Description
These bakery-style blueberry muffins feature a hidden creamy mascarpone swirl for extra moisture and richness. They are finished with a bright lemon-thyme glaze, upgrading a classic favorite into a show-stopping brunch dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 180 g granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 large egg
- 240 ml whole milk
- 80 ml neutral oil
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 300 g fresh blueberries
- 125 g softened mascarpone cheese
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, 150g granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure all liquids are at room temperature.
- Create Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; do not overmix. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
- Prepare Mascarpone Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, remaining 30g granulated sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble Muffins: Fill each prepared muffin cup halfway with batter. Drop 1 teaspoon of the mascarpone swirl mixture onto the center. Top with remaining batter, filling cups two-thirds full, and gently swirl once or twice with a toothpick.
- Bake with Two Temperatures: Bake for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 15-18 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Muffins and Prepare Glaze: Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, lemon juice, and finely chopped thyme.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the lemon-thyme glaze generously over the cooled muffins. Garnish with fresh lemon zest and thyme sprigs before serving.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter; mix only until flour disappears for a tender crumb. Ensure all cold ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first; toss them in flour to prevent sinking during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: muffins, blueberry, mascarpone, lemon, thyme, baking, breakfast, brunch, dessert, bakery-style
