Soft and Fluffy Lemon Muffins with Cherry Filling 🍋🍒

These soft and fluffy lemon muffins are incredibly easy to make and require no mixer. Made with simple ingredients, fresh lemon zest and juice, and a delicious homemade cherry filling, they are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a quick homemade treat.

The combination of bright lemon flavor and sweet, juicy cherries makes these muffins extra delicious. If you love quick and easy baking, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

📝 Ingredients

For the Lemon Muffins

• 2 large eggs
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 130 g sugar (¾ cup / 4.6 oz)
• 80 ml melted butter (⅓ cup / 2.7 fl oz)
• 150 ml milk (⅔ cup / 5 fl oz)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon

• 110 g wheat flour (¾ cup / 3.9 oz)
• 100 g wheat flour (¾ cup / 3.5 oz)
• 50 g cornstarch (⅓ cup / 1.8 oz)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)

🍒 For the Cherry Filling

• 200 g cherries (1½ cups / 7 oz)
• 50 g sugar (¼ cup / 1.8 oz)
• 15 g cornstarch (2 tablespoons / 0.5 oz)
• Cold water, for dissolving the cornstarch

👩‍🍳 How to Make the Cherry Filling

1. Add the cherries and sugar to a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold water.
4. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the cherries.
5. Cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens.
6. Remove from the heat and let the cherry filling cool completely before using.

🧁 How to Make the Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (374°F) and prepare a muffin pan with liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, vanilla sugar, and sugar.
3. Add the melted butter and milk, then mix until combined.
4. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice.
5. Gradually add the wheat flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Mix gently until you have a smooth batter.
6. Fill the muffin liners partially with batter.
7. Add a spoonful of the cooled cherry filling to the center of each muffin.
8. Cover with the remaining batter.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean.
10. Let the muffins cool slightly before serving.

💡 Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
• Make sure the cherry filling is completely cool before adding it to the muffin batter.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• For a stronger lemon flavor, use plenty of fresh lemon zest.
• Always check the muffins with a toothpick before removing them from the oven.
• Allow the muffins to cool before serving so the cherry filling can set slightly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes. Frozen cherries work well for the filling. There is no need to completely thaw them before cooking.

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Yes. You can use berries, strawberries, raspberries, or another fruit with a similar consistency.

Do I need a mixer?

No. This recipe is designed to be made without a mixer. A simple whisk and bowl are all you need.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the cake portion of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

How should I store these muffins?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term storage, or refrigerate them if you want to keep them longer.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes. These muffins can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until ready to serve.