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Tim Hortons-Inspired Blueberry Muffins: Easy Copycat

As a home baker with over 15 years of kitchen experience, I love recreating copycat recipes for popular chain favorites. Tim Hortons blueberry muffins are one of my all-time favorites—they’re soft, fluffy, and packed with juicy blueberries, topped with that crunchy, sweet streusel we all love. Growing up in Canada, grabbing these muffins from “Timmies” on weekends with a hot coffee or tea was a comforting tradition. But why go to the drive-thru when you can make them at home? This Tim Hortons blueberry muffins copycat recipe lets you enjoy the same sweet, bakery-style muffins right from your oven.

In this easy guide, I’ll show you everything you need to make these muffins perfectly. We’ll cover the story behind this Canadian classic, a simple list of ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, pro tips to avoid mistakes, easy variations, storage advice, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is simple, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and makes 12 delicious muffins in under 45 minutes. Let’s get started and bring the taste of Tim Hortons straight to your kitchen!

Ingredients for Tim Hortons Blueberry Muffins Copycat Recipe

Making these Tim Hortons blueberry muffins at home is simple. You’ll need basic pantry ingredients divided into three parts: the muffin batter, fresh or frozen blueberries, and the crunchy streusel topping. This recipe makes 12 standard muffins. For the best flavor, use fresh blueberries—they give a juicy burst in every bite. Frozen blueberries work too; just toss them in a little flour to keep them from sinking.

For the Muffin Batter:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted unsalted butter for richer flavor)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra moist, tangy muffins)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, brightens the blueberry flavor)

For the Blueberries:

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw; toss with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking and color bleeding)

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adds a warm flavor)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

These ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and you can make simple substitutions if needed. The secret to getting muffins that taste like Tim Hortons is lots of juicy blueberries and a sweet, crunchy streusel topping—this gives the muffins that authentic bakery-style texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Copycat Tim Hortons Blueberry Muffins

Making these muffins is easy—no special tools are needed, just a muffin tin, mixing bowls, and a whisk. Follow these steps for soft, fluffy muffins with tall, bakery-style tops. Start by preheating your oven to ensure even baking.

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until you get crumbly clumps. Set aside. This will be the sweet, crunchy topping for your muffins.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high start helps the muffins rise tall. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. If your tin has empty cups, fill them halfway with water to help it bake evenly and avoid warping.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing well ensures the muffins will be light and airy—just like Tim Hortons.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the oil (or melted butter), milk, eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth. The lemon juice gives a fresh, bright flavor that pairs perfectly with the blueberries.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined—about 10–15 stirs. The batter should be thick and lumpy; don’t overmix or the muffins will be tough. Fold in the blueberries carefully so they don’t break.

6. Fill the Muffin Cups and Add Streusel
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the streusel generously on top and press lightly so it sticks.

7. Bake the Muffins
Place the tin in the oven and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Then, without opening the door, lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. The muffins should be golden and spring back when touched.

8. Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with butter or your favorite coffee for the full Tim Hortons experience.

Total Time: 15 minutes prep + 20–25 minutes bake ≈ 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins

Tips for Baking Perfect Tim Hortons Blueberry Muffins

I’ve tested this Tim Hortons blueberry muffins copycat recipe many times, and these tips will help you get soft, fluffy, bakery-style muffins every time:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Lumps in the batter are okay—they make the muffins tender and light. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your muffins dense and tough.

2. Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries
Fresh blueberries give the juiciest, most flavorful bursts. Frozen blueberries work too—just toss them in a little flour to prevent sinking. You may need to add 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Get Bakery-Style Domes
Start with a high oven temperature for the first few minutes to help muffins rise tall. If your oven runs hot, check the muffins at 15 minutes to avoid overbrowning.

4. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Bring eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing. They blend better and help your muffins rise evenly.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes
Measure flour correctly—spoon it into the cup instead of scooping. Too much flour makes muffins dry. If your berries sink, the batter might be too thin; add an extra tablespoon of flour next time.

6. High-Altitude Baking
Baking above 3,000 feet? Reduce baking powder by 1/4 teaspoon and increase the oven temperature by 25°F for best results.

Variations to Customize Your Tim Hortons-Inspired Muffins

This base blueberry muffin recipe is flexible and easy to adapt. Try these ideas to make your muffins unique while keeping that classic Tim Hortons copycat flavor:

1. Lemon Blueberry Twist
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, fresh flavor. This is similar to some seasonal Tim Hortons muffins.

2. Mixed Berry Muffins
Replace half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a “fruit explosion” muffin full of juicy berries.

3. Healthier Version
Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup, or swap Greek yogurt for half of the oil. You’ll get moist muffins with less sugar and more nutrients.

4. Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Add an extra egg to help the muffins hold their shape.

5. Vegan Adaptation
Replace milk with plant-based milk, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and swap butter for coconut oil. These muffins stay soft and delicious.

6. Extra Crunch
Mix chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the streusel topping for a crunchy, nutty finish.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

Here’s the estimated nutrition for one homemade Tim Hortons-style blueberry muffin. Keep in mind that values may vary depending on your ingredients:

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
  • Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 25g, Fiber: 2g)
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 250mg

These muffins are not low-calorie, but making them at home gives you control over the ingredients and portions. For a lighter option, try the healthier variations mentioned earlier, like using less sugar, adding whole wheat flour, or swapping in Greek yogurt.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas

Make your Tim Hortons blueberry muffins even more delicious by serving them warm. Add a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a sweet dessert twist.

For breakfast, enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or fresh fruit—just like at Tim Hortons. These muffins also work great for brunches, picnics, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Pack them in a box or muffin tin to give a charming takeout-style presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About This Copycat Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this Tim Hortons blueberry muffins copycat recipe:

1. Are these exactly like Tim Hortons blueberry muffins?
They are very close! These muffins are soft, fluffy, berry-packed, and topped with a sweet, crunchy streusel. Homemade versions may vary slightly depending on your ingredients, but the taste is very similar to the originals.

2. Can I use other fruits?
Yes! You can swap in strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries for a fun twist on the classic muffin.

3. Why didn’t my muffins rise?
Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the batter—gentle folding helps the muffins rise tall and fluffy.

4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids can help fold in the blueberries or sprinkle the streusel topping, making it a fun baking activity for the whole family.

5. How do I make jumbo-sized muffins like Tim Hortons?
Use a jumbo muffin tin, fill the cups to the top, and bake 5–10 minutes longer. You’ll get big, bakery-style muffins with tall domes.

This guide gives you a complete, easy-to-follow recipe for homemade Tim Hortons blueberry muffins. Baking them at home saves money, fills your kitchen with that nostalgic aroma, and lets you enjoy fresh muffins anytime. Try it out, and enjoy the fun of making bakery-style muffins right in your own kitchen!

Mark Taylor
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I’m not affiliated with Tim Hortons or any of its official partners. This website is based on my personal experiences, visits, and research across various Tim Hortons locations in Canada. All the information shared here is for general reference and is meant to help fellow coffee and donut lovers make the most of their next visit. Thanks for reading—and enjoy your Tim's run!

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