Lemon Streusel Muffins Recipe

If you’re craving a bright, zesty treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a crumbly topping, you are going to love this Lemon Streusel Muffins Recipe. These delightful muffins bring sunshine to your kitchen with their fresh lemon flavor and a buttery, crunchy streusel that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a tea party, or just because you deserve a treat, these muffins are incredibly easy to make and will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, essential ingredients is the key to making these Lemon Streusel Muffins come out perfect every time. Each item plays a crucial role—from the tang of lemon juice and zest that wakes up the taste buds, to the soft crumb created by the balance of baking powder and soda, and not to forget the sweet crunch that the streusel topping adds.

• 1/4 cup all purpose flour (30 grams): Used to create the streusel topping’s crumbly texture.
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the streusel crumb.
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature: Provides richness and helps bind the streusel together for that perfect crunch.
• 2 large eggs: They build the structure and help the muffins rise beautifully.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (125 ml): Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams): Sweetens the batter without overpowering the fresh lemon flavor.
• Zest of 2 lemons: Essential for that bright, aromatic lemon punch that defines the recipe.
• 1 tsp lemon extract (optional): Boosts the lemon aroma for an extra zingy muffin.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (125 ml): Adds moisture and a subtle tang to balance sweetness and enhance texture.
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (60 ml): Gives the muffins their signature tangy flavor.
• 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create lightness and tenderness.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 2 cups all purpose flour (250 grams): Provides the structure and bulk of the muffins.

How to Make Lemon Streusel Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners to make clean-up easy and give the muffins a neat finish. This step ensures everything is ready for when your batter is prepared.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine the flour, sugar, and butter for the streusel in a small bowl. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a dry, crumbly texture. This topping will add that signature crunchy layer that perfectly contrasts the soft muffin crumb.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Stir them well so the mixture becomes smooth and fragrant, which will infuse the batter with fresh lemon notes.

Step 4: Add Extract, Buttermilk, and Lemon Juice

Into your wet mixture, whisk in the lemon extract, buttermilk, and lemon juice. These wet ingredients keep your muffins moist and add both tang and depth to the flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Then add them into your wet mixture, folding in the flour gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing so the muffins stay tender and have a slightly lumpy batter for better texture.

Step 6: Fill and Top Muffin Cups

Fill each muffin cup nearly to the top with batter, about 11 or 12 muffins worth. Generously sprinkle the streusel mixture on top of each one—this is the moment where these muffins get their irresistible crunch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 23 minutes, checking toward the end with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Keep an eye on the muffins—their smaller size means they bake fast!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your muffins to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a cooling rack. If you’re anything like me, one warm muffin with a little butter melts into pure happiness—enjoy!

Step 9: Store Properly

Once cooled, place your muffins in an airtight container to preserve their freshness. They’re best enjoyed the day they’re baked, but if you need to save some for later, there are great options for storing them.

How to Serve Lemon Streusel Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, consider dusting your muffins with powdered sugar just before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a thin slice of lemon on the side can elevate the experience and wow your guests.

Side Dishes

Lemon Streusel Muffins pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. They also complement fresh fruit salads or a creamy yogurt parfait wonderfully, creating a balanced, refreshing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these muffins in a rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin for casual gatherings. If you fancy a playful twist, slice them in half and sandwich with lemon curd or cream cheese for an indulgent mini treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Lemon Streusel Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This prevents them from drying out and keeps that moist lemon flavor intact.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Frozen muffins keep well for up to three months, so you’ll always have a lemony treat on hand.

Reheating

To warm up a muffin from frozen, unwrap it and microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until just warmed through. Alternatively, pop it in a toaster oven at a low temperature to revive that fresh-baked texture and streusel crunch.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to your batter to maintain that tangy flavor and tender crumb.

Is lemon extract necessary?

Lemon extract is optional but highly recommended for enhancing the lemon aroma. If you don’t have it, the zest and lemon juice alone will still provide plenty of bright flavor.

Can I make the streusel topping nutty?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the streusel mixture gives an extra layer of crunch and flavor complexity that complements the lemon beautifully.

How do I prevent the muffins from being too dense?

The key is not to overmix the batter once the flour is added. Gently fold the flour in just until no dry spots remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make muffins tough.

What’s the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane grater to zest just the yellow outer skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Fresh zest adds natural oils and a vibrant flavor boost to your muffins.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the bright, comforting taste of freshly baked Lemon Streusel Muffins Recipe to brighten your day. This recipe is easy enough to whip up on a whim yet special enough to share with your favorite people. Give it a try—you might just find your new all-time favorite muffin that always brings smiles around your table!

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