These moist and light sourdough blueberry muffins are a delightful way to use your sourdough starter discard. 

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

Muffin Batter:

• 1 cup sourdough starter (225 grams)
• 1/2 cup milk (120 grams)
• 2/3 cup melted butter, softened (150 grams)
• 4 eggs (200 grams)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 grams)
• 1 cup sugar (200 grams)
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (312 grams)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (15 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (3 grams)
• 2 cups fresh blueberries (300 grams)

Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup butter (55 grams)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 grams)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)

Maple Glaze:

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar (60 grams)
• 1/4 cup cream (60 grams)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (20 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 grams)

Directions

• Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two standard muffin pans with non-stick liners or grease and flour them.
• Prepare Muffin Batter: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the sourdough starter, melted butter, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix for about one minute until the batter is smooth and thick. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding to prevent streaking in the batter.
• Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Assemble Muffins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle approximately 2 teaspoons of the streusel topping over each muffin.
• Bake: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
• Prepare Maple Glaze: While the muffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
• Glaze Muffins: Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the maple glaze over the warm muffins before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~180
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~5g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sugar: ~12g

The Magic of Sourdough in Baking

Sourdough baking has been gaining popularity over the years, not just for bread but also for various baked goods like muffins, pancakes, and even cakes. The beauty of sourdough lies in its fermentation process, which enhances flavor, texture, and digestibility. If you’re looking for a delicious way to use your sourdough discard, these easy sourdough blueberry muffins are an excellent choice. Fermentation naturally breaks down some of the gluten in flour, making sourdough-based recipes easier on the digestive system. This process also introduces beneficial bacteria and yeasts, contributing to gut health. While many people associate sourdough with a tangy taste, this recipe ensures that the muffins remain light, fluffy, and mildly sweet without an overpowering sour flavor.

Why Use Sourdough Discard in Muffins?

If you maintain a sourdough starter, you’re probably familiar with the concept of discard—the portion of the starter that is removed during regular feedings. Instead of wasting this nutritious and flavorful ingredient, you can incorporate it into a variety of baked goods, including these blueberry muffins. Using sourdough discard in muffins serves several purposes:

• Enhances Moisture: Sourdough starter adds extra hydration to the batter, resulting in a soft and tender crumb.
• Boosts Flavor Complexity: The mild fermentation notes give the muffins a deeper, more developed taste.
• Reduces Waste: Instead of throwing away discard, you’re making something delicious and practical.
• Improves Texture: The natural fermentation helps the muffins stay fresher for longer.

The Role of Blueberries in This Recipe

Blueberries are a key component of this recipe, not only for their burst of flavor but also for their numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, blueberries bring a natural sweetness to the muffins while contributing to their moist texture. When choosing blueberries for this recipe, fresh ones work best as they maintain their shape and texture during baking. However, frozen blueberries can also be used—just be sure to coat them in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.

Streusel Topping and Maple Glaze

One of the standout features of this recipe is the combination of a crumbly streusel topping and a sweet maple glaze. The streusel adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft muffin interior. Made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, and sugar, this topping enhances the overall texture and appeal of the muffins. The maple glaze is the finishing touch, drizzled over the muffins once they’ve cooled slightly. Maple syrup brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the blueberries and the mild sourdough flavor. If you prefer a less sweet muffin, you can skip the glaze, but it certainly adds an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Store and Reheat Sourdough Blueberry Muffins

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later consumption. Here are some storage tips to keep them tasting great:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to two days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extended freshness.
• Freezing: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat muffins in an oven at 300°F for about five minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Blueberry Muffins

To achieve the best results with this recipe, consider the following tips:

• Use Ripe, Sweet Blueberries: This enhances the natural sweetness of the muffins and balances the tanginess of the sourdough.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir the batter just until combined.
• Toss Blueberries in Flour: This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so using the correct measurements ensures the perfect texture and flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean, they are ready.

Health Benefits of Sourdough and Blueberries

This recipe is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Here’s why:

• Sourdough Improves Digestion: The natural fermentation process breaks down gluten and makes the muffins easier to digest.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health.
• Lower Glycemic Index: Sourdough has a lower glycemic index than traditional flour-based muffins, which means it won’t spike blood sugar levels as quickly.
• Boosts Gut Health: The beneficial bacteria in sourdough contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.

Variations and Customizations

If you’d like to experiment with this recipe, here are a few variations to try:

• Lemon Blueberry Muffins: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
• Chocolate Blueberry Muffins: Fold in dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat.
• Healthier Version: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar for a healthier alternative.

Conclusion

Sourdough blueberry muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of sourdough baking while making use of your discard. The combination of soft, fluffy muffins, juicy blueberries, crunchy streusel topping, and sweet maple glaze creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Not only do these muffins taste amazing, but they also provide nutritional benefits from both the sourdough fermentation and the antioxidant-rich blueberries. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just starting out, this recipe is a great addition to your collection. Try these muffins today, and you’ll see why they’re a favorite among home bakers!