Meyer Lemon Muffins

🛒 Ingredients Needed:

• all purpose flour
• baking powder, baking soda and salt
• granulated white sugar
• butter
• unsweetened applesauce
• Meyer lemon juice and zest
• low fat ricotta cheese
• egg
• almond extract
• sliced almonds
• lemon wedges and sparkling sugar, optional

What are Meyer Lemons?

They are thought to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. Unlike a sour-tasting traditional lemon, Meyer lemons are slightly sweet. They have a smoother skin, and they are more fragrant. They are seasonal, so you’ll usually be able to find them in your market December through May.

✏️ How to make Meyer Lemon Muffins

*The complete, printable recipe is in the recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or spray with nonstick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat sugar, butter, applesauce, and zest until light and fluffy. Beat in the ricotta, then egg, lemon juice and almond extract. Stir in the dry ingredients just until blended.
4. Using an ice cream scoop, divide the batter among the muffin cups. If using the tiny lemon wedges, place one in the center of each muffin. Sprinkle some almonds around the lemon wedge. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar, if desired.
5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until the muffins test done (a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean).
6. Place on a wire rack to cool. 

➡️ Tips and Substitutions:

• I know that someone will ask if they can use regular old sour lemons in this recipe. I haven’t tried making these muffins with traditional lemons, but it will probably work. Understand that they might have a different taste than I’ve described. Meyers do give off a substantially different flavor than regular sour lemons. But since this recipe calls for a minimal amount of the actual lemon juice, you’re probably okay to try it with plain old lemons.
• If there is a nut allergy, the almond part of the muffins may be left out entirely. It’s okay to sub vanilla extract for the almonds and then leave the sliced almonds off the tops of the muffins.
• Oil may be substituted for the applesauce.
• Try using half whole wheat flour and half all purpose.

✔️ How to store Meyer Lemon Muffins:

Meyer Lemon Muffins can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days in an airtight container. Line a container with a paper towel. Set the muffins on top of the paper towel. Place another paper towel on top of the muffins. Then seal the container. This method helps keep the muffins tasting fresh, and it will prevent moisture from making its way into the muffins and giving them a soggy texture. These muffins will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days at room temperature.

To freeze muffins, store in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw and enjoy them, as desired.

Delicious muffin recipes:

• Bakery Style Blueberry Muffins
• Chocolate Muffins
• Snickerdoodle Muffins
• Buttermilk Raisin Bran Muffins
• Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins