Print

Lemon Streusel Muffins Recipe

4.7 from 64 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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 12 lemons)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Mix Wet Muffin Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and fresh lemon juice until combined thoroughly.
  5. 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.
  6. Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Add Streusel Topping: Generously sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the surface of each muffin cup.
  8. 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.
  9. 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