Lemon Streusel Muffins

The aroma of freshly baked lemon streusel muffins evokes the warmth of home and delightful memories. Baking these treats takes me back to sunny mornings spent in the kitchen, where the sun filters through the window and fills the space with golden light. There’s something magical about the combination of zesty lemon and a crumbly streusel topping that instantly uplifts the mood.

These muffins are a testament to the simple joy of baking. Their bright flavor makes them a perfect addition to breakfast or an afternoon snack. Topped with a crunchy streusel, each bite offers a satisfying contrast to the moist, lemony interior. The first time I made lemon streusel muffins, I was amazed at how easy it was to whip up this delightful recipe, and how quickly my family devoured them.

Every time I bake these muffins, I love sharing warm, buttery slices with friends. It’s one of those recipes perfect for gatherings or just a cozy day at home. Whether you savor them alongside coffee or a glass of cold milk, these muffins bring a taste of sunshine to any occasion. So let’s dive into the delicious world of lemon streusel muffins and discover how to create this comforting treat.

Lemon Streusel Muffins: The Basics of Baking Bliss

Fundamentals

Lemon streusel muffins combine the perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and sweet, crumbly topping. This classic recipe showcases how a few simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. The foundational elements of this muffin recipe include fresh ingredients, proper measurement techniques, and a love for baking. Utilizing active voice ensures that the instructions guide you in creating these muffins without any confusion.

The key to achieving a fluffy texture lies in how you handle the batter. Mixing the wet ingredients until well combined is essential before gently incorporating the dry ingredients. This method prevents overmixing, which can lead to dense muffins. Remember, a few lumps are okay!

Preparation/Setup

Before you start mixing, prepare your kitchen by gathering all ingredients and equipment. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin pan with paper liners. This step saves time and keeps your muffin cleanup manageable.

While the oven warms up, focus on making the luscious streusel topping. Combining the streusel ingredients and rubbing the butter in using your fingers helps create that desirable crumbly texture. Setting the streusel aside ensures it stays fresh while you prepare the muffin batter.

Ingredients

The key ingredients for lemon streusel muffins include:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (125 ml)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (125 ml)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (63 ml)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, using the fluff, scoop, and level method (250 grams)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners.

2. Make the streusel topping first. Combine the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 grams), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Use your fingers to rub the mixture together until the butter is incorporated and the texture becomes crumbly. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil (125 ml), 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams), and the zest of 2 lemons until well combined.

4. Whisk in the optional lemon extract, followed by the 1/2 cup buttermilk (125 ml) and the 1/4 cup lemon juice (63 ml).

5. Combine the baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the wet mixture. Slowly fold in the 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams) just until combined. The batter should remain somewhat lumpy.

6. Fill 11-12 muffin cups generously with batter and sprinkle streusel on top.

7. Bake for 20-23 minutes until the muffins rise and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Monitor closely as muffins bake quickly.

8. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

9. Enjoy warm with a pat of butter for an extra indulgence!

Lemon Muffins: Perfecting Techniques and Tips

Technique

Baking is both an art and a science, and mastering specific techniques leads to scrumptious results. One key technique is the “fluff, scoop, and level” method when measuring the flour. This process means fluffing the flour in its container with a spoon, scooping it into the measuring cup, and leveling it off for accurate measurement. This ensures that your muffins maintain the right balance of moisture and texture.

The folding technique in mixing ingredients also plays a vital role. By gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, you safeguard the muffins’ light and airy structure. Avoid overmixing; it can lead to a tough texture.

Tips/Tricks

1. Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemons for zest and juice. The natural oils in the zest add an aromatic element that enhances the overall flavor.

2. Room Temperature Eggs and Butter: Using room temperature ingredients helps the mixture combine more smoothly and promotes an even rise while baking.

3. Storage: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They are best enjoyed the same day, but you can freeze them for longer storage.

Lemon Muffins: Troubleshooting and Variations

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect lemon streusel muffins requires attention to detail and a little patience. Keep an eye on your muffins as they bake, as they can quickly go from perfectly golden to too browned. Adjusting your oven temperature slightly can also help if your muffins tend to bake unevenly.

If you find the muffins are too dense, it may be due to overmixing or using too much flour. In contrast, if they are too crumbly, consider adding a bit more buttermilk the next time.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Baking can be unpredictable, but some troubleshooting tips help. If your muffins don’t rise, check your baking powder and baking soda’s freshness. Expired leavening agents can result in flat muffins.

Feel free to play with flavors as well! Use different citrus fruits like lime or orange to mix your muffin experience. You might also consider adding poppy seeds or blueberries for a different twist.

Lemon Muffins: Presentation and Storage Tips

Serving/Presentation

Presenting your lemon streusel muffins can elevate the experience. Consider serving them on a vibrant platter or bundting them together with twine for a rustic look. Dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top right before serving can create a delightful visual appeal.

Pairings/Storage

Serve these muffins with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea to enhance the flavor profile.

Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Lemon streusel muffins are best eaten the same day but can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to three days or frozen for up to three months for future enjoyment.

Lemon streusel muffins deliver a burst of flavor and bring joy to every bite. Through careful attention to technique and a splash of creativity, you can master this delightful recipe. Enjoy baking these muffins, and embrace the warmth they bring to your table.

Lemon Streusel Muffins

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Bright and flavorful lemon muffins topped with a crumbly streusel, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (125 ml)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (125 ml)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (63 ml)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, fluff, scoop, and level method (250 grams)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
2. Make the streusel topping: Combine 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon butter. Rub the mixture together until crumbly. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, 3/4 cup sugar, and zest of 2 lemons until well combined.
4. Whisk in the optional lemon extract, followed by the buttermilk and lemon juice.
5. Combine the baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the wet mixture. Slowly fold in the 2 cups flour just until combined; the batter should remain lumpy.
6. Fill 11-12 muffin cups generously with batter and sprinkle streusel on top.
7. Bake for 20-23 minutes until muffins rise and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
9. Enjoy warm with a pat of butter!

Notes

To enhance flavor, use fresh lemons for zest and juice. Store muffins in an airtight container for freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: muffins, lemon, baked goods, breakfast, snacks