Brighten up your day with these delightful Lemon Muffins, topped with homemade lemon curd. Perfectly moist and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these muffins are a delicious treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet, creamy lemon curd makes these muffins irresistible and a hit with lemon lovers.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Lemon Curd:
- 90g white sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 40g unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 80ml lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
Muffin Batter:
- 100g organic cane sugar
- Zest from 2 lemons
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 75g vegetable oil
- 125g all-purpose flour
- 10g corn starch
- 6g baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 90ml milk
Directions:
Lemon Curd:
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a clean bowl, mix sugar, salt, and butter.
- Add the egg and egg yolk, one at a time, then add the lemon juice.
- Cook:
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring continuously until the texture becomes smooth and thickens.
- Remove and Cool:
- Remove from heat once it reaches a thick, non-flowing consistency.
- Sift the lemon curd and place it in a clean container. Let it cool at room temperature.
- Store:
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Muffin Batter:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Prepare Sugar Mixture:
- In a clean bowl, mix sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the lemon flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Mix until the sugar is well dissolved.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix all the dry ingredients (flour, corn starch, baking powder, salt). Sift and add to the wet mixture in two portions, alternating with the milk.
- Combine:
- Mix until smooth.
- Fill Muffin Tin:
- Fill a prepared muffin tin with batter until 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes.
- Cool:
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Top with Lemon Curd:
- Once completely cooled, add lemon curd to the top of the muffins.
Notes:
- For an extra lemony kick, add a bit more lemon zest to the batter.
- Ensure the muffins are completely cooled before adding the lemon curd to prevent it from melting.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
18 minutes
Total Time:
38 minutes
Kcal:
Approx. 220 kcal per serving
Servings:
12 muffins
Ingredient Spotlight
Lemon Curd:
- White Sugar: Sweetens the curd, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the curd.
- Eggs: Provide structure and thickness, creating a creamy consistency.
- Lemon Juice: The star ingredient, providing that signature tangy flavor.
Muffin Batter:
- Organic Cane Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
- Lemon Zest: Infuses the batter with intense lemon flavor and aroma.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and light.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the batter, providing structure.
- Corn Starch: Helps to create a tender and soft muffin.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the muffins rise and become fluffy.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps to combine the ingredients smoothly.
Cooking Tips
- Zesting Lemons: Use a fine grater to zest the lemons, being careful to avoid the white pith, which can be bitter.
- Rubbing Zest into Sugar: This technique releases the essential oils from the zest, enhancing the lemon flavor in the muffins.
- Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the muffins tough.
- Even Baking: Fill muffin tins about 3/4 full to allow room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
- Cooling: Let the muffins cool completely before topping with lemon curd to prevent the curd from melting.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon muffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- For Breakfast: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a refreshing start to your day.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a midday treat.
- For Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
- Protein: Moderate protein content from the eggs and flour
- Fat: Healthy fats from the vegetable oil and butter
- Carbohydrates: Provides a good amount of energy from the sugar and flour
Variations
This recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences:
- Blueberry Lemon Muffins: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Poppy Seed Lemon Muffins: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Gluten-Free Lemon Muffins: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
These Lemon Muffins with Homemade Lemon Curd are a perfect combination of tangy and sweet, with a moist and tender crumb that makes them utterly delicious. Simple to prepare and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with family and friends, these muffins are a delightful treat that everyone will love.