Moist and tender blueberry muffins swirled with a rich, velvety cream cheese center and crowned with a buttery cinnamon streusel. These Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping are bakery-quality treats that are easy to make at home and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting midday snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins strike the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and texture. The tart blueberries burst with flavor, the cream cheese filling adds a luscious, tangy richness, and the crumbly streusel topping offers a warm, buttery crunch. They’re indulgent without being overly sweet, easy to freeze, and sure to impress guests or satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for the streusel. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. In another small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined.
6. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
7. Gently fold in the blueberries using a spatula.
8. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin liner. Add about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center, then top with more batter until each liner is about 3/4 full.
9. Sprinkle the prepared streusel evenly over the tops of each muffin.
10. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a little cream cheese on the toothpick is fine).
11. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 12 muffins
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Blueberry: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the batter or filling for a fresh citrus note.
• Berry Swap: Use raspberries or chopped strawberries in place of blueberries.
• Nutty Crumble: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for added texture.
• Mini Muffins: Make smaller versions by using a mini muffin tin and adjusting the baking time to 10–12 minutes.
• Spiced Muffins: Add 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the muffin batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating:

• Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Do not thaw before using to prevent discoloration of the batter.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese?

For a tangy variation, you can use thick Greek yogurt, but it will not have the same richness or texture.

How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?

Be sure to layer batter beneath and above the filling and avoid overfilling with cream cheese.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Ensure other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Do I need to bring the cream cheese to room temperature?

Yes, softened cream cheese blends more easily and gives a smoother filling.

What’s the best way to cut the butter into the streusel?

Use a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingers to break the butter into pea-sized bits in the flour-sugar mixture.

Can I skip the streusel topping?

Yes, but the topping adds texture and flavor. You may substitute with a sprinkle of raw sugar for a lighter crunch.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with more granulated sugar, though the flavor will be slightly less rich.

How can I make the muffins fluffier?

Avoid overmixing the batter, and ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Use two muffin tins or bake in batches.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping bring together everything you love in a muffin—fluffy texture, bursts of fresh berries, a creamy center, and a crunchy, sweet topping. They’re simple to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for sharing (or not). Whether you’re baking for guests, prepping for the week, or just treating yourself, these muffins are a reliable favorite you’ll return to again and again.

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