Name: Delicious Lemon Curd Muffins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: For Lemon Curd:; 3 egg yolks; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 6 Tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup butter (cold and cut in pieces); For Streusel Crumb Topping:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); For Lemon Muffins:; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 3/4 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 2/3 cup Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Grated zest from 1 lemon; 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice; For Glaze:; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 Tablespoons milk or cream

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances zesty flavors and sweet indulgence, then Lemon Curd Muffins should be at the top of your recipe list. These muffins are not just a simple breakfast option; they’re versatile and can easily transition into dessert, making them perfect for any time of day. The vibrant flavor of lemon curd infuses each bite with a refreshing tang that is both uplifting and satisfying. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a sense of accomplishment when you bake them from scratch, filling your kitchen with an aromatic citrusy scent.

Each muffin is topped with a crumbly streusel that adds texture and a sweet finish, creating a perfect combination of flavors. With their brilliant yellow batter and the glossy lemon glaze, these muffins are not just tasty—they’re a feast for the eyes too! Best of all? They are made using straightforward ingredients and simple steps, making them accessible for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. You’ll find that they make for a great sweet snack to accompany your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Curd Muffins

These Lemon Curd Muffins are not just delicious, but they also have many more appealing aspects that make them a must-try. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Amazing Flavor: The combination of lemon curd and bright flavors makes these muffins irresistibly zesty.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dessert. These muffins fit any occasion!
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these treats with ease.
Healthier Choice: Using Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice adds nutritional value compared to traditional muffins.
Impressive Presentation: Drizzling them with a glaze makes them look store-bought, impressive for guests!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into baking these Lemon Curd Muffins, proper preparation and organization make a world of difference to ensure success. Start by assembling all your tools and ingredients on a clean kitchen countertop. You’ll need a good-quality double boiler to make the lemon curd; if you don’t have one, a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water can work well too. Prepare your baking pans by lining a 12-count muffin pan with paper liners—this both prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

It’s also helpful to measure out all your ingredients beforehand. Having everything ready will streamline the process and help you avoid over-mixing the batter, which can make your muffins dense instead of fluffy. You’ll require some mixing bowls for dry and wet ingredients, a whisk for combining the lemon curd, and a spatula to transfer the batter. Lastly, keep a lemon zester and a juicer handy for pulling the bright flavors from your lemons. With all your tools at hand, you’re ready to create beautiful, delicious muffins!

Ingredients

To create these mouthwatering Lemon Curd Muffins, gather the following ingredients:

For Lemon Curd:
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
6 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup butter (cold and cut in pieces)
For Streusel Crumb Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For Lemon Muffins:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grated zest from 1 lemon
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For Glaze:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1–2 Tablespoons milk or cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

Start by making the lemon curd because it needs time to cool down and set. Using a double boiler, gently whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Keep stirring continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens, which usually takes around 10 minutes. Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat, add cold pieces of butter, and whisk until fully melted and incorporated. Transfer the curd to a jar or bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate while you prepare the muffins.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a muffin pan with paper liners. This step is critical, as it will help prevent the muffins from sticking and make for easy serving.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the muffins while keeping the dry ingredients light and airy.

Step 4: Prepare the Muffin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the room temperature butter until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Finally, gently fold in the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine just until you see no dry ingredients.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin liner about halfway with the batter. Then, take a tablespoon of the prepared lemon curd and add it into the center of each scoop of muffin batter. Gently cover the curd with more batter to ensure it’s tucked inside, then scoop the remaining batter equally across the muffin cups.

Step 6: Add Streusel and Bake

For the streusel, mix flour, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture generously on top of each muffin batter. Lightly press it down so it adheres to the batter. Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the muffins are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with milk or cream until you achieve desired pourable consistency. Set aside.

Step 8: Cool and Drizzle

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. After cooling slightly, transfer them to a wire rack. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the muffins while they’re still warm, allowing it to soak in a bit for added moisture.

Variations

Protein: Consider adding in some poppy seeds for extra crunch and flavor, or mix in some chopped nuts for added protein and a roasted taste.
Vegetables: For a unique twist, incorporate finely grated zucchini to the muffin batter. This adds moisture and nutrients while enhancing the muffin’s texture.
Spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a subtly spiced muffin that complements the tartness of the lemon.

Cooking Notes

Ensure that the butter is at room temperature before beginning to mix; this helps to achieve a fluffy muffin.
Don’t skip the cooling step for the lemon curd; if it’s too warm, it can affect the consistency of your muffin batter.
For more intense flavor, let the lemon curd sit in the fridge overnight before using it.
Be cautious not to overbake the muffins; they should be removed from the oven when they’re just golden and the tops spring back when lightly touched.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these muffins fresh with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast.
Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream as an indulgent dessert.

Tips

Experiment with different citrus fruits aside from lemon, like lime or orange, for unique flavors in your muffins.
These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or individually wrapped and frozen for up to a month.
For a stunning presentation, add additional lemon zest on top of the glaze before it sets for that extra zest on your muffins.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 210 per muffin
Protein: 3 grams
Sodium: 80 mg

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of making my own?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought lemon curd can be a great substitute.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, which should yield similar results.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the muffins cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?

If you prefer, you can use sour cream or regular yogurt as a substitute, though Greek yogurt generally provides a thicker and creamier texture.

Conclusion

These Lemon Curd Muffins are a fantastic way to bring a burst of sunshine into your day, impressing your family and friends with their bright flavors and delightful textures. The ease of preparation, combined with the joyous flavor profile, makes this recipe not only a delight to create but also a true joy to eat. Plus, with so many variations at your disposal, you can customize every batch to suit your cravings. So why not grab some lemons and get baking? We’d love to hear how your muffins turned out—feel free to share your experiences and any creative twists on this recipe in the comments below!