Zesty Lemon Curd Muffins Recipe: Bright Breakfast Joy

Bursting with zesty sunshine, these lemon curd muffins sparkle like morning rays dancing across a kitchen counter.

Soft crumbs hide pockets of bright, tangy filling that surprise with each delightful bite.

Citrus lovers will swoon over the delicate balance between sweet cake and sharp curd.

Baking these treats feels like crafting edible happiness that whispers of summer mornings.

Tender muffins emerge golden and fragrant, promising pure comfort in every mouthful.

Whip up this simple recipe and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Lemon Curd Muffins For Zesty Breakfasts

• Burst with Tangy Flavor: Packed with zesty lemon curd and bright citrus notes, these muffins deliver an explosion of refreshing taste that will wake up your taste buds.
• Create Bakery-Style Treats at Home: Achieve professional-looking muffins with a stunning streusel topping and glossy glaze, making you feel like a master baker without professional training.
• Perfect for Multiple Occasions: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert that impresses family and friends with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting you experiment and make the muffins uniquely yours while maintaining their delicious core flavor profile.

All The Ingredients For Lemon Curd Muffins

• Egg Yolks: Provide the rich, creamy base for the tangy lemon curd.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty flavor to the curd.
• Lemon Zest: Enhances the intense citrus aroma and flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness and adds sweetness to the curd.
• Cold Butter: Creates a smooth, silky texture when stirred into the curd.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the muffins.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the batter.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.

• Butter, Sugar: Create a rich, tender base for the muffins.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the batter.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, sweet background flavor.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Reinforce the citrusy notes in the muffins.

• Flour, Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Create a sweet, crumbly topping.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the streusel ingredients together.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk or Cream: Create a smooth, sweet drizzle for the muffins.

Steps To Make Luscious Lemon Curd Muffins

Step 1: Whip Up Tangy Lemon Curd

Create a silky smooth lemon curd by combining ingredients in a saucepan.

• Egg yolks
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Granulated sugar

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens like a luxurious custard.

Pull the pan off the heat and blend in cold butter until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.

Let the curd cool completely.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar

Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture transforms into delightful crumbly clusters.

Step 3: Mix Muffin Batter Magic

Prepare your baking station by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a muffin tin with paper liners.

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda

In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

• Greek yogurt
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble Flavor-Packed Muffins

Fill muffin cups halfway with batter.

Drop a generous spoonful of lemon curd in the center of each cup.

Top with remaining batter until cups are about 3/4 full.

Sprinkle the crumbly streusel over each muffin.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Let muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Prepare a simple glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over completely cooled muffins.

Tips To Achieve Perfect Lemon Curd Centers

• Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother, richer curd with vibrant flavor.
• Chill streusel topping before sprinkling to help it stay on top of muffins during baking.
• Avoid overmixing batter to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Zest lemons before juicing to maximize essential oils and intensify citrus notes.
• Use Greek yogurt to create moist muffins without making them heavy or greasy.

New Variations For Lemon Curd Muffin Lovers

• Gluten-Free Lemon Curd Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the moist texture and tangy lemon flavor.
• Vegan Citrus Variation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and coconut yogurt to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of these zesty muffins.
• Low-Sugar Lemon Delight: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sugar content while keeping the bright lemon essence intact.
• Blueberry Lemon Fusion: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter to add a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the tangy lemon curd perfectly.

Lemon Curd Muffins Served With Fresh Flair

• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange these muffins on a beautiful wooden board with fresh lemon slices and sprigs of mint for an Instagram-worthy presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair these muffins with a light chamomile or earl grey tea, creating a perfect sweet and tangy afternoon treat that complements the lemon's brightness.
• Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside a creamy Greek yogurt or light cottage cheese to balance the muffins' sweetness and add a protein-rich element to your morning meal.
• Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle extra lemon glaze on top and garnish with candied lemon peels for an elegant dessert that transforms these muffins into a sophisticated sweet finale.

How To Keep Lemon Curd Muffins Moist

• Seal muffins in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Keep muffins at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for the most vibrant flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How do I prevent my muffins from becoming dense?

Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing develops gluten and can make muffins tough.

• Can I make the lemon curd ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare lemon curd up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it in the muffins.

Lemon Curd Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon curd muffins bring sunshine to breakfast tables with their tangy, sweet perfection. Creamy filling and delicate crumb promise a delightful morning treat you’ll savor down to the last crumbly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 6 tablespoons (90 grams) sugar
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter, cold and cut into pieces

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Instructions

1. Craft the zesty lemon curd by combining egg yolks, lemon juice, zest, and sugar in a saucepan.
2. Gently heat the mixture over medium temperature, whisking continuously until the consistency transforms and thickens.
3. Remove from heat and incorporate cold butter, stirring until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Allow to cool completely.
4. Prepare the crumbly streusel topping by blending flour, both white and light brown sugars, then integrating melted butter until it forms a textured crumb.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange paper liners in a muffin tin.
6. Sift together dry ingredients including flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
7. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and airy.
8. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
9. Fold in Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and juice to create a vibrant batter.
10. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing minimally to maintain a tender texture.
11. Layer the muffin cups: first, fill halfway with batter, then add a dollop of lemon curd in the center.
12. Top with additional batter until cups are approximately three-quarters full.
13. Generously sprinkle the prepared streusel over each muffin.
14. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean.
15. Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
16. Create a delicate glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk until smooth and glossy.
17. Once completely cooled, drizzle the glaze elegantly over the muffins.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-safe version of these muffins, ensuring the same tender texture.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie option without compromising flavor.
• Enhance lemon flavor by adding a touch of lemon extract or using Meyer lemons for a more complex citrus profile.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 130 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg