There’s nothing quite like biting into a tall, fluffy, and perfectly domed muffin, just like the ones from your favorite bakery. While muffins may seem simple to make, achieving that bakery-quality texture and appearance requires a few key muffin baking tips. From ingredient selection to baking methods, the small adjustments can make a big difference. Follow these tips, and you’ll be baking muffins that rival professional bakeries in no time!
Use the Right Ingredients
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides a balanced texture, but if you want extra tenderness, try a mix of all-purpose and cake flour.
- Fat: Butter provides richness and flavor, while oil keeps muffins extra moist. Some bakers use a combination of both for the best of both worlds.
- Dairy: Ingredients like buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream add moisture and tenderness while also contributing a slight tang that enhances flavor.
Don’t Overmix!
One of the biggest mistakes home bakers can make is overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops too much gluten, leading to dense, tough muffins. To avoid this:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them.
- Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula or spoon, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Lumps are perfectly fine!
Let the Batter Rest
For even better muffins, let the batter rest for 15–30 minutes before baking. This allows the flour to fully hydrate, helping with moisture retention and creating a better rise in the oven. Some professional bakers even refrigerate muffin batter overnight for improved texture and flavor.
Start Muffins at a Higher Temperature
The secret to that beautiful domed top? Starting with a higher baking temperature! Many bakeries use this trick to create tall muffins. Here’s how to do it:
- Start baking at 425°F (220°C) for the first 5–7 minutes, which helps the muffins rise quickly.
- Then, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the rest of the baking time to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the tops.
No Peeking
Resist the urge to peek! Opening the oven door too soon lets heat escape, which can cause the muffins to deflate. Instead, wait until at least ¾ of the baking time has passed before checking for doneness.
Don’t let them fully cool in the pan
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Leaving them in the pan too long can lead to soggy bottoms due to trapped steam.
Add a Bakery-Style Finishing Touch
To make your muffins even more bakery-worthy, try these finishing touches:
- Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar before baking for a crunchy, caramelized top.
- Add a crumble topping. Check out our streusel recipe that can take any muffin to the next level.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze or dust with powdered sugar after cooling for a polished look.
I hope you found these muffin baking tips useful. Put your new skills to test with one of our delicious muffin recipes.