Bake Delicious Lemon Zucchini Muffins with Tangy Glaze Today!

Lemon Zucchini Muffins are a bright and delightful treat that combines the fresh, zesty flavor of lemon with the natural sweetness and moisture of grated zucchini. These tender muffins are topped with a tangy lemon glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, Lemon Zucchini Muffins are sure to be a hit!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Appeal of Lemon Zucchini Muffins

What’s not to love about Lemon Zucchini Muffins? The combination of bright, citrusy lemon and mild, sweet zucchini creates a wonderfully balanced flavor that’s hard to resist. These muffins are moist and tender, with a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. The lemon glaze adds a delightful tanginess that complements the muffin perfectly. It’s the perfect pick-me-up any time of day!

Why Use Zucchini in Baking?

Zucchini is a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into baked goods like Lemon Zucchini Muffins. Not only does it add natural sweetness and moisture, but it also helps keep the muffins tender and light. Zucchini is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy addition to these muffins. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies, especially for those who may not be huge zucchini fans on their own.

Ingredients for Lemon Zucchini Muffins

For the Muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup grated zucchini, slightly drained

For the Glaze:

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have plain Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute sour cream or even full-fat regular yogurt. For a dairy-free option, use a non-dairy yogurt alternative. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or juice. You can also try adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter. For a fun twist, fold in some fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside.

Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy. This should take a couple of minutes.

Add Wet Ingredients

One by one, mix in the eggs, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the lemon juice and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until the batter is smooth and well-combined.

Add Zucchini

Gently fold the grated, slightly drained zucchini into the batter, being careful not to overmix.

Combine Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough, dense muffins.

Fill Muffin Tin

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.

Bake

Bake the Lemon Zucchini Muffins for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until the glaze is smooth and drizzle-able.

Glaze & Serve

Drizzle the tangy lemon glaze over the cooled muffins. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then enjoy your freshly baked Lemon Zucchini Muffins!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Zucchini Muffins

Choosing the Right Zucchini

When selecting zucchini for your muffins, opt for medium-sized, firm zucchini. Avoid using overripe or overly large zucchini, as they can be watery and result in soggy muffins. Grate the zucchini just before adding it to the batter for best results.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough, dense muffins. Additionally, be sure not to overbake the muffins, as this can dry them out. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and use the toothpick test to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.

Storage Tips for Freshness

Lemon Zucchini Muffins will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini

Zucchini is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that provides a wealth of health benefits. It’s an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as manganese, potassium, and antioxidants. The fiber in zucchini can also aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.

The Role of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a protein-rich ingredient that helps keep these muffins moist and tender. It also adds a subtle tang that complements the lemon flavors. Greek yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which can support a healthy immune system.

Lemon: A Source of Vitamin C

Lemons are a wonderful source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and collagen production. The lemon zest and juice in these muffins provide a burst of refreshing citrus flavor and a healthy dose of this important nutrient.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Best Times to Enjoy Lemon Zucchini Muffins

Lemon Zucchini Muffins are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. They make a delightful breakfast or brunch item, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. These muffins also make a lovely afternoon snack, or you can serve them as a light dessert.

Beverage Pairings for Your Muffins

The bright, tangy flavors of Lemon Zucchini Muffins pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. Try serving them with a refreshing glass of lemonade, iced tea, or a citrusy mimosa for a special brunch. For a cozy pairing, enjoy the muffins with a steaming mug of Earl Grey or chamomile tea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long will zucchini muffins last?

Lemon Zucchini Muffins will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

How to increase lemon flavor in muffins?

To amplify the lemon flavor in your Lemon Zucchini Muffins, you can try a few things. First, increase the amount of lemon zest in the batter, as the zest contains the most concentrated lemon flavor. You can also add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter. Additionally, you can use more lemon juice in the tangy glaze to really make the citrus pop.

Does sour cream make muffins moist?

Yes, sour cream is an excellent ingredient for keeping muffins moist and tender. The fat and acidity in sour cream help tenderize the gluten in the flour, resulting in a soft, cake-like texture. In this recipe, the Greek yogurt or sour cream helps ensure the Lemon Zucchini Muffins stay moist and delicious.

Why are my zucchini muffins soggy?

If your Lemon Zucchini Muffins are turning out soggy, there are a few possible culprits. First, make sure you’re grating the zucchini and then lightly squeezing out any excess moisture before adding it to the batter. Overly wet zucchini can contribute to a soggy texture. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can also lead to a dense, heavy texture. Finally, ensure you’re not overbaking the muffins, as this can dry them out on the outside while leaving the inside soggy.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
• Zucchini Bread with Lemon Glaze
• Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Conclusion

Lemon Zucchini Muffins with Tangy Glaze are a delightful and flavorful treat that are sure to brighten up your day. The combination of bright, citrusy lemon and moist, sweet zucchini creates a muffin that’s simply irresistible. With a tangy lemon glaze on top, these muffins are the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack, Lemon Zucchini Muffins are a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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