Name: Easy Lemon Curd Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (250ml) water; 1 cup (200g) sugar; 2 lemons; 1 ¼ cups (250g) sugar, preferably superfine / caster; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup (225g) softened unsalted butter or margarine; ⅓ cup (80g) lemon curd; 2 cups (260g) self-rising flour or see notes

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When life gives you lemons, why not make Easy Lemon Curd Muffins? These bright and buttery muffins capture every bit of sunshine and zing that lemon lovers crave, pairing soft, tender crumb with luscious swirls of lemon curd and the sparkle of candied lemon slices. Baking a batch is as simple as stirring together a handful of trusty ingredients, but the result always feels worthy of a special occasion—a treat that’s equal parts cozy home baking and patisserie magic. If you’re after a good mood with your morning coffee or need an eye-catching bake to share, Easy Lemon Curd Muffins are bound to steal the show and brighten anyone’s day.

Easy Lemon Curd Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how such familiar pantry staples come together to make these muffins so memorable. Every ingredient plays a special role—bringing tang, tenderness, or a pop of lemony color that makes Easy Lemon Curd Muffins absolutely irresistible.

Water: Used to gently simmer your lemons and create the syrup for perfectly candied slices.
Sugar: Adds the right balance of sweetness to both the batter and lemon slices, ensuring a pleasant but never overwhelming taste.
Lemons: The star of the show—fresh lemons provide both the fragrant zest for the batter and slices for that pretty finishing touch.
Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrusy aroma and flavor right into the heart of your muffins—don’t skip it!
Large Eggs: They give the muffins structure and a rich, velvety crumb—be sure they’re at room temperature.
Unsalted Butter or Margarine: Softened butter lends creaminess and moisture, and lets the lemon flavors shine through.
Lemon Curd: Brings a layer of creamy, citrusy decadence that takes these muffins over the top.
Self-Rising Flour: Keeps things easy and guarantees a light, fluffy texture—see notes for substitutions if needed.

How to Make Easy Lemon Curd Muffins

Step 1: Candy the Lemon Slices

Start your Easy Lemon Curd Muffins by prepping the stunning candied lemon slices. Simply scrub two lemons, thinly slice them (removing any seeds), then simmer gently in a bath of equal parts water and sugar. After about 30–40 minutes, the lemons will become gorgeously translucent and sweet. Let them cool on a liner—they’ll finish setting up and be ready for their grand muffin debut.

Step 2: Infuse the Sugar with Lemon Zest

In a mixing bowl, combine your sugar and freshly grated lemon zest. Taking a moment to rub them together with your fingers releases all the fragrant oils, infusing the sugar with natural lemon essence. This extra step levels up both the flavor and aroma of your Easy Lemon Curd Muffins!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the room-temperature eggs and softened butter to your zesty sugar mixture. Beat everything together with a hand or stand mixer until well combined, stopping to scrape down the bowl so nothing gets left behind. The result should be creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Add the Lemon Curd and Flour

Spoon in the lemon curd along with a bit of the flour. Beat again until it looks silky and everything is fused perfectly. Gradually mix in the rest of the self-rising flour—go just until the batter is smooth, resisting the urge to overmix, to keep your muffins fluffier.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop, divide the batter into 10–12 lined muffin cases. If you’re using the air fryer, set it to 325°F and bake for 26–28 minutes, checking with a toothpick to make sure the centers come out clean. For a traditional oven, preheat to 350°F and bake 25 minutes. Watch for those beautifully golden domes!

Step 6: Dress Up and Serve

While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with some of your reserved lemon syrup, then crown each one with a slice of candied lemon. The sticky syrup adds gloss and even more flavor, making these Easy Lemon Curd Muffins truly irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Lemon Curd Muffins

Garnishes

Elevate your muffins by crowning them with a swirl of extra lemon curd or a flutter of powdered sugar. Those candied lemon slices aren’t just for looks—they add a special candied crunch and sparkle that’s bound to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Lemon Curd Muffins with a scoop of vanilla yogurt, a fresh bowl of berries, or even a handful of roasted nuts. They also shine alongside your favorite hot tea or a frothy cappuccino for the most cheerful breakfast or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your muffins on a pretty cake stand, nestled in vibrant tulip muffin cases, or arrange them in a gift box tied with a yellow ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present. For a party, try mini versions for bite-sized zesty fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Easy Lemon Curd Muffins fresh by sealing them in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days. Thanks to the buttery base and lemon syrup, they stay moist and tender, making them just as inviting the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep muffins for longer, skip the toppings for now and freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just be sure to label with the date so you can enjoy a taste of sunny lemon whenever you crave it.

Reheating

To refresh your Easy Lemon Curd Muffins, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5–10 minutes. This perks them right back up, restoring that just-baked tenderness and making your kitchen smell amazing all over again.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd makes these Easy Lemon Curd Muffins even, well, easier. Just be sure to choose one with real lemon juice for the brightest, most natural flavor.

Is it okay to skip the candied lemon slices?

Of course—the muffins will still taste wonderful on their own. But if you have a few extra minutes, making the candied slices really elevates the look and adds a delightful extra-pop of lemon flavor.

How do I substitute self-rising flour if I don’t have any?

No worries! You can make your own by mixing 2 cups all-purpose flour with 4 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This works perfectly in Easy Lemon Curd Muffins and still gives you tall, light muffins.

Why do the eggs and butter need to be room temperature?

Using room temperature eggs and butter helps everything blend smoothly and creates a more even crumb. It makes your muffin batter lighter, which translates to fluffier and better-textured bakes.

Can these muffins be made gluten-free?

Yes, with a couple of tweaks! Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend plus baking powder, and be sure your lemon curd is also gluten-free. The muffins won’t rise quite as tall, but the flavor will shine just as brightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bake that delivers sunshine in every bite, you can’t go wrong with Easy Lemon Curd Muffins. They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to make any morning or celebration extra special. Grab some fresh lemons and give these a try—you’re sure to fall in love!