Lemon Streusel Muffins Recipe
These Lemon Streusel Muffins are a delightful treat featuring a tender, fluffy lemon-infused batter topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they offer a perfect balance of bright citrus flavor and a buttery crumble topping that adds texture and sweetness.
- Author: Sienna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Lemon Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup flour and brown sugar. Add the cold butter pieces. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Combine Dry Muffin Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture.
- Mix Wet Muffin Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and fresh lemon juice until combined thoroughly.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Add the lemon zest. Stir gently and just until the dry ingredients are moistened; a few lumps are fine. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins light and tender.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Add Streusel Topping: Generously sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the surface of each muffin cup.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the muffin tops are golden brown.
- Cool Muffins: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender muffins with a light crumb.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for bright and authentic lemon flavor.
- The streusel topping adds a crunchy contrast—keep the butter cold for the best texture.
- Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing from the pan to avoid breaking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: lemon streusel muffins, lemon muffins, streusel topping, breakfast muffins, crumb topping, citrus muffins