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Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins Recipe

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4.1 from 45 reviews

These Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, combined with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, these muffins strike a delightful balance between tangy and sweet. Made with Greek yogurt and olive oil, they offer a tender crumb without being overly heavy, and they come together quickly for a 33-minute total bake time.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
  • ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • Zest of 1 large lemon (or 2 small lemons)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1⅔ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Prep the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, Greek yogurt, olive oil, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  2. Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the poppy seeds. Then, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and gently fold them into the wet ingredients using a spoon or spatula. Mix just until the batter comes together, taking care not to overmix to keep the muffins light and tender.
  3. Fill the Muffin Pan: Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups. If desired, sprinkle a little brown sugar or slivered almonds on top for added texture and sweetness.
  4. Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for about 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free option, use plant-based Greek-style yogurt and non-dairy milk.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins; mix just until combined.
  • Adding a sprinkle of brown sugar or slivered almonds on top before baking adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • You can substitute olive oil with another vegetable oil if desired.