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor the taste of Junior’s in every bite!
