Lemon Raspberry Streusel Muffins

Craving a fresh and zesty treat? Dive into the delightful world of Lemon Raspberry Streusel Muffins, a perfect balance of tangy lemon, sweet raspberries, and a buttery streusel topping.

These muffins are not only bursting with flavor but also make for an eye-catching addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.

Let’s bake these irresistible treats that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients List

Streusel Topping

• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the topping.
• Zest of 1/2 a lemon: Enhances the citrus aroma and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping ingredients together and creates a crumbly texture.

Lemon Raspberry Muffin Batter

• 2 ¾ cups (344 g) all-purpose flour: The base for a tender crumb.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise to perfection.
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering.
• 1 egg: Provides structure and richness.
• Juice of 1 lemon, plus enough milk to fill 1 cup: Creates a tangy liquid base for the batter.
• 4 tablespoons unflavored oil (e.g., avocado oil): Adds moisture to keep the muffins soft.
• Zest of 1/2 a lemon: Adds a fresh, tangy aroma.
• 1 cup (120 g) fresh or frozen raspberries: Adds bursts of fruity flavor and color.

Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure your Lemon Raspberry Streusel Muffins turn out perfectly, gather the following tools:

1. Mixing Bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients separately.
2. Whisk and Spatula: To mix the batter and fold in the raspberries gently.
3. Zester or Microplane: Essential for zesting the lemon finely.
4. Muffin Tin: Standard-size tin with 12 cavities.
5. Paper Liners or Non-Stick Spray: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
7. Oven Thermometer (optional): Ensures accurate baking temperature.
8. Cooling Rack: To cool the muffins evenly after baking.

By having these tools ready, you’ll create a hassle-free and enjoyable baking experience.

Preparation Steps

Making the Streusel Topping

The streusel topping is a key feature that adds crunch and flavor to your muffins. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, flour, and lemon zest.
2. Add Butter: Drizzle in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly.
3. Chill: Place the topping in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the muffin batter.

Mixing the Muffin Batter

The batter forms the base of these delightful muffins, so precision is key:

1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, lemon juice, milk, oil, and lemon zest until well combined.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
4. Fold in Raspberries: Carefully fold in the raspberries with a spatula to keep them intact.

Assembling the Muffins

Once the batter and streusel topping are ready, it’s time to assemble your muffins:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line the muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
3. Add Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over each muffin.

Baking the Muffins

Achieving the perfect bake for your Lemon Raspberry Streusel Muffins is crucial for their texture and flavor. Follow these steps:

1. Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
2. Cool in the Tin: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to remove.
3. Transfer to Cooling Rack: Carefully transfer the muffins to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Use fresh raspberries for a brighter flavor, but if using frozen raspberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
• For extra tang, sprinkle a bit of lemon zest over the streusel topping before baking.

With your muffins baked and cooled, they’re almost ready to enjoy!

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Raspberry Streusel Muffins are perfect for various occasions, from a leisurely breakfast to a festive brunch. Here’s how to serve them for maximum enjoyment:

1. Warm and Fresh: Serve the muffins slightly warm to highlight the fresh raspberry bursts and buttery streusel topping.
2. Paired with Beverages: Accompany them with a hot cup of coffee, a refreshing iced tea, or a glass of cold milk.
3. As a Dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of lemon glaze for an elegant dessert presentation.

Storage Instructions

To ensure your muffins stay fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

1. At Room Temperature: Place cooled muffins in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. In the Refrigerator: Extend their freshness by refrigerating them for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore their softness.
3. Freezing for Later: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes before serving.

Final Touch

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. These muffins are sure to impress your guests and become a new household favorite.