Classic Lemon Muffins

Classic Lemon Muffins

There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of freshly baked muffins filling your kitchen — especially when they’re kissed with that bright, sunny scent of lemon. These Classic Lemon Muffins are soft, moist, and lightly sweet with just the right touch of tang from fresh lemon zest. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a light dessert, this simple recipe gives you bakery-quality muffins using everyday ingredients.

Their secret? Balance. They’re not too sweet, not too tart — just perfectly tender inside with a lightly crisp, sugary top. These muffins stay moist for days, and you can enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or finished with a drizzle of lemon glaze. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, they’re a guaranteed hit every time.

🛒 Ingredients

• 260–270 g (about 2 cups) all-purpose flour

• 100 ml (about ½ cup) vegetable oil

• 180 g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 150 ml (about ⅔ cup) milk

• 10 g (2 tsp) baking powder

• 1 packet (about 10 g) vanilla sugar

• 1 pinch of salt

• Zest of 1 large lemon (preferably unwaxed)

• Extra sugar for sprinkling on top

👩‍🍳 Cooking Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with oil or butter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, salt, and lemon zest. This evenly distributes the zest and leavening for a consistent texture.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly frothy. Gradually add the vegetable oil, then the milk, mixing until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently with a spatula until just combined.
👉 Don’t overmix — that’s key for fluffy muffins.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle a little sugar on top for a crisp, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

🍋 Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

• Calories: 230 kcal

• Protein: 4 g

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Sugars: 18 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: 60 mg

• Calcium: 45 mg

• Vitamin C: 3 mg

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Foolproof, quick, and beginner-friendly

• Soft, fluffy texture with a perfect citrus aroma

• Not too sweet — ideal for any time of day

• Stays moist for days and freezes beautifully

• Customizable with fruits, glazes, or add-ins

🌿 Ingredient Highlights

Flour: The backbone of the muffin, keeping it light yet structured.
Lemon Zest: The star ingredient that adds fresh, bright citrus flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins soft and moist longer than butter.
Eggs: Add lift, structure, and richness.
Vanilla Sugar: Enhances sweetness and depth.
Milk: Creates a smooth, tender crumb.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 2 months.

• To reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes.

• For a fresh-baked feel, brush with melted butter before reheating.

🍰 Variations to Try

• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Add 1 tbsp poppy seeds for crunch.

• Lemon Blueberry Muffins: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.

• Glazed Lemon Muffins: Drizzle with lemon glaze once cooled.

• Coconut Lemon Muffins: Mix in ¼ cup shredded coconut.

• Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins: Fill centers with 1 tsp sweetened cream cheese before baking.

☕ Pairing Ideas

Pair these muffins with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cold milk.
For brunch, serve them with yogurt, fruit, or scrambled eggs.
For dessert, dust with powdered sugar, or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

🌞 Health Perks

While they’re a treat, these muffins have small nutritional wins too:

• Lemon zest provides vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Eggs offer protein and vitamins D & B12.

• Vegetable oil reduces saturated fats compared to butter.
  Enjoying them in moderation gives you the best of both worlds — comfort and a hint of nourishment.

✨ Conclusion

These Classic Lemon Muffins are a reminder that simple recipes can bring the most joy. Soft, golden, and bursting with citrusy freshness, they make any day brighter. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, every bite is tender, aromatic, and just sweet enough to make you smile. Truly — the kind of muffin that feels like sunshine in every bite. 🌼