Simple Sweet Lemon Zest

Featured in: Weekend Basil-Home Favorites

These moist and fluffy muffins highlight bright lemon zest and juice, creating a sweet, tender crumb that’s perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat. The batter blends all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, gently folded to retain lightness. Coarse sugar topping adds a subtle crunch and sparkle. Baked until lightly golden, these muffins offer a refreshing citrus burst with every bite. Optional tweaks include lemon extract for extra zing or Greek yogurt for richness. Enjoy a simple, luscious treat any time of day.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:00:00 GMT
Golden-brown Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, with visible sugary tops and a bright, zesty aroma. Save
Golden-brown Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, with visible sugary tops and a bright, zesty aroma. | basilpeak.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 quickly became a favorite for weekend brunches and easy snacks. The lemon zest adds a fresh twist that everyone loves.

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

Product image
Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
Step 2:
In a large bowl whisk together the flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl whisk the eggs milk melted butter lemon zest lemon juice and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined do not overmix.
Step 5:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Step 6:
Bake for 1618 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
Step 7:
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Product image
Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Fluffy Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins sit on a cooling rack, perfect for a breakfast treat. Save
Fluffy Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins sit on a cooling rack, perfect for a breakfast treat. | basilpeak.com

My family enjoys gathering around these muffins on weekend mornings sharing stories and fresh baked goodness.

Notes

These muffins freeze well store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

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 If using packaged ingredients verify labels for potential cross-contamination.

Freshly baked Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, offering a tender crumb bursting with delicious lemon flavor. Save
Freshly baked Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, offering a tender crumb bursting with delicious lemon flavor. | basilpeak.com
Product image
Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.
Check price on Amazon

These sweet lemon zest muffins offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet with a tender crumb every time.

Questions & Answers

How do I get the muffins fluffy and moist?

Use fresh ingredients and gently fold wet and dry components to avoid overmixing, preserving the batter’s lightness.

What’s the role of lemon zest and juice?

Lemon zest adds intense citrus aroma while the juice brings bright, tangy flavor that complements the sweet crumb.

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?

Yes, swapping half the milk with Greek yogurt adds moisture and tang, while keeping a tender texture.

How should the topping be applied?

Sprinkle coarse or sparkling sugar on the batter before baking to create a crunchy, shimmering top.

What’s the best way to store these muffins?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer freshness.

How do I tell when the muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when muffins are fully baked.

Simple Sweet Lemon Zest

Moist, fluffy muffins with bright lemon zest and a tender crumb, ideal for brunch or a sunny afternoon snack.

Time to Prep
15 min
Time to Cook
18 min
Overall Time
33 min
Recipe by Hailey Evans


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 12 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll 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
05 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Topping

01 2 tablespoons coarse or sparkling sugar

Steps

Step 01

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate Wet into Dry: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Cool: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Advice

Look into all items for allergy risks and talk with a healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and butter. Verify packaged ingredients for potential cross-contamination.

Nutritional Details (by portion)

Details here are informative and do not replace personalized medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Proteins: 3 g