Citrus Muffins

Fluffy Lemon Cream Muffins with Dreamy Decorations

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 15 muffins

A big part of the joy of cooking comes from adding a touch of creativity to every recipe. Today, I invite you to join me on an adventure to make fluffy lemon cream muffins, decorated with whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, orange zest, and wafer flowers. These treats are not only a delight for the taste buds but also a true visual feast! Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the muffins:
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1 small cup of oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder (for a marbled effect, optional)

For the cream:
- 250 ml of milk
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons (heaped) of flour
- 100 g of butter
- Zest of one lemon

For decoration:
- 250 ml of liquid cream
- Decorative colorful candies
- Wafer flowers
- Orange zest (optional, candied)
- A little grated chocolate

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This is an essential step to ensure even baking of the muffins.

2. Separate the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to whip the egg whites well to achieve a fluffy texture.

3. Whipping the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat with a mixer until you achieve a firm foam. This is the moment to add the lemon juice and sugar, continuing to mix until the foam becomes glossy and stiff.

4. Adding the yolks and wet ingredients: Gradually add the yolks, gently mixing to avoid losing air from the egg whites. Then, incorporate the oil.

5. Dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder over the wet mixture and gently fold with a spatula, using an up-and-down motion. You will achieve a soft and airy batter, perfect for muffins.

6. Marbling with cocoa: If you want a marbled effect, take a few tablespoons of the muffin batter into a small bowl and mix with a little cocoa powder.

7. Filling the muffin tin: Prepare the muffin tray with baking paper and pour the batter into each cavity, filling them about 2/3 full.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the muffins turn golden and pass the toothpick test.

9. Cooling the muffins: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the muffins cool on a wire rack.

Making the lemon cream

1. Boiling the ingredients: In a saucepan, add the milk, sugar, vanilla sugar, and flour. Stir constantly with a whisk over low heat to avoid lumps.

2. Thickening the cream: Once the mixture begins to thicken, stir vigorously for one minute, then remove from heat.

3. Adding butter and lemon: Add the butter and lemon zest, mixing well until the butter melts completely and the cream becomes smooth.

Assembling the muffins

1. Hollowing out the muffins: Using a knife or a corer, carefully remove the center of the muffins, being careful not to reach the bottom.

2. Filling with cream: Use a piping bag to fill each muffin with the lemon cream. Make sure the muffins are well filled for an intense flavor.

3. Decorating: Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm, then decorate each muffin with a dollop of cream. Add colorful candies, candied orange zest, grated chocolate, and wafer flowers for a special look.

A helpful tip

If you want to avoid wasting the hollowed-out muffin centers, you can place them in ceramic molds. Decorate them with cream and whipped cream, drizzling with a little coffee for a unique flavor – a delicious option that will delight everyone!

Nutritional benefits

These muffins are not only delicious but also packed with moments of joy! With a combination of simple ingredients, you'll get an energy boost from the eggs and sugar. The lemon provides a dose of vitamin C, while the butter offers healthy fats. However, be mindful of portions, as each muffin contains about 150 calories.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of lemon?
Yes! You can experiment with oranges, limes, or even peaches for a different flavor.

2. How can I keep the muffins fresh?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Can I prepare the muffins a few days in advance?
Absolutely! The muffins can be made a few days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Fill them with cream and decorate a few hours before serving.

Share your creation!

Once you’ve finished making these fluffy lemon cream muffins, feel free to share the recipe with friends and family! Every bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy cooking and savoring!