Description
These Lemon Curd Muffins are a delightful treat featuring a moist, tender crumb infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, filled with a luscious homemade lemon curd center, and topped with a crunchy streusel crumb and a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a refreshing dessert, they combine bright citrus flavors with a buttery topping and a sweet drizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Make Lemon Curd: Prepare the lemon curd ahead of time as it needs to cool and set completely before use.
- Double Boiler Setup: Use a double boiler to cook the lemon curd to prevent burning. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer, placing the top pot or heatproof bowl on top.
- Whisk Ingredients: In the top pot, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Cook until Thickened: Stir the mixture continuously for about 10 minutes until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Add Butter: Remove from heat and whisk in the cold butter pieces until fully melted and incorporated.
- Cool Curds: Pour the lemon curd into a jar or bowl and cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill until set.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter until smooth, then add sugar and cream together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and Greek yogurt to the creamed mixture and mix just until combined.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice until evenly incorporated.
- Combine Flour Mixture: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about half full.
- Add Lemon Curd Filling: Place about one tablespoon of the chilled lemon curd into the center of each filled muffin cup.
- Top with Batter: Cover the lemon curd with the remaining muffin batter, filling the cups nearly to the top.
- Apply Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the streusel crumb topping evenly over each muffin and gently press to help it stick.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the muffins are set, a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with moist crumbs, and the tops are golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze: While muffins bake or cool, whisk together powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Muffins: Once muffins are cool enough, drizzle the glaze over the tops for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Making the lemon curd ahead is essential as it needs adequate cooling time for the filling to set properly.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Do not overmix the muffin batter to keep the muffins tender.
- Streusel topping adds a delightful crunch; ensure the butter is fully melted for even mixing.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweetness and finishing touch to the muffins.
- Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American