Blueberry Lemon Muffins with Crumb Topping

Last weekend, my toddler and I shared one of those sweet, messy, unforgettable baking memories that remind you what motherhood is really about. We made the most delicious lemon blueberry muffins with crumb topping, and honestly, it was the highlight of my week.

At just about two years old, my son is fascinated by everything—the flour, the blueberries, the muffin liners... even the spoon felt magical. It turned into one of those perfectly imperfect toddler baking activities where the process matters way more than the final product (though the muffins were amazing too).

Flour hit the floor, tiny blueberry fingers painted the counter, and a spoon got stuck in the yogurt container. What should’ve taken 30 minutes took double—but that’s the beauty of baking with toddlers at home.

So often, we rush through life—cleaning, baking, moving on to the next thing. But these small, chaotic, joy-filled moments? They’re the magic. They’re what I’ll remember years from now—not the clean counters, but the giggles every time the lemon zest hit his nose and the pride he felt lining up crooked muffin cups.

If you’re looking for a toddler-friendly baking recipe that doubles as a mindful motherhood moment, this one’s for you.

🧁 Want to make them yourself?

Here’s the recipe we used (with a buttery crumb topping that’s chef’s kiss):

Blueberry Lemon Muffins with Crumb Topping 

✨ Makes: 12 Muffins

⏰ Prep: 15 min | Bake: 20–22 min

🧁 Muffin Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• Zest of 1 lemon

• ⅔ cup (160ml) milk (or non-dairy milk)

• ½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups (200g) fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed with 1 tsp flour)

🍋 Crumb Topping:

📝 Ingredients:

• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar (light or dark)

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

• ¼ cup (60g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

• Pinch of salt

🔪 Instructions:

1. Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.

2. Add cold butter and cut it in using a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly clumps—think wet sand with some pea-sized pieces.

3. Chill the topping in the fridge while you prep the muffin batter. This helps it hold shape and get that golden crunch.

4. Sprinkle generously over each muffin before baking.

🍰 Optional Lemon Glaze:

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

• 1–2 tsp lemon juice

🔪 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line or grease a muffin tin.

2. Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.

3. Wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

5. Fold in blueberries gently.

6. Scoop batter into muffin cups (¾ full). Top each with crumb mixture.

7. Bake 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool for 5 mins in the pan, then transfer to a rack.

9. Optional glaze once cooled.

click here to watch our TikTok video!

Moments like these—flour-dusted floors, sticky toddler hands, and laughter bouncing off the kitchen walls—are the ones I’ll carry with me long after the muffins are gone. It wasn’t about baking picture-perfect muffins (though let’s be honest, they were pretty amazing). It was about creating meaningful baking memories with my toddler, slowing down, and finding joy in the chaos.

As moms, it’s easy to get caught in the cycle of doing—managing to-do lists, household routines, and nonstop responsibilities. But every once in a while, we’re gifted a reminder that presence is enough. Joy doesn’t live in perfect outcomes—it lives in messy toddler baking sessions, crooked muffin liners, and crumb-covered countertops.

So if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the effort to bake with your toddler—even when it’s slow, unpredictable, and just a little wild—my answer is a resounding yes. These fun toddler baking activities are about so much more than muffins. They’re about connection, memory-making, and learning to embrace imperfection.

Let the giggles guide you. Let the mess be part of the magic. And savor the muffins—not just for the flavor, but for the love and laughter baked into every bite.

xx

Turner