This is the first year that I won’t get to spend Mother’s Day with my mom. I’m pretty bummed. Flights were just too expensive ($800 to fly east?! really?) and I’m flying to Michigan later this month for a family wedding anyway. Ann Arbor friends! I’m coming your way….it will be my first trip ever to the great state of Michigan! I’m going to take my “mature dress” for a test run—thank you all so much for the great ideas on what to wear with it. Right now, I’m thinking hot pink pumps…
So even though I don’t get to spend Mother’s Day with my mom (I get to spend it teaching yoga to cyclists), I wanted to share a fun brunch idea with you guys that will be perfect if you’re lucky enough to spend Sunday with your mom.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t pick the top off their muffin and eat that part first? (Hand raising high)
What I really like to do, though, is “split” a muffin with Adam. I break off the entire top, stuff it in my mouth and give him the bottom. Totally fair, right? I think so.
Well, muffin top lovers rejoice! Now you can bake an entire batch of just the crunchy, sweet, fluffy tops! Whatever the question is, I think these muffin tops are the answer.
Serve with iced tea (or mimosas!), skillet baked eggs and some bacon for breakfast or brunch! Then, invite me over because that’s a meal I really want to be a part of.
If blueberry and coconut isn’t your thing, try your own variation! Raspberries would be nice…or blackberries…even chopped strawberries! Or you could just skip all that fruit nonsense and load these suckers down with chocolate chips.
Enjoy!
Coconut Blueberry Muffin Tops
adapted from blackberry orange muffins
makes about 14 muffin tops
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp orange zest
12 oz blueberries
1 stick butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
2 eggs
for topping—
2/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/4 tsp slivered almonds
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, orange zest, baking powder, coconut and salt together. Gently add the blueberries and stir so that the berries are covered with flour. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar together. Add the eggs, one by one, until thoroughly combined. Add the milk and blend.
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and toss gently, being careful not to crush the berries. Scoop 1/4 cup amount of batter onto a lined baking sheet, about 3 inches apart.
Combine the sweetened flaked coconut and slivered almonds to make the topping. Set aside (do not immediately top muffin tops).
Bake muffin tops for 10 minutes then carefully sprinkle about a tablespoon or so of topping on each. Bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden.
Let cool for five minutes on the sheet pan then use a spatula to remove.
Time:
40 minutes
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{ 105 comments… read them below or add one }
YES. Please.
Yay Ann Arbor! You must go to Zingerman’s, Comet Coffee, and Frita Batido.
I was going to suggest Zingerman’s also! You have to go: http://www.zingermansdeli.com/?utm_source=mailorder&utm_medium=zinglink&utm_campaign=zcobbar
ZINGERMAN’S!!! My fiance hand carried their pecan pie on the plane ride back! Best $40 for a pie ever spent. That my friend is LUV. <3
p.s. Their sandwiches are bomb…that bread. Oh so delicious. Any of the corned beef sandwiches (#2, #13, #67) are sooo good. Gotta love Sy Ginsberg corned beef!
I wish I lived in MI long enough to do one of their bread baking series.
Oh my gosh I live in Ann Arbor & all of this Zingerman’s talk is making me want some right now! They have amazing cheese too! Yum!
Love, love, love! I’ve been excited for these since I saw them on Instagram
You should probably opening a muffin top store and name it “Top of the Morning To You!”
These look great. Also, I live in Ann Arbor! I’m a displaced southerner up here for graduate school. Let me know if you have any questions about the area!
I’ve been lurking on your blog for a while, from the photos of oatmeal days. I know some people gave you crap for moving away from that format, but you are doing an excellent job. I really enjoy reading (and eating) what you post!
Hollaaaa for grad students in Ann Arbor!!
Goodness, these sound delightful!
When you go to Ann Arbor, be sure to eat at http://www.zingermansdeli.com. Best sandwiches you will ever eat!
Love this. I also like seeing you post more often!
Oh question about the method: What did you bake them in? I saw a sheet pan written at the end but what is that? Also do they come out soft or hard – they kind of look like scones.
A sheet pan is what you would bake cookies on. You just drop the batter and bake them like they are cookies or scones! And they come out soft like muffins with a crunchy top.
I have a muffin-top pan; but I’m sure your method works. I’m not as neat as you!
A muffin top pan would be even better! I need to get one of those!
Wait……………… they make MUFFIN TOP pans?! Genius, I need one!
Thank you!
These are so cute Jenna! I’m sorry you can’t be with your mom this Mother’s Day, but as a cyclist with very tight hip flexors, I’m sure your yoga class will be very grateful that you’re spending it with them!
Yum! Do you remember the Seinfeld episode about muffin tips. He says they aren’t the same when baked without the bottoms and you have to bake a real one and discard the stump. I think yours look awesome!
yumm these look amazing!!
I live in Michigan, though closer to Detroit, and I am not very familiar with Ann Arbor. Actually, whenever I travel to Ann Arbor I always get lost! However it is a great town, with lots of interesting shops and restaurants. Have fun and I hope you enjoy your time here!
I’m SO excited for summer berries to come in to season. I need to start baking more again and what better way than with fresh fruit!
I am in panic mode because I still have a ton of frozen berries from last year. I’m a berry hoarder. This is a perfect use for them!
These are the best looking ‘muffin tops’ I’ve ever seen! I love your thought process re: Chocolate chips. Yes please!
I second the Zingerman’s suggestion…you will love!
When you’re in Ann Arbor make sure you go to Zingerman’s Deli! It is amazing.
I was all set to make a coffee cake for mother’s day but now these have me feeling indecisive. Either way–they are getting made ASAP
oh my gosh these look AMAZZZZZZING.
Folks have already said this, but I agree, Zingerman’s is a must when in Ann Arbor! I grew up in A2 but now live in Saint Louis, and we get Zingerman’s sandwiches shipped to us!!
Definitely go with some bright pumps. And these muffin tops are great. Even though you didn’t nee d a muffin top pan, I have one and will totally use it for these.
I live in Ohio about an hour south of Michigan & grew up spending summers on a lake there. Michigan is a beautiful state
I love doing that with my boy too!!
I also love ordering different things in restaurants and then (if it so happens that he made the btter choice) looking so dejected and anxious I might cry … so that he then offers to swap. He’s one of the good ones for sure.
I’m definitely just making the tops, next time I make muffins! Yum!
Yes! The tops are totally the only part of the muffin worth savoring. Love these.
coconut and blueberries and orange zest? i am drooling.
and now i need these for dessert and breakfast.
Dang gurl, you got the best recipes always! Can’t wait to try this one out..
top of the muffin! always reminds me of that seinfeld episode….
These look great!! And I love the idea of pink pumps with that dress!
Yeah for Ann Arbor! I grew up there. Everyone else has hit the nail on the head with Zingerman’s. Also try Angelo’s, the breakfast is amazing! A stop in Kerry town wouldn’t hurt either.
Yay for Ann Arbor! I live here and absolutely love it. Hope you enjoy your visit.
LOVE. Especially that you made just the muffin tops. Best part by far
These look like they’re to die for. Definitely high on my to-bake list.
Hooray for Michigan! I haven’t spent a lot of time in Ann Arbor, just for a couple of Michigan football games (Go Blue!), though I did come pretty close to going to U of M. I’m sure your experience in Ann Arbor will be significantly less crowded than mine, since you’re not going to a football game haha.
I go to school in Ann Arbor! Maybe I’m biased, but I absolutely love it! Have a great time. If you get a chance, go for a walk in the UM Arb, all of the flowers are in bloom right now and it’s gorgeous!
Before you even said it I knew I wanted to try these with strawberry! Strawberry coconut is one of my favorite flavor combos!
You HAVE to stop by the Google office while you’re in Ann Arbor! My colleagues and I read your blog every day and would love to invite you to a Google cafe lunch. Let us know!
Yes, we would love to host you for lunch at Google! I think our cafe is the best restaurant in town, but I might be biased
.
Please think about it! There are about four of us here who follow your blog every day. The chefs always focus on local, seasonal stuff. So it’d probably be right up your alley. We love lunch guests!
Please think about it! There are about four of us here who follow your blog. Our chefs always focus on local, seasonal stuff. So it’d probably be right up your alley. We love having lunch guests!
The google cafe sounds lovely! Do you mind sending me an email about that? Thanks so much, guys!!
These are like muffin tops meet macaroons meets I love coconut in any form. I could use one of these today!
I live by Ann Arbor and got all excited for you to come… Even though I am not hanging out with ya lol but Cafe Zola in Ann Arbor is a must. I feel like after reading your blog for so long and being a yoga person also this is a place you will love. It is very earthy and unique! Zingermanns is good but I think you will love Cafe Zola.
I’m wondering if anyone has made these gluten free? Maybe with coconut flour?
Ann Arbor is amazing! I echo all the previous posters, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Seva http://www.sevarestaurant.com/
It’s an fantastic vegetarian restaurant. Try anything, but the butternut squash enchiladas are to die for. Enjoy!
Yay Michigan! I know you already have lots to do in Ann Arbor, but I would recommend checking out a place called Dominick’s. It’s a great place to grab drinks with a larger group and they have wonderful Sangria. Also, I suggest trying their frozen drink called Constant Buzz. It is delicious!
LOVE muffin tops!! This recipe is such a perfect summer brunch recipe. I will have to give it a try and stat!
“top of the muffin…to youuuuu!” (I had to!) Seinfeld
These look delish!
I think you can read my mind. Lately I’ve been DYING to buy a muffin top pan. So many fun yummy things can be baked in them. I love, also, that this recipe adds some coconut to the muffs. Yes I just abbreviated muffins.
I won’t be able to spend Mother’s Day with my Mom(in Michigan!!) but I’m putting this recipe on my Mother’s Day list of what I want. Hopefully, when I send this link to the hubs he gets the hint!
Another TOP recipe, sorry I couldn’t resist
I will see my Mom, but not my daughters
Don’t know which is more difficult.
And you can always cruise down to Danville to see me if you need a Mom-fix .
Check out my hometown on Grains of Paradise.
The phrase, “muffin top” just tickles me. But seriously, as a baked good, you can’t go wrong with muffin tops, the way I see it. All the coconut looks super appealing to me and I always have a stock of blueberries in the house. I may go ahead and make this for mother’s day! will let you know how it turns out.
Oh Jenna, you will love Ann Arbor! I agree with posters above, Zingerman’s (both deli and Roadhouse restaurant) is fabulous, and if Dominick’s is open, definitely get the sangria!
PLEASE check out Grange Kitchen & Bar, Pacific Rim, and The Raven’s Club if you get a chance. They are all just incredible. If I had to pick one, well… Grange has a fabulous cocktail menu in additional to the food
Thank you for the great recommendations! Grange sounds amazing!
When I was in a sorority, our chef would make muffins for breakfast on the weekends. EVERY time, by mid-morning, all of the muffin TOPS were mysteriously gone. But the “butts” were left behind. He used to get so mad!!
These look delicious!
Is 1 stick of butter about 1/2 cup?
Yep! It’s 4 oz…1/2 cup.
Thanks Jenna!
Blueberries and coconut are sounding awfully tasty right about now….mmmm!
Yes, I’ll have some of those. Mmmm blue berries and coconut. perfect.
Hey Jenna,
(south-east) Michigan native until last year (and now I’m in Europe!) – I have to double, triple, quadruple the above recommendations:
#1 Zingermann’s!!! check out their menu online and drool! try lunch (the sandwiches! AND gelato AND iced tea AND…) at the deli and you *MUST* do brunch at the Roadhouse (great drinks there too)
#2 Dominick’s for sure – last time I was there, they closed early (11pm/12a) due to their neighborhood location. Sangria aside, their pizza is awesome!
Other gems… Blue Tractor (try the blue cheese mac n cheese with buffalo chicken on top. you’re welcome.), Cafe Havana (next door to Blue Trac), and Big Ten Burrito – yum!
Soooo jealous you’re visiting my mitten but I’ll soothe my emotions in Prague this weekend
Have a great trip!
I’m on a coconut kick this year. These are perfect. Thanks!
These sound delicious! I am obsessed with anything coconut right now!
Coconut + blueberries = genius. Any recommendations if one wants to use almond flour in place of the usual flour? (I kept spelling “flower” instead of “flour” … spring on the brain!). Thanks & cheers!
Agree w/ the rec for Zingerman’s. Also Gallup Park is nice to paddle on. You can rent yaks at the livery as you drive in. There are some really neat little shops sprinkled all around the Univ. of Mi campus as well.
I understand on not seeing mom. This is our 4th consecutive year being stationed overseas. I’ve seen my Mom 3 times in the last 4 years and plane tix are $1500 each, too much for a fam of 4 to just jet back.
Have fun teaching yoga to cyclists. They are typically very inflexible. Literally & figuratively.
Hi Jenna! I am originally a Wisconsin gal, came to A2 25 years ago and I’m still here! Ann Arbor in the late spring is just beautiful–everything is greening up–definitely go to the Arb for a beautiful run/walk. All the above recommendations are spot on–if you have Saturday morning free, be sure to visit Kerrytown– the Farmers Market will be going on and it is right across from Zingerman’s Deli. There’s always a lot happening in our small BIG city! Please post some pics of your visit and favorite Ann Arbor experiences!
Whoa, I checked your link to the “mature dress,” and realized that somehow I had missed your post about heading to ALA.
Um, as a librarian, I have to say… DO NOT WORRY. There’s no nice way to say this. The ALA conventions are the biggest freak conventions you can imagine. You may have been in cities when other professional conventions (ABA, APA) were going on… this is not like that. It would not be surprising if you mistook many of the librarian attendees for bag ladies. Seriously. I’m not talking about the usual librarian stereotypes… I am talking about the stereotypes which which (mainly) only librarians are familiar, and which are based in large part on the truth.
They will love you, and you really don’t have to dress like a stereotypical librarian in order to be accepted.
First off, these look incredible. Yum!
Second of all, so excited for you to be coming to Ann Arbor!!! I’m part of your Ann Arbor fan base and am excited for you to experience our great city! Enjoy the wedding…
AND, if you do get some free time, I am echoing some of the previous recommendations:
Running in the Arb (a must); Zingerman’s (be prepared to wait…but worth it); Kerrytown Farmer’s Market; Comet Coffee; Frita Batidos (restaurant of a former Top Chef contestant); Dominick’s; and BEER (this town has an amazing variety of beer – Arbor Brewing Co is my personal fave and Jolly Pumpkin has a great atmosphere).
Yay Michigan!! I love MI state! First you should watch 5 Year Engagement before you go to Ann Arbor. Second, you should eat at Zingerman’s!
These look super yummy! LOVE blueberries right now. I wonder if I can mail these TO my mom for Mothers’ Day since I won’t be with her either.
YES! I love anything coconut…I will be making this for Sunday!!! Thanks for the AWESOME recipe…as always!!
Jenna, great minds think alike I have been dreaming of blueberries and recently made some muffins like these, too. recipe on my new blog! By the way, your photography keeps getting better and better.
The top is definitely the best part of the muffin. Great idea!
These look tasty. Ok I know you are a food blog but I have to say thanks for all the book posts! I was stumped and couldn’t decide what book I wanted to download next so I went thru you site and just started Girl in Translation. Thanks!
Awesome! I loved that book. I’m working on creating a section that will highlight the book posts even more and make them easily accessible. Glad you enjoy!
I totally “share” muffins with my husband just like that, and I think it is completely fair!!
These look fantastic! I have some delicious blackberries in the fridge right now so I might try a little substitution-thanks!
Wow, I had no idea so many A2 people read your blog! Count me in as another. So many good restaurants have already been mentioned, you’re sure to eat well while you’re here!
Jenna, these look absolutely divine! You are so talented and I enjoy following your blog. Where can I find the drinking glass that you have in the bottom photo? It is too cute!
I got that little glass jug from a local shop, but I’m sure you find something like it on Etsy if you search “retro glass milk jug”!
I will give a try, thanks.
Those look amazing. You mom is really going to miss out, if I was her I would make you ship some over hehe.
have FUN in MI!! I’m originally from Battle Creek (only 1.5 hrs from Ann Arbor). It’s a beautiful city and state. I hope your weather is great! Explore the UofM campus and I second the Zingerman’s Deli recommendation!
I love Ann Arbor! And so happy to be back for the summer!! I’m not even sure where to begin in places you should visit
Lots of good suggestions already, but I’ll add:
Selma Cafe – Friday morning breakfast only, but you might like their mission so check out their website
The Northside Grill – awesome breakfasts
I’ll second the Cafe Zola and canoeing recommendations
The Nichols Arboretum – the peonies should be in bloom
Wherever you go, have fun and take pics! We love to see our town through the eyes of others!
p.s. catch the Ann Arbor commercial on the michigan.org website.
I live in Ann Arbor and have lots of restaurants reviews.
Those muffin tops look awesome – toasted coconut is the bomb.
I am a muffin top lover!!! When I eat muffins, I don’t even bother with the bottom. I’ll just eat the top, and then get another muffin and eat that top!
ahhh so good. reminds me of Seinfeld. It’s totally the best part
cannot wait to make these, thanks!
Heidi xo
Since you have such a big Ann Arbor fan club, any chance you would have time for an A2 meet-up for coffee or adult beverages? Could be fun!!
Maybe!! I’ll be with my family so I’ll have to see if we have enough time to coordinate something like a coffee/tea meet-up. I’ll let you guys know…if we did, it would be friday, may 25!
SELMA would be a great place to do that–the earlier the better since they’ve been hosting LOTS of people lately–that way you’d have the rest of the day to do other things too! I’m sure if you contact Lisa Gottlieb, she just may be willing to help coordinate. Check it out http://www.repastspresentandfuture.org/site/fmselma/
Jenna, do you think this same recipe would work if I wanted to bake these in muffin form? As in the whole muffin, not just the top. I may be in the minority but I love the bottom part of the muffin! Thank you
.
I love muffin tops recipes! It’s the best part of the muffin anyway so why waste batter on the other half of the muffin, right?
You are adorable; love this post!!!
I’d love to know what poses you focused on for cyclists. I’m a RYT and my bf is a cyclist…I’ve been meaning to teach him some good poses, but just haven’t gotten around to it! Do you think you’ll share some yoga stuff on the blog when your certified?
Jenna,
In your recipe you listed 1/4 tsp. of slivered almonds for the topping. Did you mean 1/4 cup? 1/4 tsp seems like too little. My daughter and I added more. We also thought about chopping the slivered almonds a little.
Just made these muffin tops and they are delish!!!
Thanks for the recipe!
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