Linda CainWhat pairs well with blueberry muffins, you ask? A steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee comes to mind. Or perhaps a frothy latte—its creaminess pairs beautifully with the muffin’s fluffy texture.
You could also enjoy these delightful treats with a glass of cold milk, a classic choice. And don’t overlook the charm of a fruit-infused herbal tea. These accompaniments create a morning feast that feels decadent, yet effortless.
The Art of the Muffin: A Neiman Marcus Story
Have you ever tasted something so divine that you felt compelled to make it over and over? That’s how I felt when I first stumbled upon the Neiman Marcus Blueberry Muffin recipe. This isn’t just any muffin recipe.
This one has a story—rooted in the rich history of Neiman Marcus, a name synonymous with luxury and quality. Each bite of these muffins sweeps you into a world of homemade goodness, overflowing with juicy blueberries that burst with every mouthful.
What is the Neiman Marcus Blueberry Muffin?
The Neiman Marcus Blueberry Muffin recipe isn’t just a simple baking guide; it’s a culinary hallmark. It features fresh blueberries that are the stars of the show, surrounded by a buttery, soft crumb. It’s simple yet sophisticated, incorporating ingredients that speak for themselves. While many muffin recipes fall flat, this one rises with authenticity and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works?
You might wonder why this particular recipe has gained such acclaim. The balance of flavors is one key reason. The sweet blueberries, cotton-soft muffin base, and light hints of vanilla, lemon zest, and cinnamon create a delightful concoction. This recipe also relies on the science of baking, where the right proportions of ingredients—and a pinch of love—yield consistent, magnificent muffins.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Before diving into the delightful process of baking, ensure you have the following ingredients at arm’s reach:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) whole milk
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups (354g) fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, for a sugary topping
How to Make Neiman Marcus Blueberry Muffin Recipe
In this next section, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step process that will have your kitchen wafting with tantalizing aromas.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
It’s time to warm things up! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven awaits your muffins, ready to turn that fluffy batter into golden brown delights.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Grab your muffin tin and line it with paper liners. This helps in easy removal and adds a chic touch. If you want to get adventurous, lightly spray the liners with non-stick spray. Nobody wants to wrestle a muffin from its liner.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside. Mixing together the dry ingredients before adding liquid helps evenly distribute the leavening agents. A must for fluffy muffins!
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, so don’t rush through. A couple of minutes with a hand mixer will do the trick.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, drop in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat this until well incorporated. The eggs will help bind everything, while the vanilla adds that rich flavor we all adore.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the milk. Start with your dry mixture, add some milk, and keep alternating until all ingredients have combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can deflate those muffins.
Step 7: Gently Fold in Blueberries
With every blueberry, you’re adding a burst of juicy goodness. Fold them gently into the batter to avoid breaking them apart. Remember, it’s about the joy of those surprises in every bite!
Step 8: Fill Muffin Liners
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin liner about 2/3 full. This gives them room to rise without spilling over.
Step 9: Top with Sugar
Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of each muffin before baking. This caramelizes beautifully, turning your muffins into a sweet treat that makes for great aesthetics.
Step 10: Bake Time
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting in your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. Patience is key—they’ll be hot!
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Muffins
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Frozen blueberries can work, but they can also add excess moisture. If using frozen, do not thaw.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature will help them blend better.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the muffins light and airy.
- Experiment with Zest: A touch of orange zest alongside lemon can add an intriguing twist.
- Check Oven Temperature: Using an oven thermometer ensures your muffins bake perfectly. A minor temperature fluctuation can change everything.
How to Store Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers—a rare occurrence—store them in an airtight container. They’ll last for about 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer. Just individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-lock freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
How Would I Recommend Serving Neiman Marcus Blueberry Muffin?
Here are some creative serving suggestions for your scrumptious creations:
- With Fresh Whipped Cream: Pair muffins with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a decadent dessert twist. It feels fancy yet easy.
- As a Breakfast Sandwich: Slice a muffin in half and add a layer of cream cheese or almond butter. This elevates your muffin game and offers a bit more sustenance.
- With Greek Yogurt: Serve alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt for a nutritious breakfast combo. Add a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Paired with Fresh Fruit: Serve your muffins with sliced strawberries or a tropical fruit salad. The contrast in flavors will delight your taste buds.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?
Not all kitchens are stocked with the same items, but fear not! Here are four ingredient swaps if you’re out of something:
- Unsalted Butter: If you don’t have unsalted butter, use coconut oil. It creates a deliciously moist muffin with a hint of flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Replace regular sugar with coconut sugar or even honey. They will add unique flavors to the muffins.
- Whole Milk: Almond milk or oat milk can seamlessly substitute for whole milk. They maintain creaminess without the lactose.
- All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Your muffins will still be delightful!
Neiman Marcus Blueberry Muffin Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Muffin tin
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup 198g granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons 113g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup 113g whole milk
- 2 cups 240g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups 354g fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar, for a sugary topping
Instructions
- It’s time to warm things up! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven awaits your muffins, ready to turn that fluffy batter into golden brown delights.
- Grab your muffin tin and line it with paper liners. This helps in easy removal and adds a chic touch. If you want to get adventurous, lightly spray the liners with non-stick spray. Nobody wants to wrestle a muffin from its liner.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside. Mixing together the dry ingredients before adding liquid helps evenly distribute the leavening agents. A must for fluffy muffins!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, so don’t rush through. A couple of minutes with a hand mixer will do the trick.
- Now, drop in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat this until well incorporated. The eggs will help bind everything, while the vanilla adds that rich flavor we all adore.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the milk. Start with your dry mixture, add some milk, and keep alternating until all ingredients have combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can deflate those muffins.
- With every blueberry, you’re adding a burst of juicy goodness. Fold them gently into the batter to avoid breaking them apart. Remember, it’s about the joy of those surprises in every bite!
- Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin liner about 2/3 full. This gives them room to rise without spilling over.
- Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of each muffin before baking. This caramelizes beautifully, turning your muffins into a sweet treat that makes for great aesthetics.
- Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting in your kitchen will be irresistible!
- Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. Patience is key—they’ll be hot!
Notes
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Frozen blueberries can work, but they can also add excess moisture. If using frozen, do not thaw.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature will help them blend better.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the muffins light and airy.
- Experiment with Zest: A touch of orange zest alongside lemon can add an intriguing twist.
- Check Oven Temperature: Using an oven thermometer ensures your muffins bake perfectly. A minor temperature fluctuation can change everything.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The Neiman Marcus Blueberry Muffin recipe is truly more than just a guideline; it’s an experience that evokes joy and nostalgia. Picture warm muffins, the smell of blueberry sweetness enveloping your kitchen, and smiles all around the table.
So, whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself during your morning routine, these muffins deserve a spot in your recipe repertoire. Try it out, enjoy the process, and celebrate the simple goodness of homemade baking. Happy muffin making!
