Zesty Ginger Lemon Muffins
- Lauren Morgan

- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Bright, Spiced & Perfectly Moist! 🍋
If you love bright citrus flavors with a warm, spicy kick, these Ginger Lemon Muffins are a must-try! Made with fresh ginger, lemon zest, and buttermilk, these muffins are ultra-soft, moist, and packed with bold flavor.
The secret to their amazing taste? Cooking fresh ground ginger with sugar to bring out its natural sweetness and pairing it with a lemon sugar mix for the ultimate zesty, aromatic experience.
These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a lightly sweet dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Ginger Lemon Muffins
✔ Bright & Zesty – Fresh lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor!✔ Warm & Spiced – Cooked fresh ginger brings a gentle heat and depth.✔ Moist & Tender – Buttermilk makes them extra soft and fluffy.✔ Perfect for Any Time of Day – A light breakfast, snack, or sweet treat!
The Recipe: Ginger Lemon Muffins
Ingredients:
1 piece fresh ginger (4–5 oz.), unpeeled
¾ cup + 3 tbsp sugar, divided
2 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
¾ tsp baking soda
8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 eggs
Splash of Vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
📌 Pro Tip: No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes!
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ginger Mixture
In a food processor, grind the unpeeled fresh ginger until finely chopped.
Transfer to a small saucepan with half of the sugar (about ½ cup).
Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
Remove from heat and let cool.
📌 Why Cook the Ginger? This step tames its sharpness and brings out a subtle, caramelized warmth!
Step 2: Make the Lemon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the remaining sugar (¾ cup) with the lemon zest.
Rub the sugar and zest together with your fingers until fragrant and combined.
📌 Why Do This? Rubbing the zest into the sugar releases its natural citrus oils, making the flavor even stronger!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
Step 4: Make the Batter
In another large bowl, cream butter with the lemon sugar mixture until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in the cooked ginger mixture.
Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
📌 Pro Tip: Overmixing = dense muffins! Stir until just combined for the best texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (190°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
Divide batter evenly into the muffin cups.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
📌 For Extra Zing: Brush warm muffins with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar & lemon zest!
How to Store & Enjoy These Muffins
🥡 To Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days.❄️ To Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.🔥 To Reheat: Microwave for 20 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge!
Ways to Serve These Muffins
🍯 With Honey or Butter – A simple way to enhance the flavor.🍵 With Tea or Coffee – The perfect companion for a warm drink.🍓 With Fresh Berries – A fresh, tangy contrast to the spiced ginger!
Why These Ginger Lemon Muffins Are a Must-Try!
These fluffy, moist, and zesty muffins strike the perfect balance between bright citrus and warm, spiced ginger. The buttermilk keeps them soft, while the lemon sugar and cooked ginger technique create next-level flavor!
If you make these, tag me on Instagram @Weeknight_Homemaker—I’d love to see your delicious muffins!
Happy baking!
🍋🧁Lauren
The Weeknight Homemaker



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