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!
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
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
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
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
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
- Preheat your oven to 350F. Prep a muffin pan by lining with paper liners (this recipe yields 12 muffins).
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the egg and 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until well incorporated. Again remember to scrape your bowl.
- 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).
- 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.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (or you can serve them warm).
(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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- Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
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- Meyer Lemon Curd
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- Lemon Curd Layer Cake with Lemon Buttercream
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- Limoncello Cupcakes with Limoncello Cream Cheese Frosting
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Natalia says
Hello, I’ve made this recipe and it was delicious. Thank you !
Jolina says
Happy to hear that Natalia! Hope you’re having a lovely spring/summer 🙂
Fatima says
Omg these look delicious. I can have 5 of these right now! Yummmyy
Ana says
These look super delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I’ll add this in my fall favorite recipes!
Nina says
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.
Marielle Altenor says
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!
Jolina says
The toasted almonds are great! I didn’t use almond oil though so you’re good 🙂
Claudia Blanton says
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!
Jolina says
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!
Jenna Colgrove says
I could not dream up a more delicious recipe!!
Brian says
I like all the ingredients and would not change a thing. Thanks for clarifying the difference between muffins and cupcakes!
Jolina says
Thanks Brian and you are most welcome for what I guess can be our little fun fact of the day lol!
Suchi @elegantmeraki says
Yaay!! lemon is back! I never had anything with ricotta and lemon combined, these look scrumptious!!!
Jolina says
LOL! Ikr? I missed lemon too!! Dang all these summer fruits haha. Thanks Suchi!
Jessica says
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. 🙂
Jolina says
Thanks Jessica! Ah yes, that sounds like the perfect day for me!
Elizabeth O. says
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!
Jolina says
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!
Carrie says
These look amazing. I wish I could make them but we can’t find Ricotta here in Norway. ;(
Jolina says
That’s too bad Carrie. This might help: http://www.livestrong.com/article/427874-baking-substitutions-for-ricotta-cheese/
Anne says
I love everyday Italian! I also love how simple and beautiful the plating looks in this dish!
Jolina says
It was a great show wasn’t it? I wanted to be Giada (except I couldn’t cook lol). Thanks for the pin Anne!
Neely Moldovan says
I love lemon muffins. I never thought about putting ricotta in them. Sounds delicious! This is for sure something to try!
Jolina says
Lemon and ricotta is just a match made in lemon heaven! 🙂 Hope you like it Neely. Thanks!
Cynthia says
I’m so baking these for my Nonna. The lemon and ricotta combo is an Italian classic.x
Shearly says
THESE LOOK ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLY AMAZING!
Ana De- Jesus says
These ricotta muffins look divine, I love lemon too so to me it would be the perfect mix!
Jolina says
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!
Mike shiangala says
i got to try this one out for sure…
LaKisha Riddick says
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!
Jolina says
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!
Janine Good says
Yummy! I have never had a muffin with ricotta so this looks like an awesome recipe to try! Thank you for sharing!
Jolina says
Ricotta makes everything better me thinks 🙂 Hope you get to try it. Thanks Janine!
Nicole Escat says
Wow! It looks so yummy. I want to make some this weekends for my son.
Michele says
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!
Jolina says
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.
Christine Tatum says
I just know these will be amazing! I will be making these very, very soon! YUMMY!
Julie says
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!
Jolina says
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.
Megan Ogden says
I’ve never in my life made cupcakes! Lol but these look so good!!’
Jolina says
Better late than never! 🙂 Thanks Megan! Hope you try this recipe (and like it!)
Jenn says
These look and sound so good! I love lemon anything, Im going to have to give these a try!
Liz @ Ready to Yumble says
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.
Jolina says
Mwahahaha totally understandable 🙂 The line is so blurry I’m not sure it matters! Thanks Liz! (And yes, toasted = deliciousness. Almonds, coconut…bread lol)
Kim @ Three Olives Branch says
I love ricotta, this is a great idea! Sounds delicious and fresh with the lemon and almonds
Amanda Love says
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.
Jolina says
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)
Sabrina Barnante says
Sounds delicious! Do you think this would be ok with mascarpone too?
Jolina says
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!
Kortney // Allergy Girl Eats says
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?
Jolina says
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 🙂
Lisa Sell says
I ate something similar to this in a cafe recently and now you’ve provided me with the perfect recipe. Thanks!
Jolina says
Awesome! Now you don’t have to pay for overpriced muffins haha 🙂 Thanks Lisa!
Tania Potter - Soul Sense Coaching says
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!
Jolina says
Hi Tania! It’s a sign! 🙂 Ricotta is a great ingredient in baked goods. Hope you try making these (and like it too!)
Lena B says
These look so amazing! And absolutely delicious!
Stephanie says
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!!)
Jolina says
Ricotta is pretty awesome isn’t it? 🙂 Hope you like these muffins! And yay for team lemon lol! Thanks Stephanie!
candy says
Lemon ricotta muffins sound delicious. I would have to leave the almonds off
Jolina says
Hi Candy! You absolutely could and just enjoy the soft and fluffy muffin 🙂
Melinda says
This sounds super amazing….I needed to make these like yesterday!
Jolina says
LOL! It’s not too late Melinda! This is a great weekend bake project 🙂
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
These are so cute! What a perfect tea party treat!
Kari (Happy Coconuts Travel Blog) says
These are a must try, holy YUMM!! Pinning for later!
Marissa says
Well these look amazing!
Christel says
Oh wow. These look so delicious!! This is definitely a recipe that I would like to try! Beautiful photos btw!
Jolina says
Thanks Christel! Hope you like them as much as we do! 🙂
Idriss says
Oh my god this sounds and looks fantastic !
Rhiann says
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
Jolina says
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 🙂
Julie Mason says
I love anything lemon. These look Amazing.
Tammileetips says
These lemon ricotta muffins look amazing!! I love lemon muffins, I love that these have
Anita Fonte says
This are so cute and tasty. My daughter just saw the post and said to make it for her.
Jolina says
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.
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
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 🙂
Jolina says
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!