Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
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Brighten up your morning with these homemade lemon poppy seed muffins! They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday treat. A sprinkle of poppy seeds adds a little crunch, making every bite both refreshing and satisfying. These muffins are easy to make and sure to become a family favorite!
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins Ingredients
You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples for this recipe:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best!)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Do You Make Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins?
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
Step 4: Stir in the melted butter, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently, just until combined—don’t over-mix or your muffins might turn out dense.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 7: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Nutrition Information (per muffin)
- Calories: ~200
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
Tips for Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
- Don’t skip the lemon zest! It packs a punch of citrus flavor you just can’t get from juice alone.
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh lemons, good-quality butter, and fresh poppy seeds make all the difference.
- Don’t over-mix. For light, fluffy muffins, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
- Check for doneness. Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Lemon poppy seed muffins are a classic for a reason! The combination of tangy lemon and crunchy poppy seeds is bright, refreshing, and perfect for spring—but honestly, I make these year-round. The sour cream keeps them super moist and tender, while the butter adds a rich flavor that can’t be beat. These muffins are easy to customize and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Make It Your Own
- Add a glaze: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze (mix powdered sugar and lemon juice) for an extra pop of sweetness and shine.
- Swap the citrus: Try orange or lime zest and juice for a fun twist.
- Mix in berries: Blueberries or raspberries are delicious stirred into the batter.
- Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt in place of the butter and sour cream.
Storing and Freezing
Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up.
The Secret to the Best Muffins
The secret to bakery-style lemon poppy seed muffins is all in the texture. Sour cream keeps them moist, while the combination of baking powder and soda helps them rise tall and fluffy. Don’t forget the fresh lemon zest for that irresistible aroma and flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works great in place of sour cream and will give you a similar texture and tang.
How do I keep my muffins from sticking to the liners?
Let them cool for at least 5 minutes in the pan before removing, or use parchment paper liners for easy release.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
The Bottom Line
Homemade lemon poppy seed muffins are a simple, delicious way to bring a little sunshine to your table. With their bright flavor, fluffy crumb, and crunchy poppy seeds, they’re a treat everyone will love. Whip up a batch for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up!
