Muffins with Lemon Filling and Meringue Topping

These delightful muffins with lemon filling and meringue topping are a perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy. The base is a moist lemon cake, enhanced by the addition of sour cream and lemon zest which gives it a refreshing citrus punch. The heart of these muffins boasts a rich, tangy lemon filling made from a mixture of lemon juice, butter, sugar, and egg yolks, simmered into a luxurious curd. Capping it all off is a light and fluffy meringue, delicately toasted to perfection. Whether for a special occasion or a treat-yourself moment, these muffins are bound to impress with their layered flavors and textures. Not only do they taste divine, but they are also visually appealing with their golden meringue caps. The preparation process is straightforward, ensuring a fun baking experience. Serve these muffins as a delightful dessert or a satisfying afternoon snack with your favorite cup of tea.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 package lemon cake mix
160 ml water
110 ml oil
70 g sour cream
1 tbsp grated lemon zest

For the Filling

100 g sugar
80 ml lemon juice
80 g butter
4 egg yolks

For the Meringue Topping

2 egg whites
100 g powdered sugar

Preparation Time

230 minutes (including chilling and cooling time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a bowl, combine oil, grated lemon zest, sour cream, and water.
Add the lemon cake mix to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
Fill muffin paper cups almost to the top with the batter.
Bake the muffins in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes. Allow them to cool.
For the filling, heat lemon juice, egg yolks, and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 8-9 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully incorporated. Let the filling cool and thicken for 2-3 hours.
Cut a 1.5 cm diameter circle from the middle of each muffin and fill it with the lemon mixture.
Place the top of the removed muffin core back as a lid.
To make the meringue, beat the egg whites for a minute using a mixer.
Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Spoon the meringue onto the tops of the filled muffins.
Set the oven to 150°C and gently place the muffins inside, keeping the door slightly ajar.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the meringue becomes firm.

Tips

**Ensure** that the meringue is stiff, not runny, before applying it to the muffins.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
If you don’t have lemon zest, you can grate the peel of a fresh lemon.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 280 per muffin
Protein: 4 g
Fats: 14 g
Carbs: 35 g

Variations

For a **gluten-free** option, use a gluten-free cake mix.
Add a touch of vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
Substitute lime for lemon for a different citrus twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Pair with a hot cup of green tea or chamomile tea.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added color.

Best Places

Lemon Tree Café - Known for its citrus-themed desserts. Location: 123 Citrus Lane, New York, USA.
Sweet Tooth Bakery - Great selection of unique muffins. Location: 456 Dessert Drive, Paris, France.
Patisserie Jolie - Famous for its exquisite meringues. Location: 789 Pastry Avenue, London, UK.
La Dolce Vita - Italian-inspired sweet treats. Location: 101 Gelato Street, Rome, Italy.
Sunny Side Bistro - Perfect for brunch and baked goods. Location: 202 Brunch Boulevard, San Francisco, USA.
Zest & Zing - Specializes in citrus-based desserts. Location: 303 Citrus Court, Sydney, Australia.
Citron Cadeau - Renowned for lemon delicacies. Location: 404 Lemon Lane, Montreal, Canada.
Meringue Magic - Offers a variety of meringue treats. Location: 505 Sweet Stroll, Cape Town, South Africa.
Lemon & Thyme - Combines aromatic flavors with desserts. Location: 606 Flavor Street, Tokyo, Japan.
Filling Fever - Known for creative fillings in baked goods. Location: 707 Doughnut Drive, Berlin, Germany.