Simple Sweet Lemon Zest

Featured in: Weekend Bright-Home Favorites

These moist, fluffy muffins showcase a burst of bright lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice, creating a tender crumb with a sweet finish. Combining all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sugar with rich eggs and butter, this batter is gently folded to avoid overmixing, ensuring a light texture. Baked to golden perfection and optionally topped with sparkling sugar, these treats fit perfectly into a sunny brunch or an afternoon indulgence. Variations include adding lemon extract for extra zing or yogurt for a tangier bite. Freezing keeps them fresh for months.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT
Fluffy Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, golden brown and sprinkled with sugar, make a perfect breakfast. Save to Pinterest
Fluffy Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, golden brown and sprinkled with sugar, make a perfect breakfast. | poppyfork.com

Moist, fluffy muffins bursting with bright lemon flavor and a sweet, tender crumb&perfect for a sunny brunch or an afternoon treat.

This recipe has become my go-to for weekend mornings when I want something easy yet impressive.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 2 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest (about 2 medium lemons), 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Optional Topping: 2 tbsp coarse or sparkling sugar

Instructions

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Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl whisk together the flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl whisk the eggs milk melted butter lemon zest lemon juice and vanilla extract until well combined
Combine:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined do not overmix
Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired
Bake:
Bake for 16 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden
Cool:
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Product image
Dries dishes, utensils, and cookware neatly after cooking, keeping your countertop organized and clutter free.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Dries dishes, utensils, and cookware neatly after cooking, keeping your countertop organized and clutter free.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up of fresh, homemade Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, showcasing a tender interior texture. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of fresh, homemade Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, showcasing a tender interior texture. | poppyfork.com

My family loves sharing these muffins on lazy Sunday mornings—it’s our little tradition now.

Required Tools

12-cup muffin tin Mixing bowls Whisk Spatula Measuring cups and spoons Zester or fine grater

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten) Butter Verify labels for potential cross-contamination

Nutritional Information

Calories 180 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 26 g Protein 3 g per muffin

Enjoy the bright, zesty aroma of these delicious Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, served warm from the oven. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy the bright, zesty aroma of these delicious Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, served warm from the oven. | poppyfork.com
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Keep spatulas, spoons, and cooking tools organized and within reach while preparing meals.
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Enjoy these simple sweet lemon zest muffins fresh or store them airtight for lasting freshness.

Recipe Questions

How do I ensure the muffins stay moist?

Using melted butter and fresh lemon juice combined with eggs helps retain moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep a tender crumb.

Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary needs?

Yes, replacing half the milk with Greek yogurt adds tang and richness while maintaining texture.

What is the best method to incorporate lemon zest flavor?

Freshly grated lemon zest combined with lemon juice provides a bright, natural citrus flavor infused throughout the batter.

How do I prevent the muffins from overbaking?

Check with a toothpick inserted in the center after 16 minutes; it should come out clean. Remove muffins once tops turn lightly golden.

Can these muffins be frozen for later use?

Yes, store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to two months to preserve freshness and flavor.

Simple Sweet Lemon Zest

Fluffy, moist muffins bursting with bright lemon zest and a tender crumb, ideal for brunch or a treat.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
18 min
Overall Time
33 min
Created by Cooper Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Number of Servings

Diet Tags Vegetarian

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 1/2 cup whole milk
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
04 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
05 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Topping

01 2 tablespoons coarse or sparkling sugar

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing with butter.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.

Step 04

Incorporate Wet into Dry: Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gently with a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain fluffiness.

Step 05

Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle tops with coarse sugar if desired.

Step 06

Bake: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and tops turn lightly golden.

Step 07

Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tools Needed

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or fine grater

Allergy Info

Review all ingredient labels for allergen risks and talk to a doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and butter. Verify labels for potential cross-contamination if using packaged ingredients.

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Total Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Proteins: 3 g