Simple Sweet Lemon Zest

Featured in: Simple One-Pot Comfort Meals

These moist muffins offer a light, fluffy texture paired with a lively burst of fresh lemon zest and juice. Combining dry ingredients like flour and baking powder with wet ingredients including eggs, melted butter, and vanilla, the batter is gently folded and baked until golden. The final result is a tender crumb with a sweet citrus flavor, enhanced optionally by a sparkling sugar topping. Ideal for brunches or a delightful snack, these muffins balance sweet and tangy notes perfectly.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:39:00 GMT
Golden Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, perfectly baked and sprinkled with sparkling sugar, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Golden Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, perfectly baked and sprinkled with sparkling sugar, ready to enjoy. | coralkettle.com

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

I enjoy these muffins for a sunny brunch, they bring a refreshing citrus twist to traditional baked goods.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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Preheat the 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:
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Mix wet ingredients:
Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until well combined.
Combine ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined do not overmix.
Fill muffin cups:
Divide batter evenly among 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 in the center comes out clean and tops are lightly golden.
Cool:
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Product image
Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| coralkettle.com

My family loves gathering around fresh muffins especially on weekend mornings, creating warm and cheerful moments.

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 Verify labels on packaged ingredients for cross-contamination risks

Nutritional Information

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

Warm Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins fresh from the oven, offering a delightful lemon aroma and tender crumb. Save to Pinterest
Warm Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins fresh from the oven, offering a delightful lemon aroma and tender crumb. | coralkettle.com
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These muffins are a delightful treat that bring a splash of sunshine to any day.

Recipe Q&A

What gives these muffins their bright lemon flavor?

Freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice provide the bright, zesty citrus flavor that defines these muffins.

Can I substitute the milk used in this preparation?

Yes, Greek yogurt can replace half of the milk to add a richer, tangier note and moister texture.

How can I ensure the muffins stay moist and tender?

Mix wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which keeps the crumb soft and tender after baking.

Is it necessary to add the sparkling sugar topping?

The sparkling sugar is optional and adds a pleasant crunch and subtle sweetness to the muffin tops.

What is the recommended baking time and temperature?

Bake the muffins at 375°F (190°C) for 16–18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops turn lightly golden.

How can I store these muffins for longer freshness?

Store the muffins in an airtight container; they freeze well and can be kept frozen for up to two months.

Simple Sweet Lemon Zest

Moist, sweet muffins bursting with fresh lemon zest and a tender crumb, perfect for any time of day.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Overall Time
33 minutes
Created by Madison Perry


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian Friendly

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 1/2 cup whole milk
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
04 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
05 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Topping

01 2 tablespoons coarse or sparkling sugar

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate wet and dry mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 05

Fill muffin cups: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Optionally sprinkle coarse sugar on top.

Step 06

Bake muffins: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and tops are lightly golden.

Step 07

Cool muffins: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment List

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or fine grater

Allergy Advisory

Examine all ingredients for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and butter.
  • Check packaged ingredients for cross-contamination warnings.

Nutritional Info (Each Serving)

The nutrition details are for reference only and shouldn't replace advice from a doctor.
  • Caloric Value: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Proteins: 3 g