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Lemon Ricotta Muffins Recipe

by Jolina 76 Comments [This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.]

This lemon ricotta muffins recipe is simple, easy to follow, and produces the softest, lightest, most lemony muffins. The toasted almond topping gives the perfect crunch and texture. Perfect with tea!

Lemon Ricotta Muffins Recipe

We all love Giada De Laurentiis, yes? I used to watch her show Everyday Italian and would be mesmerized as she made cooking look easy, simple and just so glamorous (unlike the chaos that is me in the kitchen lol).

Giada’s lemon ricotta muffins recipe

Lemon Ricotta Muffins Recipe

Anyway, I’m excited because this is the first recipe of hers I’ve attempted to bake (Red cooks off of her cookbooks all the time, to great success).

She actually calls this her Nonna’s recipe so you already know it’s going to be special. Grandma recipes always are. And it’s perfect as expected. I changed very minor things – more as a personal preference. Let’s get baking!

Muffins vs. Cupcakes

Before that, did you ever wonder what the difference between a muffin and a cupcake was? I always thought frosting = cupcakes but apparently it goes deeper than that. Muffins are considered healthier and closer to bread; cupcakes are, well, mini-cakes. And it has to do with how they are mixed too. Regardless, we like both!

Lemon and ricotta

Lemon Ricotta Muffins Recipe

Anyway, back to these muffins. They are a treat for lemon lovers (and even for those who only like lemons a little bit). I consider ricotta as one of my magic baking ingredients (check out this Fresh Blueberry Ricotta Bars) and lemon and ricotta pair beautifully.

[clickToTweet tweet=”A most wonderful lemon ricotta muffins recipe” quote=”A most wonderful lemon ricotta muffins recipe”]

Toasted almonds

Lemon Ricotta Muffins Recipe

The original recipe calls for just sliced almonds but I decided to toast them – toasting brings out this unique flavor that complements the sweet and tangy lemon very well. So spend the extra 5 minutes and toast your almonds – you won’t regret it.

I also did not add any almond extract. I’m not a big fan – though you can add it back in if you are. What I did on the other hand was up the lemon flavour by adding more lemon juice and I love how this muffin turned out…hope you do too!

[clickToTweet tweet=”Soft, light, delicious lemon ricotta muffins. Perfect with tea!” quote=”Soft, light, delicious lemon ricotta muffins. Perfect with tea!”]

Lemon Ricotta Muffins Recipe

Print this recipe
September 12, 2016
by Jolina
Category Cupcakes & Muffins I love lemons! Recipes
This lemon ricotta muffins recipe is simple, easy to follow, and produces the softest, lightest, most lemony muffins. Perfect with tea!
Lemon Ricotta Muffins Recipe

Ingredients

    For the Cupcake:

    • 2 cups all purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 1 cup ricotta cheese
    • 1 large egg, room temperature
    • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

    For the Topping:

    • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

    Instructions

    1. Preheat your oven to 350F. Prep a muffin pan by lining with paper liners (this recipe yields 12 muffins).
    2. In a medium bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
    3. Using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until pale and creamy (about 3 minutes on medium high speed). Scrape the bottom and sides of your bowl and add 1 cup ricotta cheese. Beat until combined.
    4. Add the egg and 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until well incorporated. Again remember to scrape your bowl.
    5. Add your flour mixture about a third at a time and stir on low speed until just blended (the batter will be thick and sticky).
    6. Transfer and evenly divide your batter into your 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle with sugar and toasted almonds. Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with minimal crumbs.
    7. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (or you can serve them warm).
    © 2021 This delicious recipe brought to you by www.TheUnlikelyBaker.com | (c) 2016-2017

    (Recipe adapted from The Food Network)

    Happy baking!

    Did you give this lemon ricotta muffins recipe a go? Tell me about it in the comments section below. I’d love to hear all about it. Check back in on Wednesday – a chocolate muffin recipe is on tap.

    In the meantime, lemon lovers rejoice! There are more lemony goodness to be had:

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    Homemade-Lemon-Curd
    Meyer Lemon Curd

    Lemon Cake SB
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    Limoncello Cupcakes with Limoncello Cream Cheese Frosting

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    Filed Under: Cupcakes & Muffins, I love lemons!, Recipes

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalia says

      May 11, 2019 at 3:33 am

      Hello, I’ve made this recipe and it was delicious. Thank you !

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        May 30, 2019 at 12:28 pm

        Happy to hear that Natalia! Hope you’re having a lovely spring/summer 🙂

        Reply
    2. Fatima says

      September 16, 2016 at 9:53 pm

      Omg these look delicious. I can have 5 of these right now! Yummmyy

      Reply
    3. Ana says

      September 16, 2016 at 6:17 pm

      These look super delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I’ll add this in my fall favorite recipes!

      Reply
    4. Nina says

      September 16, 2016 at 8:07 am

      I love your blog posts, again these cupcakes look incredible! I love the colour cases you have chosen as well, they really compliment the colour of the sponge.

      Reply
    5. Marielle Altenor says

      September 14, 2016 at 11:25 pm

      The toasted almonds sound delicious over these muffins! I haven’t baked using almond oil, so I don’t know if I would like it or not!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 16, 2016 at 8:35 pm

        The toasted almonds are great! I didn’t use almond oil though so you’re good 🙂

        Reply
    6. Claudia Blanton says

      September 14, 2016 at 11:02 pm

      those sound so yummy! I am a fan of anything ricotta and toasted almond, so I will have to try it. I did not know what the difference between muffins and cupcakes were, always thought of it as an American thing, I just did not grow up with. Thanks for shedding a light on that subject, blessings!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 17, 2016 at 9:24 pm

        Thanks Claudia! It’s really just me I guess, I didn’t think the difference was that technical though haha. Sending good vibes your way too!

        Reply
    7. Jenna Colgrove says

      September 14, 2016 at 6:11 pm

      I could not dream up a more delicious recipe!!

      Reply
    8. Brian says

      September 14, 2016 at 11:56 am

      I like all the ingredients and would not change a thing. Thanks for clarifying the difference between muffins and cupcakes!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 17, 2016 at 9:26 pm

        Thanks Brian and you are most welcome for what I guess can be our little fun fact of the day lol!

        Reply
    9. Suchi @elegantmeraki says

      September 14, 2016 at 11:39 am

      Yaay!! lemon is back! I never had anything with ricotta and lemon combined, these look scrumptious!!!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 17, 2016 at 9:26 pm

        LOL! Ikr? I missed lemon too!! Dang all these summer fruits haha. Thanks Suchi!

        Reply
    10. Jessica says

      September 14, 2016 at 8:12 am

      You got me in the toasted almond! Loving this recipe. I need to try this and will pair with a cup of coffee and a book. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 16, 2016 at 9:47 pm

        Thanks Jessica! Ah yes, that sounds like the perfect day for me!

        Reply
    11. Elizabeth O. says

      September 14, 2016 at 1:25 am

      I never thought about the difference between a muffin and a cupcake, I always thought that muffins were thicker. I love muffins, they’re my go-to breakfast and these are definitely worth the try!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 16, 2016 at 9:46 pm

        Haha I may have too much time on my hands thinking about these things! We both like them, yes? And yay for muffins for breakfast!

        Reply
    12. Carrie says

      September 14, 2016 at 1:11 am

      These look amazing. I wish I could make them but we can’t find Ricotta here in Norway. ;(

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 16, 2016 at 9:42 pm

        That’s too bad Carrie. This might help: http://www.livestrong.com/article/427874-baking-substitutions-for-ricotta-cheese/

        Reply
    13. Anne says

      September 13, 2016 at 10:44 pm

      I love everyday Italian! I also love how simple and beautiful the plating looks in this dish!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:17 pm

        It was a great show wasn’t it? I wanted to be Giada (except I couldn’t cook lol). Thanks for the pin Anne!

        Reply
    14. Neely Moldovan says

      September 13, 2016 at 6:30 pm

      I love lemon muffins. I never thought about putting ricotta in them. Sounds delicious! This is for sure something to try!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:18 pm

        Lemon and ricotta is just a match made in lemon heaven! 🙂 Hope you like it Neely. Thanks!

        Reply
    15. Cynthia says

      September 13, 2016 at 6:17 pm

      I’m so baking these for my Nonna. The lemon and ricotta combo is an Italian classic.x

      Reply
    16. Shearly says

      September 13, 2016 at 5:34 pm

      THESE LOOK ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLY AMAZING!

      Reply
    17. Ana De- Jesus says

      September 13, 2016 at 4:27 pm

      These ricotta muffins look divine, I love lemon too so to me it would be the perfect mix!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:19 pm

        Thanks Ana! I had these taste tested by my friends (with the promise that they would give honest feedback haha) and I’m so happy they liked it. Hope you do too!

        Reply
    18. Mike shiangala says

      September 13, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      i got to try this one out for sure…

      Reply
    19. LaKisha Riddick says

      September 13, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      I’ve watched Giada too and love some of her recipes. She makes it seem so easy! LOL These lemon ricotta muffins look really moist and yummy. That ricotta definitely gives it a great texture!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:45 pm

        She does doesn’t she?? I mean, she doesn’t even get dirty while me on the other hand have flour on my hair LOL! Thanks LaKisha!

        Reply
    20. Janine Good says

      September 13, 2016 at 2:29 pm

      Yummy! I have never had a muffin with ricotta so this looks like an awesome recipe to try! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:46 pm

        Ricotta makes everything better me thinks 🙂 Hope you get to try it. Thanks Janine!

        Reply
    21. Nicole Escat says

      September 13, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      Wow! It looks so yummy. I want to make some this weekends for my son.

      Reply
    22. Michele says

      September 13, 2016 at 1:32 pm

      I do love the taste of lemons so this muffin recipe of right up my alley! Not sure if this klutz should try making them——-but I sure would like eating them!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:48 pm

        Hey…if THIS klutz can do it, so can you haha! 🙂 Hope you give it a shot Michele! Would love to hear how it goes.

        Reply
    23. Christine Tatum says

      September 13, 2016 at 1:32 pm

      I just know these will be amazing! I will be making these very, very soon! YUMMY!

      Reply
    24. Julie says

      September 13, 2016 at 11:54 am

      I’m not the best baker and sometimes i think it’s just laziness (haha) but once in a while I’m tempted to try recipes like these! It looks and sounds delicious!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:49 pm

        Hi Julie! Thanks! I’m still a beginner baker too and still learning and this is IMO the perfect recipe to experiment on…very high % of success lol.

        Reply
    25. Megan Ogden says

      September 13, 2016 at 11:34 am

      I’ve never in my life made cupcakes! Lol but these look so good!!’

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:52 pm

        Better late than never! 🙂 Thanks Megan! Hope you try this recipe (and like it!)

        Reply
    26. Jenn says

      September 13, 2016 at 10:54 am

      These look and sound so good! I love lemon anything, Im going to have to give these a try!

      Reply
    27. Liz @ Ready to Yumble says

      September 13, 2016 at 10:49 am

      Aw these are so cute and lovely! Love the addition of toasted almonds – toasting makes everything better. I’ll be honest, I’m still tempted to add frosting…even if that would move this into cupcake territory….but I’m sure these are amazing without.

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:54 pm

        Mwahahaha totally understandable 🙂 The line is so blurry I’m not sure it matters! Thanks Liz! (And yes, toasted = deliciousness. Almonds, coconut…bread lol)

        Reply
    28. Kim @ Three Olives Branch says

      September 13, 2016 at 9:21 am

      I love ricotta, this is a great idea! Sounds delicious and fresh with the lemon and almonds

      Reply
    29. Amanda Love says

      September 13, 2016 at 9:14 am

      Oh man these look really good. Have never had a lemon with ricotta anything before. I might actually give these a try. I’ll skip the almonds though since I’m allergic but my kids may like it on theirs.

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 13, 2016 at 11:55 pm

        Hi Amanda! Lemon and ricotta make a lovely pair. Hope you try it soon! (And yes, you can totally skip the almonds on yours, these muffins are still great without)

        Reply
    30. Sabrina Barnante says

      September 13, 2016 at 8:53 am

      Sounds delicious! Do you think this would be ok with mascarpone too?

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 14, 2016 at 12:07 am

        Thanks Sabrina! I haven’t tried but just remember that mascarpone is like very thick, very dense cream while ricotta is more like cottage cheese. So this difference will affect your muffin’s texture. As to the taste, I think your mascarpone version would be amazing. If you do decide to go ahead with using mascarpone, let me know. I’m so curious about how it would turn out!

        Reply
    31. Kortney // Allergy Girl Eats says

      September 13, 2016 at 5:21 am

      I have never questioned the difference between cupcake and muffin, but it is actually a fun thing to think about 😀 What would you suggest to top the muffins with if you have a tree nut and almond allergy?

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 14, 2016 at 12:11 am

        IKR? I mean, both are great haha. It’s just always been at the back of my mind I finally decided to google it. If you’re allergic to nuts I’d say just don’t put it on. Sprinkle with sugar and you’re good to go. Or perhaps toast some coconut for some crunch. That would be lovely too 🙂

        Reply
    32. Lisa Sell says

      September 13, 2016 at 4:56 am

      I ate something similar to this in a cafe recently and now you’ve provided me with the perfect recipe. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 14, 2016 at 12:14 am

        Awesome! Now you don’t have to pay for overpriced muffins haha 🙂 Thanks Lisa!

        Reply
    33. Tania Potter - Soul Sense Coaching says

      September 13, 2016 at 3:17 am

      I have been dying for a muffin for the last two days and these look divine. I haven’t ever made muffins with ricotta so I must say I am intrigued!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 14, 2016 at 12:16 am

        Hi Tania! It’s a sign! 🙂 Ricotta is a great ingredient in baked goods. Hope you try making these (and like it too!)

        Reply
    34. Lena B says

      September 12, 2016 at 10:35 pm

      These look so amazing! And absolutely delicious!

      Reply
    35. Stephanie says

      September 12, 2016 at 9:57 pm

      I love adding ricotta to desserts but rarely bake with it. Can’t wait to try these muffins (I’m a huge fan of anything lemon!!)

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 12, 2016 at 10:15 pm

        Ricotta is pretty awesome isn’t it? 🙂 Hope you like these muffins! And yay for team lemon lol! Thanks Stephanie!

        Reply
    36. candy says

      September 12, 2016 at 8:24 pm

      Lemon ricotta muffins sound delicious. I would have to leave the almonds off

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 12, 2016 at 10:15 pm

        Hi Candy! You absolutely could and just enjoy the soft and fluffy muffin 🙂

        Reply
    37. Melinda says

      September 12, 2016 at 8:14 pm

      This sounds super amazing….I needed to make these like yesterday!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 12, 2016 at 10:16 pm

        LOL! It’s not too late Melinda! This is a great weekend bake project 🙂

        Reply
    38. Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says

      September 12, 2016 at 7:43 pm

      These are so cute! What a perfect tea party treat!

      Reply
    39. Kari (Happy Coconuts Travel Blog) says

      September 12, 2016 at 6:00 pm

      These are a must try, holy YUMM!! Pinning for later!

      Reply
    40. Marissa says

      September 12, 2016 at 5:59 pm

      Well these look amazing!

      Reply
    41. Christel says

      September 12, 2016 at 5:38 pm

      Oh wow. These look so delicious!! This is definitely a recipe that I would like to try! Beautiful photos btw!

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 12, 2016 at 10:18 pm

        Thanks Christel! Hope you like them as much as we do! 🙂

        Reply
    42. Idriss says

      September 12, 2016 at 5:36 pm

      Oh my god this sounds and looks fantastic !

      Reply
    43. Rhiann says

      September 12, 2016 at 5:35 pm

      First off, can I just say your picture quality is absolutely amazing! What sort of camera do you use? Those muffins look so tasty aaah wish I weren’t allergic to nuts =( lol

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 12, 2016 at 10:22 pm

        Thanks Rhiann! I use an old Canon 40D (you can see all the gear I use in my Blogging Resources page). And you can definitely leave out the almonds and just enjoy the yummy lemony muffins 🙂

        Reply
    44. Julie Mason says

      September 12, 2016 at 4:37 pm

      I love anything lemon. These look Amazing.

      Reply
    45. Tammileetips says

      September 12, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      These lemon ricotta muffins look amazing!! I love lemon muffins, I love that these have

      Reply
    46. Anita Fonte says

      September 12, 2016 at 1:17 pm

      This are so cute and tasty. My daughter just saw the post and said to make it for her.

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 12, 2016 at 10:23 pm

        So happy to hear that! Mommy needs to make some muffins then lol 🙂 Hope you guys like these as much as we did! Would love to hear how it goes.

        Reply
    47. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says

      September 12, 2016 at 10:26 am

      I just always thought of muffins as a naked cupcake or cupcake’s less popular cousin, lol 😀 But, I seriously do love both. And, of course, these muffins are totally calling my name because of the LEMON! Love it. And I can just imagine how moist they are with the ricotta. Pinning these and making soon 🙂

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        September 12, 2016 at 10:25 pm

        Hi Dawn! I just always thought no frosting? Then it must be a muffin haha (which I realize is pretty dumb now). Oh yay for lemon! This is a lovely lemon recipe, hope you like it! Thanks for the pin!

        Reply

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