Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Muffins
Meyer lemons have the flavor of lemons without the acidity. These Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Muffins are packed with delicious lemon and olive oil flavor and speckled with chia seeds for added protein.
I love citrus. It’s delicious in main dishes, desserts, baked goods, breakfast foods. I honestly love citrus of all kind. Ellen, from Family Around the Table is hosting and it’s all about citrus of all kinds. I was THRILLED when this popped up in the event list.
So, the other day, the hubs and I were killing time before heading to the local Pet Smart for their dog adoption event. We were just going to “look” and see what was available. I should have known…. That’s what we said last time, too.
Anyway, we were going to grab a bite at our local Whole Foods, have a beer, and then head to Pet Smart. We walked into the produce section and I just stopped at the citrus section. I had never seen such a large selection. Lemons, limes, kumquats, grapefruit, blood orange, car acara oranges in both pink and orange, and then there were the Meyer lemons.
I have never ever in my life seen Meyer lemons in real life. So, of course I had to buy some! I mean, how can I pass those up? Besides, they would be perfect for this citrus event.
For those that don’t know, Meyer lemons are lower in acidity than regular lemons. They were grown in China as an ornamental plant, but when important into the US in 1908, they gained popularity as a food item. However, they really didn’t take off as a popular ingredient until the 90’s. Who knew? I sure didn’t.
Meyer lemons are definitely lower in acidity and have a sweeter flavor than regular lemons, as far as I could tell. Even their zest is less pungent than regular lemons. They were the perfectly subtle flavor for these Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Muffins and allow the delicious flavor of the olive oil to shine through, too.
Of course, the hubs is like, SUPER sensitive to the lemon flavor in these muffins. “Yeah, I can taste it!” Just blows my mind. I think they have a slightly subtle flavor, but he’s all, “There’s definitely lemon in these muffins.” Honestly, it’s they’re not THAT lemon-y. He’s just uber sensitive like I said in this post.
What I think is a hint, he finds as overwhelming flavor. I guess it’s like me and cilantro, but it truly does blow my mind sometimes. I could waive a lemon over a cupcake and he’d taste it. Honestly. That sensitive.
You can see those flecks of Meyer lemon zest in these Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Muffins. There’s also the glistening glaze that packs a little extra sweet tart flavor on top of these moist and amazing muffins. The chia seeds adds an extra little crunch that you don’t expect. They also pack a little extra protein into these perfect breakfast bites.
What is your favorite citrus to cook and/or bake with? Have you ever tried Meyer lemons? Key limes? Kumquats?
Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Muffins
Meyer lemons have the flavor of lemons without the acidity. These Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Muffins are packed with delicious lemon and olive oil flavor and speckled with chia seeds for added protein.
Ingredients
For the muffins:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup nonfat yogurt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 1/2 tablespoon meyer lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon meyer lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
For the glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 - 2 tablespoons meyer lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons meyer lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
For the muffins:
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Combine the flour with the next four ingredients (baking powder through chia seeds). Combine with a whisk and set aside.
- Combine the sugar with the next eight ingredients (yogurt through vanilla) and stir well with a whisk. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Line 15 muffin tins with wrappers and lightly spray with cooking spray. Fill 2/3 full with muffin batter and bake at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the muffins from the oven and allow to cool in pan 5 minutes before removing from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze:
- Combine the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons meyer lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir well until combined. Dip the muffins in the glaze and allow the glaze to set before serving.
Breakfasts
- Lemon Poppy Seed Quick Bread by Pies and Plots
- Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Muffins by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Main Dishes
- Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Citrus-Glazed Scallops with Chunky Avocado Salsa by The Weekend Gourmet
- Lemon Lime Shrimp Cocktail w/a Citrus Yogurt Dipping Sauce by The Freshman Cook
- Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Orange Beef by Palatable Pastime
- Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken by My Savory Spoon
- Thai Lime Basil Chicken Stir Fry by Wholistic Woman
Desserts
- Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Beverages
- Homemade Grapefruit Soda by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Ruby Red Mimosa by Our Good Life
- Watermelon Limeade by From the Bookshelf
Very different, Christie. What a treat!
Thank you! They’re SO tasty! My co-workers loved them.
This muffin sounds like perfection! I cannot wait to try them!
Thank you! They vanished at work.
I’ve never tried Meyer lemons, but I saw some at my grocery store today! I’m going back to pick some up tomorrow. Your muffins look delicious!! Thanks for the little bit of history about Meyer lemons too. Had no idea.
I hadn’t tried them either, but they were delicious! The perfect flavor of lemon without being too powerful.
These look and sound delicious – must hunt down some more Meyer lemons!
They really are. The olive oil in there adds a delicious layer of flavor.
What beautiful muffins! I can’t imagine being so sensitive to lemon like your husband. I can never get enough citrus flavor!
Honestly, I waive the lemon over it. “There’s lemon in this. Too much lemon.” It drives me nuts.
I’ve been all abou tthe Meyer Lemons recently. I can’t wait to try these muffins!
I hope you like them!
Love the addition of chia seeds to these muffins. I was hoping you would post a photo of your new family member.
I may have IGd her. I’ll have to share more on FB. She’s a quirky on that’s for sure.
Never tried a Meyer lemon but I have a regular lemon tree that keeps me busy, these muffins look delicious, love the glaze.
You could totes use regular lemons. I used Meyer in hopes in that the hubs would like them more? Eh… I’ll just have to take what I don’t eat to work.
Olive oil has become my go to baking oil and it is especially nice in muffins. I always have a variety of citrus at home and meyer lemons need to become a more regular part of it.
I made lemon olive oil muffins once. I LOVE the flavor of olives in baked goods now. So so good. I wish I could find them more often here.
Who wouldn’t love one of these! I love the idea of using chia to boost the protein! Delish!
Most use poppy seeds. I thought chia seeds would be good! So, there ya go. They are good for breakfast, fo sho!
Meyer lemons are so good and so are these muffins! I always pick up some when I see them.
This is the first time I’ve seen them. I will pick them up again when I see them.
I’m all over everything lemon and these muffins look delish! I’ve never tried adding chia seeds, so I’m excited to do that. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have a HUGE container of chia I’m trying to use up. I thought instead of poppy seeds, they would be a good addition.
I see…they are sweet! They look delicious and I especially love the addition of the chia seeds. My hubby loves lemon baked goods so I’ll have to make these for him. Beautiful pics too!
Thank you! Yes, they are sweet. And the chia seeds add a kick of protein. Better for you then poppy seeds.