Simple Sweet Lemon Zest

Moist, fluffy muffins bursting with bright lemon flavor and a sweet, tender crumb perfect for a sunny brunch or an afternoon treat.

This recipe quickly became a favorite morning treat in our household, reminding us of sunny weekends and cozy family breakfasts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
• 2 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest (about 2 medium lemons)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coarse or sparkling sugar

Instructions

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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Preheat Oven:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk together the flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk the eggs milk melted butter lemon zest lemon juice and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Ingredients:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined do not overmix.

Fill Muffin Cups:

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Bake:

Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

Cool:

Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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These muffins have sparked many cherished family brunch moments full of laughter and warm stories.

Required Tools

12-cup muffin tin mixing bowls whisk spatula measuring cups and spoons zester or fine grater

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten) Butter if using packaged ingredients verify labels for potential cross-contamination

Nutritional Information

Calories 180 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 26 g Protein 3 g

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Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

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These simple sweet lemon zest muffins are a perfect balance of tart and sweet ready to brighten any day.

Questions & Answers

→ How can I intensify the lemon flavor?

Adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract or extra lemon zest boosts the citrus notes without altering texture.

→ What causes muffins to be moist and fluffy?

Using melted butter, proper folding of wet and dry ingredients, and baking just until golden help achieve a tender, moist crumb.

→ Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?

Greek yogurt can replace half the milk for a richer tang, and non-dairy milk can be used though texture may vary slightly.

→ What’s the best way to store these muffins?

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer preservation.

→ How do I prevent overmixing the batter?

Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined; overmixing develops gluten that makes muffins dense.