Lemon Curd Muffins Recipe

Indulge in the delightful world of citrusy flavors with our Lemon Curd Muffins, a perfect blend of tangy lemon curd and fluffy muffin batter. These treats are not just a delightful breakfast or snack but also a nod to the rich baking traditions that celebrate the zest of fresh lemons. The combination of moist, buttery muffins filled with a generous dollop of homemade lemon curd, topped with a crunchy streusel crumb, and finished with a drizzle of sweet glaze, makes these muffins a true delight for any lemon lover. Whether you’re enjoying them on a sunny morning or as a comforting treat during the cold winter days, these muffins are sure to brighten up your day with their vibrant flavors and textures.

Ingredients

  • Lemon Curd:

    • 3 egg yolks
    • 1/4 cup lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
    • 6 Tablespoons sugar
    • 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into pieces

  • 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

  1. Prepare the Lemon Curd:

    • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, and sugar until well combined.
    • Add the cold butter pieces and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
    • Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
    • Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

  2. Make the Streusel Crumb Topping:

    • In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and light brown sugar.
    • Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
    • Refrigerate until ready to use.

  3. Prepare the Muffin Batter:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with paper liners.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute).
  • Add the sugar and cream together until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.
  • Finally, add the flour mixture and mix until combined.

  1. Assemble the Muffins:

    • Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling them about ½ full.
    • Drop about a tablespoon of lemon curd into the center of each muffin.
    • Cover with a thin layer of muffin batter, filling the cups about ¾ full.
    • Generously top with streusel crumb, gently pressing it to stick to the batter.

  2. Bake the Muffins:

    • Bake for about 25 minutes or until the muffin has set and the crumbs get a nice golden brown color.

  3. Make the Glaze:

  • Stir together powdered sugar and milk (or cream) until smooth. If too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add more milk.
  1. Drizzle with Glaze:
    • Remove the muffins from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
    • Drizzle the glaze over the muffins while still warm.

Top Tips

  1. Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated lemon zest are essential for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.

  2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.

  3. Chill the Batter: If you have time, chill the batter for about 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate and the flavors to meld.

  1. Piping the Curd: For a more elegant presentation, use a piping bag to fill the muffins with lemon curd.

  2. Streusel Topping: Make sure the streusel topping is evenly moistened but not too wet, as this can make it difficult to stick to the batter.

  3. Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk to achieve the right drizzling texture.

Variations

  1. White Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

  2. Blueberry Lemon Curd: Mix in some blueberries into the lemon curd for a fruity twist.

  3. Coconut Streusel: Add shredded coconut to the streusel topping for a tropical flavor.

  1. Citrus Zest: Use different citrus zests like orange or lime to create unique flavor combinations.

  2. Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the muffins.

  3. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the streusel topping for added texture.

Nutritional Guide

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Servings: 12 muffins
Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g

Additional Nutritional Notes:

  • The high sugar content in the recipe comes from the granulated sugar and powdered sugar used in the streusel topping and glaze.
  • The Greek yogurt adds protein and moisture to the muffins.
  • The lemon curd provides a tangy and refreshing flavor, making these muffins perfect for those looking for a lighter dessert option.
  • These muffins are best consumed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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