If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, fluffy muffins bursting with juicy raspberries and generous chunks of rich dark chocolate, all topped with a buttery, crunchy crumb that adds the perfect texture contrast. These muffins aren’t just a treat for your taste buds—they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that make breakfast or snack time feel absolutely special. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it has a special place in my baking repertoire and hopefully in yours too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins Recipe is in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the flour builds the foundation, fresh raspberries add bursts of tartness, dark chocolate chunks bring decadence, and the crumb topping gives that unforgettable crispy touch. Ready to gather your essentials and get baking?
- All-purpose flour: Used in two quantities (½ cup and 3 cups) for both the crumb topping and muffin batter, it ensures structure and softness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in achieving the tender crumb in both the topping and muffins.
- Ground cinnamon: A hint of warmth in the crumb topping enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors; used sparingly in several steps.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for the crumb topping and softened for the batter, it creates richness and moisture.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps these muffins rise perfectly light and fluffy.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds subtle spiced warmth that complements the raspberries nicely.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel richness to the muffin batter.
- Orange zest: Lightly fragrant, it lifts the flavors with fresh citrus brightness.
- Eggs: Two large eggs plus one yolk bind the batter together and add tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts overall flavor and deepens the sweet notes.
- Whole milk: Ensures creaminess and soft texture in the muffins.
- Dark chocolate chunks: Melt-in-your-mouth pieces creating delightful pockets of indulgence.
- Fresh or frozen raspberries: Their juicy tartness perfectly balances the rich chocolate and sweet crumb topping.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buttery Crumb Topping
Start with a medium bowl where you mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt; these dry ingredients create the base for the topping’s delightful crunch. Stir in the melted butter just until everything is combined—this mixture will soak in the butter as it rests, turning crumbly and perfect for the finishing touch on the muffins.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin
Get your 400°F (204°C) oven warmed up and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This sets the stage for baking and ensures your muffins release effortlessly when they’re done.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients for Muffins
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. This dry blend is the backbone of your muffin batter, giving structure and just a hint of spice.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar on medium-low until light and fluffy—this usually takes about three minutes. It’s an essential step that gives these muffins their irresistible texture.
Step 5: Add Orange Zest, Eggs, and Vanilla
Mix in the fresh orange zest to add a bright citrus note, then incorporate the eggs and extra yolk one at a time, beating well after each to create a smooth, homogeneous batter. Slowly add the vanilla extract to deepen the flavor.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Reduce your mixer speed to low and alternate adding the dry flour mixture and whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until all components are combined—overmixing will toughen the muffins.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chunks and Raspberries
Turn off the mixer and gently fold in the dark chocolate pieces and raspberries using a rubber spatula. This careful handling ensures the fruit stays intact and the chocolate chunks remain evenly distributed, giving you sweet and tangy bites throughout.
Step 8: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Crumb Topping
Divide the batter evenly into the muffin liners, then generously crumble the topping over each one. Piling the crumb high in the center and gently pressing it into the batter helps it stay put during baking for a wonderfully textured top.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the muffins turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the muffins cool in the tin on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing. This cooling trick helps them set perfectly.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Consider dusting your muffins lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate these muffins into a special brunch centerpiece.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside creamy Greek yogurt topped with honey and fresh raspberries to echo the muffin’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these muffins in a rustic basket lined with a colorful tea towel for a cozy, inviting look. You can also cut them in half and spread a little softened cream cheese or mascarpone inside for a luscious twist that’s sure to wow any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crumb topping crisp and the interior soft—a perfect grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
These muffins freeze wonderfully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for best texture retention.
Reheating
To warm up your muffins, pop them into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the crumb topping’s crispiness and melts the chocolate chunks slightly for pure indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries in this Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries are a fantastic option; just gently fold them into the batter without thawing to avoid too much juice leaking and affecting the muffin texture.
What type of dark chocolate works best?
I recommend using good quality dark chocolate bars chopped into chunks for those lovely melty pockets. Choose one with around 60-70% cacao for balanced bitterness and sweetness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The muffins will still be deliciously moist and flavorful!
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which makes muffins tough rather than tender. Mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated ensures a soft, light crumb.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
Look for a lightly golden top and test by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing these Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins Recipe. They offer a perfect harmony of fresh fruit, indulgent dark chocolate, and buttery crumb topping that brings joy at every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or your loved ones, these muffins turn any moment into a special occasion. Go ahead, bake a batch today—and prepare to fall in love all over again!
PrintDark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins Recipe
These Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins are a delightful combination of tart raspberries and rich dark chocolate chunks topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, these muffins are moist with bursts of fresh fruit and decadent chocolate, complimented by a crunchy, flavorful streusel topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Buttery Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup (57g/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g/1 and 3/4 ounces) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (57g/2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Dark Chocolate Raspberry Muffins:
- 3 cups (361g/12 and 3/4 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g/4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (198g/7 ounces) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (53g/1 and 7/8 ounces) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
- 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (226g/8 ounces) whole milk (full-fat)
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Buttery Crumb Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter just until everything is combined. Set aside so the mixture can absorb the butter and become crumbly before using.
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Muffins: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or a handheld mixer in a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium-low speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Flavorings and Eggs: Beat in the finely grated orange zest until incorporated. Add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then slowly beat in the vanilla extract and whole milk.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined without over mixing to keep muffins tender.
- Fold in Chocolate and Raspberries: Turn off the mixer. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dark chocolate chunks and raspberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Add Crumb Topping: Crumble the prepared buttery crumb topping evenly over the muffins, piling it higher in the center and gently pressing it into the batter to help it stay on while baking.
- Bake Muffins: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan placed on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then transfer them carefully to a serving plate or wire rack to cool further or serve warm.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen raspberries can be used; if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent too much moisture leakage into the batter.
- Do not over mix the batter once dry ingredients are added to ensure soft, tender muffins.
- Pressing the crumb topping gently into the batter helps it adhere better during baking.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.