Old-Fashioned Blueberry Muffins that are Wildly Popular

Updated in 2023! These “just” dairy-free blueberry muffins are now loved in thousands of homes. The recipe showcases wild blueberries, which are smaller than their “domesticated” cousins, and perfect for generously populating muffins. They provide the perfect dose of sweet-tart fruit for lunch boxes or an after-school treat.

These Old-Fashioned Dairy-Free Blueberry Muffins are Wildly Popular

This dairy-free wild blueberry muffins recipe was originally shared with us by Wild Blueberries in 2013! We have recently updated the recipe with more information and clarity, and we have several new tips in the FAQs below. But don’t worry, the ingredients haven’t changed a bit!

Can I Use Regular Blueberries instead of making Wild Blueberry Muffins?

Yes, you can! Wild blueberries are smaller and usually more flavorful, so they provide a bit more blueberry bang per bite. But regular blueberries will work in this dairy-free blueberry muffins recipe, too!

Can I Use Fresh Blueberries instead of Frozen Blueberries?

Fresh blueberries work great, too. Wild blueberries are only sold frozen, due to their delicate nature. But regular blueberries sold in the produce section also produce delicious results.

Can I Substitute Other Fruit for the Berries?

Other whole berries, like raspberries, blackberries, or currants are great variations for these muffins. Chopped or mashed fruit can provide more moisture, which might affect the recipe negatively. See my Dairy-Free Banana Muffins Recipe if you want to use smashed or blended fruit. If you’re looking for other types of dairy-free fruit muffins, use the search at the top of our site. We have dozens of them!

Will Regular Whole Wheat Flour Work instead of All-Purpose Flour?

Using all whole wheat flour will make these dairy-free blueberry a little denser. You can use up to half whole wheat flour to maintain some of the fluffiness. If possibly, use whole wheat pastry flour, which is a lighter grind of wheat flour. Or use white-whole wheat flour, which is still 100% whole wheat flour, but is lighter in taste and color.

I Only have White Vinegar. Will that Work in this Muffin Batter?

White vinegar should work just fine in place of the lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. It’s neutral, and won’t affect the taste, but does help give these dairy-free blueberry muffins a little extra lift.

Can I Substitute a Different Sweetener for the Sugars?

You can use coconut sugar or sucanat in place of one or both of the sugars. The muffins will just come out a touch less sweet. I haven’t tested these old-fashioned dairy-free blueberry muffins with a liquid sweetener or sugar-free sweetener. Both types of substitutions would affect the recipe.

What Type of Milk Alternative Should I Use?

Use whatever plain or vanilla milk alternative you have on hand! Most types will work just fine, including almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, rice milk, and coconut milk beverage. I use unsweetened vanilla milk alternative for making these dairy-free blueberry muffins, but it’s okay to use a sweetened version. These muffins are relatively low in sugar, so they won’t taste overly sweet for most people if you use a sweetened milk alternative.

Can I Use Water instead of Milk Alternative?

You definitely can! One commenter used water and increased the oil to 3 tablespoons. This is a good idea for maintaining a richer and fluffier muffin taste and texture.

Can I Substitute Applesauce for the Oil?

I don’t personally recommend it, but I’m not a fan of fat-free or extremely low fat muffins. Fat free muffins usually taste okay hot, but take on a gummy texture when cool. Just a little bit of fat gives these dairy-free blueberry muffins their tender texture. If you really need oil-free, you might try substitute full fat coconut milk (shake the can) for the milk alternative and oil. You could use a scant 1 cup of coconut milk total. I haven’t tested this option with these dairy-free wild blueberry muffins, but have had success baking with coconut milk in muffins.

Your Recipe Calls for Eggs. Aren’t Eggs Dairy?

f you confuse eggs with dairy, you are not alone. See this post: Are Eggs Dairy?. For egg-free, dairy-free blueberry muffins, see the egg-free and vegan option in the Special Diet Notes below.

What Oil Should I Use? Can I Use Coconut Oil?

Use your favorite oil for baking muffins or cakes. Lately, I’ve been using extra-light olive oil (not extra-virgin) due its neutral taste, good baking smoke point, and affordability. But any neutral-tasting oil will work great. You can certainly use coconut oil, but if you do, make sure your liquids and egg are at room temperature. If any ingredients are cool, it can cause the oil to solidify into little beads of solid oil.

Can I Add Vanilla Extract?

We like these dairy-free wild blueberry muffins without vanilla or with just a touch of vanilla (from the milk alternative). I do love vanilla, but sometimes it can compete with flavors. If you want to add vanilla, I would use just 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, or simply use vanilla milk alternative.

How Should I Adjust these Dairy-Free Blueberry Muffins for High Altitude?

I haven’t tested this recipe at high altitude, but if baking at over 3000 feet, I would reduce the baking powder to 2 teaspoons. At very high altitudes, you might need just 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

Troubleshooting Tips

Batter is Too Dry – Many recipes are tested in somewhat humid and low altitude environments. If you’re in a dry climate or season, the batter can be a little dry. If this is the case, simply add a little more liquid to make the batter easy to scrape into your muffin cups. If you’re at higher altitude, you likely need less baking powder. You can add a little more liquid, which might work fine …

Muffins Collapsed when Baking – If the muffins rose up quickly and domed mid-way during baking, but were concave and dense when the time was up, there was too much leavener for your climate or altitude. If they were flat or slightly concave, reduce the baking powder to 2 teaspoons. If they were quite concave, reduce the baking powder to 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons.

Muffins Never Rose – If you checked in midway through, and they weren’t rising up, and they came out short and/or flat when finished, check your baking powder. Baking powder does go bad, even if it hasn’t reached its expiry. To test it, put about a 1/2 teaspoon of the baking powder in a bowl. Add some boiling water. It should vigorously fizz and bubble. If not, it’s on the way out. Try these dairy-free blueberry muffins with fresh baking powder.

Special Diet Notes: Old-Fashioned Dairy-Free Blueberry Muffins

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and vegetarian.

For vegan and egg-free wild blueberry muffins, I recommend swapping Ener-G Egg Replacer, flax eggs, or even 1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt, mashed banana, or applesauce for the eggs. You can see our Egg Substitute Guide for more options.

For gluten-free and dairy-free blueberry muffins, substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the flour. One that includes xanthan or guar gum will usually yield the best results, or you can add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the recipe. If using this gluten-free option, I would use eggs rather than an egg substitute, if possible.

4.8 from 17 reviews

Old-Fashioned Dairy-Free Blueberry Muffins

 

Print

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

35 mins

 

These wild blueberry muffins have become a favorite recipe for many of our readers. They come out delicious as is, but the formula is also quite forgiving with personal modifications.

Author: Wild Blueberries

Recipe type: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Serves: 12 muffins

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute whole wheat pastry flour for all or part)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• Scant ¾ cup dairy-free milk alternative (see instructions)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon white sugar, divided
• ½ cup (4 ounces) egg substitute or 2 large eggs
• 2½ tablespoons oil
• 2 cups frozen wild blueberries
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF and grease 12 muffin cups or line them with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the lemon juice or vinegar to a glass measuring cup. Add enough milk alternative to reach ¾ cup.
4. Pour the milk alternative mixture into a medium bowl. Add the brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, egg, and oil, and whisk until combined.
5. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently mix just to combine. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the blueberries.
7. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon in a small dish.
8. Divide the batter between your prepared muffin cups and sprinkle each muffin with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
9. Bake for the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes or until firm to the touch.
10. Let the muffins cool in the tins for a few minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. You can store these dairy-free wild blueberry muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, individually wrap the muffins and freeze them. When ready to enjoy, simply remove one from the freezer and let it defrost at room temperature (preferred), or reheat it on low in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1 muffin Calories: 142 Fat: 4.1g Saturated fat: .7g Carbohydrates: 24.3g Sugar: 10.4g Sodium: 76mg Fiber: 1.1g Protein: 2.9g

3.5.3229

For Another Popular Option, Try Our Dairy-Free Mango Muffins!