Description
These Lemon Streusel Muffins are a bright and tangy treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Featuring a moist lemon-infused batter topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel, these muffins bake up soft and flavorful with a delightful crunchy topping. They’re quick to prepare and bring a fresh citrus burst in every bite.
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour (30 grams)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
Muffin Batter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (125 ml)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tsp lemon extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (125 ml)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (63 ml)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour, using the fluff, scoop, and level method (250 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make Streusel Topping: Combine the streusel ingredients – flour, sugar, and softened butter – and rub together with your fingers until the mixture becomes dry and crumbly. Set this aside to top the muffins later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add Lemon Flavors and Dairy: Whisk in the optional lemon extract, buttermilk, and fresh lemon juice, incorporating them evenly into the batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then gently fold in the flour. Mix just until the flour disappears and the batter is slightly lumpy to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 11-12 cups full to allow the muffins to rise properly. Then, sprinkle the prepared streusel mixture evenly on top of each muffin.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake the muffins for 20-23 minutes until they have risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Watch closely as these muffins bake quickly due to their small size.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm with butter for the best flavor experience.
- Storage: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They are best eaten the same day for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- The lemon extract is optional but adds an extra citrus aroma.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
- These muffins bake quickly due to their size; keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
- For best texture, use softened, room temperature butter for the streusel topping.
- Store muffins in an airtight container and consume on the same day to enjoy maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
