Fluffy & Moist Lemon Crumb Muffins with Zesty Lemon Glaze
Experience pure sunshine in every bite with these fluffy and moist bakery-style lemon muffins! Featuring a delightful streusel crumb topping, baked to a perfect golden brown, and finished with a sweet-tart lemon glaze, these muffins are an absolute dream. You’ll find yourself craving and making this recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Crumb Muffins
Step aside, store-bought muffins! These homemade lemon crumb muffins burst with real, vibrant lemon flavor that simply can’t be replicated. Each bite is like a little ray of sunshine, offering a perfect balance of zesty brightness and comforting sweetness. They are wonderfully fluffy, incredibly moist, and utterly satisfying, making them an instant favorite for any occasion.
My easy Lemon Crumb Muffins recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a delightful breakfast, a celebratory brunch spread, or a quick, sweet grab-and-go snack. Imagine taking these fluffy treats on a lovely spring picnic in the park, adding a fun and delicious twist to your routine. Feeling the winter blues? Baking up a batch of these cheerful muffins is guaranteed to brighten your day and fill your home with an irresistible aroma.
These delicious treats owe their irresistibly soft and moist texture, along with a subtle yet distinct citrus flavor, to readily available ingredients like sour cream, fresh lemons, and butter. Plus, convenience is key: these delightful snacks can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand when cravings strike.
If you’re seeking more zesty desserts to tantalize your taste buds, be sure to explore my Lemon Sweet Rolls or my Lemon Cheesecake Bars! They offer another fantastic way to enjoy the bright flavor of lemon.
This recipe was originally shared as part of a special “Lemon Week” celebration, where talented bloggers shared their best lemon-inspired recipes. We appreciate the generous support of sponsors like Rodelle and La Tourangelle, whose high-quality products elevate our baking. Join us in exploring a world of lemon recipes, from appetizers to drinks, entrées, and decadent desserts!
The Secret to the Best Bakery-Style Lemon Muffins
When life gives you lemons, truly, the best response is to make these light, tangy lemon muffins, especially with that incredible crumb topping! The streusel topping isn’t just for show; it adds an irresistible texture and an extra layer of sweetness that makes these muffins even more satisfying and reminiscent of your favorite bakery treat.
The secret behind their famously light and fluffy texture lies in a specific mixing technique: adding the wet and dry ingredients separately, and then combining them gently. This prevents overworking the batter, which can lead to tough muffins. A light hand ensures a tender crumb every time.
Customizing these muffins with extra tasty ingredients is incredibly easy! For an added textural crunch and a classic pairing with lemon, consider folding in poppy seeds. If you love a burst of fruit in your baked goods, fresh raspberries or blueberries blend perfectly with the bright citrus notes, creating an even more delightful experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these muffins uniquely yours!
Looking for more amazing muffin recipes to bake at home? Be sure to try my Double Chocolate Banana Muffins, Spiced Glazed Muffins or my Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins!
Essential Ingredients for Lemon Streusel Muffins
This delightful recipe relies on a handful of simple, common ingredients that you likely already have in your refrigerator or pantry, making it easy to whip up anytime! For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card further down this page.
For the Fluffy Lemon Muffins
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our muffins, providing the essential structure that holds everything together and gives them their classic shape.
- Unsalted Butter: While oil can be used for moisture, butter is preferred in this recipe for its rich flavor and ability to create a tender, soft crumb, perfectly balancing the wet ingredients. Ensure it’s softened to cream easily with sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins, balances the tanginess of the lemon, and contributes to their fluffy texture by aerating with the butter.
- Sour Cream: A truly key ingredient! Sour cream adds incredible moisture and tenderness to the muffins, giving them that signature soft, bakery-style texture and a subtle tang that complements the lemon.
- Large Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a stable and flavorful baked good.
- Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest: The star of the show! Both fresh lemon juice and vibrant lemon zest are crucial for delivering an authentic, bright, and fresh lemon taste. For an extra fruity twist, consider adding other small fruits like raspberries or blueberries.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla perfectly rounds out the citrus flavors, adding a warm, sweet undertone that enhances the overall complexity.
- Baking Soda: Our primary leavening agent, responsible for creating the beautiful rise and light, airy texture of these muffins.
For the Irresistible Crumb Topping
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of our crumb topping, giving it structure and that coveted crumbly texture.
- White Granulated Sugar and Light Brown Sugar: The combination of these two sugars creates a perfectly moist and flavorful crumb. White sugar adds sweetness and crispness, while brown sugar contributes a deeper, caramel-like note and enhances moisture.
- Melted Butter: Binds the dry ingredients together, allowing the topping to form distinct crumbles and bake into a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the sugars and perk up the overall flavor profile, adding depth to the crumb.
For the Sweet-Tart Lemon Glaze
- Powdered Sugar: The finely milled powdered sugar creates a smooth, quick-setting base for our luscious lemon glaze, ensuring a beautiful finish.
- Melted Honey: Adds a lovely sheen and a slightly thicker texture to the glaze, while its natural sweetness beautifully complements the tartness of the lemon.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides the essential vibrant, zesty taste that makes this glaze so refreshing and perfectly sweet-tart.
How to Make the Best Lemon Muffins with Crumb Topping
My recipe for these delectable lemon sour cream muffins is incredibly straightforward and easy to prepare, perfect for bakers of all skill levels! For even more detailed instructions and helpful tips, please scroll down to the full recipe card below.
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tins
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F (220°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining each cup with paper cupcake liners, or by generously spraying them with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Muffin Batter
To prepare the muffin batter: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is thoroughly combined and creamy. Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, sour cream, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until all the wet ingredients are just incorporated.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Gently add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir *just* until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping
To prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Use a fork or your fingertips to mix these ingredients together until they form a coarse, crumble-like mixture. Don’t overwork it; a rustic texture is desired.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Evenly distribute the prepared muffin batter into the 12 lined or sprayed muffin cups. Once the batter is portioned, generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the surface of each muffin cup. Ensure a good, even layer for that perfect streusel crust.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully place the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175°C). Bake for approximately 22 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be beautifully golden brown.
Step 6: Cool Before Glazing
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven. Allow them to cool in the muffin pan for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps them set and makes them easier to handle before applying the glaze.
Step 7: Prepare the Zesty Lemon Glaze
To prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted honey, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the consistency by adding a tiny bit more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or a few drops of lemon juice for a thinner one.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the muffins have cooled slightly, generously drizzle the prepared lemon glaze over the tops of the warm muffins. The warmth will help the glaze set perfectly. Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful bursts of lemony goodness!
Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumb Muffins
- Don’t Overmix: This is the golden rule for muffins! Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, chewy muffins. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, with a few small lumps remaining.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a more even bake.
- Fresh Lemon is Key: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled juice simply won’t give you the same bright, vibrant flavor.
- High Initial Oven Temperature: Starting the muffins at a higher temperature (425°F/220°C) for the first few minutes, then reducing it, helps create that desirable domed, bakery-style top.
- Cool Slightly Before Glazing: Glazing warm, but not hot, muffins allows the glaze to adhere beautifully without melting completely off.
- Customize Your Zest: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor in your muffins, feel free to add a bit more lemon zest to the batter.
Storage and Making Ahead
These lemon crumb muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store wonderfully! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy them warm again, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds works wonders. The glaze might soften slightly when refrigerated or reheated, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for sour cream, offering similar moisture and tang.
- Can I freeze these muffins? Absolutely! Cool them completely (without glaze), then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving.
- What if my streusel topping isn’t crumbly enough? Ensure your butter is melted but not hot. If it’s too wet, add a tiny bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a few drops more melted butter.
Love it? Pin it!
Don’t forget where you found this incredibly fluffy lemon crumb muffin recipe! Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it for your next baking adventure!
Other Lemon Dessert Recipes to Enjoy
If you adore the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful recipes that feature this incredible citrus. From sweet rolls to refreshing pies, there’s a lemon treat for every craving:
- Lemon Sweet Rolls (pictured above, a truly irresistible breakfast or brunch treat)
- Blueberry Lemon Pull-Apart Bread (perfect for sharing and packed with fruity lemon goodness)
- Lemon Whippersnappers (a unique and zesty cookie-like dessert)
- Baked Glazed Lemon Donuts (a lighter take on donuts, bursting with lemon flavor)
- Lemon Raspberry Bundt Cake (a stunning and delicious cake for any gathering)
- Lemon Icebox Pie (a no-bake, refreshing dessert for warmer days)
- Lemon Blueberry Trifle (layers of creamy, fruity, and cakey goodness)
- Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls (another fantastic sweet roll variation)
Here are some other fantastic lemon creations we’ve shared:
Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars
Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta
Lemon Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
More Delicious Lemon Recipes from Fellow Bloggers
Inspired by the love for all things lemon, here’s a collection of fantastic lemon recipes shared by other talented food bloggers:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls by Fresh April Flours
- Grilled Chicken Piccata by Palatable Pastime
- Creamy Lemon Smoothie Recipe by Blogghetti
- Gluten Free Lemon Bars by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Lemon Tarragon Salmon by Art Of Natural Living
- Meyer Lemon Vanilla Shortbread Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Lemon Poppy Seed Thumb Print Cookies by Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Lemon Pasta by Devour Dinner
- Lemon Blueberry Cookies by Best Cookie Recipes
- Lemon Tea Bread by The Freshman Cook
- Homemade Lemon Cake by Simply Inspired Meals
- Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake by The Fresh Cooky
- Lemony Shrimp Pasta by A Day In The Life On The Farm
- Rosemary Watermelon Lemonade by The Spiffy Cookie
- Lemon Crumb Muffins with Lemon Glaze by An Affair From The Heart
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake by Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
- Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken by Jen Around The World
- Lemon Ice Cream by Lemon Blossoms
- Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake by Home Cooked Harvest
- Grilled Lemon Herb Flatbread by That Recipe
- Lemon Meringue Cheesecake by The Redhead Baker
- Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken and Gnocchi by Jonesin’ For A Taste
- Dragonfruit Lemonade by Magical Ingredients
Let’s bake up a tasty batch of muffins!
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Print Recipe
Lemon Crumb Muffins with Lemon Glaze
Equipment
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Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
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Rubber Spatulas
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin Pan & Cupcake Pan, 12-Cup, Steel
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Eoonfirst Standard Size Baking Cups Food-Grade Greaseproof Paper Cupcake Liners 200 Pcs (Natural)
Ingredients
- For the Muffins:
- 2 cups flour
- 5 Tablespoons butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon melted honey
- 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line 12 muffin tins with cupcake liners, or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
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To prepare the muffin batter: In a large mixing bowl, with a mixer, beat butter until fluffy. Add in sugar and combine thoroughly. Add in eggs, vanilla, sour cream, lemon zest & juice, and mix until incorporated. Sift the flour and baking soda into the wet ingredients, and stir until combined.
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To prepare the streusel topping: Combine the streusel ingredients together with a with a fork, until mixed and crumble-like.
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Evenly distribute the batter into 12 muffin cups. Top with the crumble topping.
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Place the muffins in the preheated oven. Reduce oven temperature to 350. Bake for approximately 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool muffins in the pan for about 10 minutes before glazing.
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To prepare the glaze: whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the tops of the warm muffins.