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 at our family brunches because of its simplicity and delightful taste.

Ingredients

• Dry 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
• Wet Ingredients: 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
• Optional Topping: 2 tbsp coarse or sparkling sugar

Instructions

Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

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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.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

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

Combine Wet Ingredients:

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

Mix Batter:

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

Prepare 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.

Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

Check price on Amazon

Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

Check price on Amazon

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Our kids love to help sprinkle the coarse sugar topping making it a fun family activity.

Notes

These muffins freeze well store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

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.

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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.

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Enjoy these lemon zest muffins fresh or reheated for a delightful treat any time of day.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives these muffins their lemon flavor?

Freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice deliver bright citrus notes, enhancing the sweet base without overwhelming it.

→ How can I ensure the muffins stay moist?

Using melted butter combined with milk and eggs helps create a tender, moist crumb that stays soft after baking.

→ Can I substitute ingredients to adjust texture?

Replacing half the milk with Greek yogurt adds richness and a tangier flavor, improving moisture and texture.

→ What baking tip helps the muffins rise well?

Gently folding wet and dry ingredients avoids overmixing, preserving air pockets that contribute to a light, fluffy rise.

→ Is there a way to add a crunchy topping?

Sprinkling coarse or sparkling sugar on top before baking adds a sweet, crunchy texture to the muffins’ surface.