There’s something incredibly uplifting about the scent of freshly baked muffins wafting through the house, and these Easy Lemon Crumb Muffins are a personal favorite of mine! I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe when I was looking for something light and refreshing to bring to a sunny brunch with friends. And let me tell you, they were a hit! These muffins are not only easy to make, but they also offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess from the lemons. Each bite transports me back to those carefree summer days, and I can’t help but smile!
What I adore the most about these muffins is their crumbly topping – it’s like a little surprise waiting for you with each bite! Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or even as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. Let me share how you can whip up this delightful batch of muffins in no time!
What’s in Easy Lemon Crumb Muffins?
Let’s break down the key players in this scrumptious recipe:
All-purpose flour: The foundation of our muffins. It gives them structure and helps them rise beautifully. I always opt for organic flour when I can!
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the muffins, making each bite irresistible. You can experiment with less sugar if you prefer a less sweet treat.
Baking powder: Our trusty leavening agent. It’s what gives our muffins that delightful rise and fluffy texture.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Milk: Adds moisture to the muffins. I prefer whole milk for creaminess, but feel free to use any milk you have in your fridge.
Vegetable oil: This makes the muffins moist and tender. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could substitute it with melted butter for an extra richness!
Eggs: They bind everything together and help the muffins rise.
Zest of 2 lemons: This is where the magic happens! The zest infuses the muffins with vibrant lemon flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a punch of tanginess. You could use bottled juice, but fresh is always best!
Vanilla extract: A little bit of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
For the Crumb Topping:
All-purpose flour: Again, the base for our crumb topping.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumb topping and provides extra crunch.
Cold unsalted butter: Makes the topping crumbly and rich. Cold butter is key, as it creates that lovely texture.
Cinnamon (optional): If you’re a spice lover, a dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the crumb topping.
Is Easy Lemon Crumb Muffins Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the good stuff! These muffins are a delightful treat, but like anything, moderation is key.
Lemons: Packed with vitamin C, they’re excellent for your immune system. The bright citrus flavor can also elevate your mood. Who doesn’t need a little sunshine, right?
Milk: Provides calcium and vitamin D, which are important for strong bones. Opting for low-fat or non-dairy versions can make this recipe a bit lighter.
With that said, they do pack some sugar and fat (thanks to the oil and butter), so enjoying them alongside a balanced meal is a good idea. And if you want to lighten them up, feel free to reduce the sugar or replace some of the oil with applesauce for a healthier twist!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful muffins (serves about 12):
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– Zest of 2 lemons
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Crumb Topping**:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Easy Lemon Crumb Muffins?
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well, because nobody wants muffins that stick!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until you can’t see any egg streaks.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Please, for the love of muffins, don’t overmix – we want these fluffy!
5. Scoop the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
6. Time to make that crumb topping! In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin. Don’t be shy; that’s what makes them so good!
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue here!
10. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious lemon crumb muffins!
Sweet Tips and Variations for Your Muffins
Want to make these muffins even more special? Here are my favorite upgrades:
– Add some **blueberries** or **poppy seeds** to the batter for a fun twist on flavor.
– Feeling adventurous? Try a **lemon glaze** on top after baking for an extra burst of sweetness.
– For a healthier option, swap out half the sugar for mashed **bananas** or **applesauce**.
I can’t wait for you to give these Easy Lemon Crumb Muffins a try! Honestly, they’ll brighten your day and make your kitchen smell divine. If you do whip up a batch, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Happy baking! 🍋✨
