Lemon Zest Cranberry Muffins

Brighten your mornings with these irresistible Lemon Zest Cranberry Muffins, a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and refreshingly fruity flavors. Bursting with the zesty aroma of freshly grated lemon and studded with tart cranberries, these muffins offer a delightful citrusy twist on a classic treat. The moist, tender crumb comes together easily with a simple blend of pantry staples, while a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top adds a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 35 minutes, these muffins are ideal for meal prep, brunch gatherings, or a quick snack on the go. Discover how these fresh, vibrant flavors can transform your baking repertoire and elevate your muffin game!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 cup milk
• 0.33 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.

Step 5

Fold in the chopped cranberries gently, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a crunchy topping, if desired.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.

Step 9

Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1130.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2544.1

Total Fat 85.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 44.5g
Cholesterol 388.5mg	0%
Sodium 2300.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 414.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.6g	0%
Total Sugars 199.3g
Protein 44.4g	0%

Vitamin D 160.5IU	0%
Calcium 356.8mg	0%
Iron 13.9mg	0%
Potassium 976.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.6%

Protein: 6.8%

Carbs: 63.6%