Simple Sweet Lemon Zest

Featured in: Soft Sweet Bakes & Desserts

These muffins offer a moist, tender crumb infused with fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright citrus note. Combining simple dry and wet ingredients, the batter is gently mixed to keep a light, fluffy texture. Baking yields golden tops with a sweet sugar sprinkle option for added crunch. Perfect for an easy brunch or a delightful afternoon treat, they come together quickly and freeze well for future enjoyment.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:40:00 GMT
Golden-brown Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, perfectly domed, ready for a delightful brunch, with a hint of sparkling sugar. Save
Golden-brown Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, perfectly domed, ready for a delightful brunch, with a hint of sparkling sugar. | honeymarble.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 making these muffins for weekend brunch when fresh lemons are in season.

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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined do not overmix.
Step 5:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Step 6:
Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
Step 7:
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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| honeymarble.com

These muffins are a family favorite especially enjoyed with morning coffee on weekends.

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

Nutritional Information

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

Freshly baked Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, showing their soft interior and a burst of zesty lemon flavor. Save
Freshly baked Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, showing their soft interior and a burst of zesty lemon flavor. | honeymarble.com

Enjoy these muffins fresh or thawed from frozen for a quick delightful treat.

Recipe FAQs

What gives the muffins their lemon flavor?

Freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice provide the bright, natural lemon notes throughout the crumb.

Can I substitute any ingredients for dairy-free options?

Replacing milk with a plant-based alternative and using a non-dairy butter substitute can adapt these muffins for dairy-free diets.

How do I ensure the muffins stay moist?

Mix the batter gently to avoid overworking gluten and ensure the butter and eggs are evenly incorporated for a moist texture.

What is the purpose of baking powder and baking soda here?

Both help achieve a light, fluffy texture by leavening the batter and reacting with the acidic lemon juice.

Can I add a topping for extra texture?

Sprinkling coarse or sparkling sugar on top before baking adds a subtle crunch to the muffins’ surface.

Simple Sweet Lemon Zest

Moist, tender muffins with fresh lemon zest and a sweet crumb, ideal for brunch or a sunny snack.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
18 minutes
Overall Time
33 minutes
Recipe creator Samuel Price


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

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 cooled
04 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
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 (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease lightly with butter.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl 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 blended.

Step 04

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and 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. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Cool Muffins: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review each component for allergen potential and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and butter. Check packaged ingredients for cross-contamination warnings.

Nutrition per portion

This nutritional breakdown is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional dietary advice.
  • Total Calories: 180
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 26 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams