Awaken your senses with these Zesty Lemon Muffins, where the invigorating freshness of lemon meets the sweet undertones of honey, complemented by the aromatic zest of lemon and orange. Made with fermented milk for an extra moist crumb, these muffins boast a light and airy texture that makes each bite irresistibly soft. The perfect balance of sweetness and tang, these muffins are a delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of citrus in every mouthful.
Why You'll Love This: These lemon muffins are the perfect blend of zesty and sweet, with the added depth of flavor from the fermented milk making them stand out from the crowd. The optional orange zest adds a subtle complexity that elevates the overall taste experience. Whether you're a lemon lover or just in search of a refreshingly different muffin recipe, these zesty muffins are sure to impress with their moist texture, vibrant flavor, and hint of honey sweetness.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, these lemon muffins are a versatile option for any day of the week. Serve them at your next gathering, pack them for a picnic, or enjoy them as a delightful snack to brighten up your day. They're also a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family who appreciate the finer points of baked goods.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant finish, top these muffins with a simple lemon glaze, a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for a crunchy top, or a thin slice of lemon. To make them even more special, add a dollop of lemon curd on top or fill the centers with it for a surprise lemony burst. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few strands of citrus zest can also add a decorative touch that enhances their visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs (or 3 small)
- 130g sugar
- 50g lemon juice
- 25g honey
- 100g oil (any neutral-tasting oil)
- Zest of 1 lemon (and orange zest if desired)
- 100g fermented milk (like kefir or buttermilk)
- 200g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 6g baking powder
Instructions:
- Begin by whisking the eggs and sugar together until well combined.
- Incorporate the honey, oil, both zests (if using), and fermented milk into the mixture, followed by the lemon juice, stirring to combine everything thoroughly.
- Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together, then gently fold them into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your muffin molds.
Enjoy these Zesty Lemon Muffins as a delicious treat that brings a burst of sunshine and citrus flavor to your day, no matter the occasion.