Infused with the tangy freshness of lemon and the delicate crunch of poppy seeds, these vegan lemon-poppy seed muffins are sure to become a favorite. Simple to make, they're perfect for a mid-morning snack, an afternoon treat, or even a special breakfast. The secret to their great texture and flavor is a blend of unique ingredients, including mashed banana and coconut milk, which add a tropical twist to the classic lemon-poppy seed combination.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry items. However, two ingredients that you might need to look out for are coconut milk beverage and poppy seeds. Coconut milk beverage is a thinner, drinkable version of canned coconut milk, often found in the dairy-free milk section of your supermarket. Poppy seeds can usually be found in the spice aisle, but if you don't see them there, check the bulk section if your store has one. Remember, they are small and dark, so look closely!
Ingredients for Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
White sugar: Used to add sweetness to the muffins.
Lemon juice: Gives the muffins their tangy flavor.
Vegetable oil: Provides moisture and helps the muffins rise.
Lemon zest: Adds an extra lemony touch.
Lemon extract: Enhances the lemon flavor even more.
Coconut milk beverage: Adds creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor.
Flour: Forms the base of the muffin batter.
Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
Baking soda: Reacts with the lemon juice to make the muffins rise.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Mashed banana: Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
Poppy seeds: Gives a light crunch and a slight nutty flavor.
Confectioners' sugar: Used to make a sweet, tangy glaze.
Lemon juice (for glaze) : Adds tanginess to the glaze.
One reader, Dorree Stubblefield says:
These vegan lemon-poppy seed muffins are a delightful treat! The zesty lemon flavor perfectly complements the subtle sweetness, and the poppy seeds add a lovely crunch. They're moist, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. I love that they're vegan too - guilt-free indulgence at its finest!
Techniques Required for Making Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
How to prepare the muffin batter: Combine the sugar, lemon juice, oil, lemon zest, and lemon extract in a bowl. Add the coconut milk and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the sugar mixture, then fold in the mashed banana and poppy seeds.
How to bake the muffins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees F until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which should take about 20 to 22 minutes.
How to make the glaze: Mix the confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice together in a bowl to create the glaze. Brush the glaze on top of the cooled muffins.
How To Make Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
These poppy seed muffins mix an earthy taste with a sharp tangy flavor from the lemons. Serve this vegan version of the muffins for a healthier treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupwhite sugar
- ¼cupfresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2½tbspvegetable oil
- 1tbsplemon zest
- 2tsplemon extract
- ½cupcoconut milk beverage,such as Silk®
- 1cupflour
- 1½tspbaking powder
- ½tspbaking soda
- ¼tspsalt
- ⅓cupmashed banana,optional
- 2tbsppoppy seeds
For Glaze:
- ½cupconfectioners’ sugar
- 1tbspfresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9 muffin cups or line cups with paper liners.
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Whisk sugar, lemon juice, oil, lemon zest, and lemon extract together in a bowl until evenly blended. Add coconut milk and stir until well combined. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
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Stir into sugar mixture. Fold in mashed banana and poppy seeds.
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Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full.
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Bake in the preheated oven until tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 25 minutes.
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Mix confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice together in a bowl. Brush glaze on top of the cooled muffins.
Nutrition
- Calories: 192.26kcal
- Fat: 6.79g
- Saturated Fat: 2.70g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.19g
- Carbohydrates: 32.13g
- Fiber: 1.10g
- Sugar: 18.99g
- Protein: 2.18g
- Sodium: 159.91mg
- Calcium: 91.19mg
- Potassium: 97.92mg
- Iron: 0.90mg
- Vitamin A: 0.28µg
- Vitamin C: 5.53mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
When zesting the lemon, make sure to only scrape off the bright yellow outer layer. The white pith underneath is bitter and can affect the overall taste of your muffins. Also, to get the most juice out of your lemon, roll it on the counter before cutting and squeezing. This breaks down some of the fibers inside the fruit, making it easier to extract the juice.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to save time and ensure you have everything you need.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly mix the batter and incorporate the ingredients thoroughly.
Bake multiple batches: If you have multiple muffin trays, bake all the muffins at once to save time and energy.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to avoid wasting time searching for tools or ingredients.
Prep in advance: Prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator, so you can simply bake the muffins in the morning.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins Recipe
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that can be used as a 1:1 replacement for white sugar. It adds a subtle caramel flavor to the muffins.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a healthier alternative to oil, adding moisture to the muffins while reducing the fat content.
coconut milk beverage - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a substitute for coconut milk beverage, providing a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the muffins.
flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, adding a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the muffins.
confectioners' sugar - Substitute with powdered coconut sugar: Powdered coconut sugar can be used as a natural substitute for confectioners' sugar, providing a similar sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
How to Beautifully Present Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
Elevate the muffins with a stunning presentation: Start by placing the muffins on a beautiful serving platter or cake stand to showcase their deliciousness.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices: Add a touch of elegance by adorning the platter with thinly sliced lemon rounds for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Create a visual masterpiece with a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the muffins with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of sophistication and a hint of sweetness.
Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream: Present the muffins alongside a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a luxurious and creamy accompaniment.
Arrange on a bed of fresh mint leaves: For a vibrant and fragrant touch, place the muffins on a bed of fresh mint leaves to add a burst of color and a delightful aroma.
Drizzle with a delicate lemon glaze: Create an artful drizzle of the lemon glaze over the muffins, adding a glossy finish and a burst of citrus flavor.
Add a sprinkle of edible flowers: For a touch of whimsy and beauty, delicately place a few edible flowers around the muffins to add a pop of color and a hint of floral fragrance.
Present on individual dessert plates: Serve each muffin on a dessert plate lined with a decorative doily for an elegant and refined presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients, typically consisting of a long, narrow handle with a series of wire loops at the end.
- Muffin tin: A baking pan with individual cup-shaped depressions designed to hold and shape muffins or cupcakes during baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing ingredients, typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
- Sifter: A kitchen tool used to aerate and break up clumps in dry ingredients such as flour, as well as to combine and remove any lumps.
- Wire rack: A metal rack used for cooling baked goods, allowing air to circulate around the food to prevent sogginess.
How To Store and Freeze Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This will prevent moisture from building up and making the muffins soggy.
Place the cooled muffins in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If using a container, make sure to arrange the muffins in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.
Store the muffins at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze the muffins, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Freeze the muffins for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, if desired.
If you've glazed the muffins, it's best to freeze them without the glaze. You can prepare the lemon glaze fresh when you're ready to serve the thawed muffins.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the muffins once they've been thawed.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
To reheat leftover vegan lemon-poppy seed muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the edges are slightly crispy. This method will help restore the muffins' original texture and flavor.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins on the wire rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep an eye on the muffins to ensure they don't burn.
For a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds on high power. If the muffin isn't warm enough, continue heating in 5-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the muffin, as it may become tough or rubbery.
If you want to add a touch of freshness to your reheated muffins, consider brushing them with a little melted vegan butter or coconut oil before reheating. This will help keep the muffins moist and add a subtle richness to their flavor.
For a crispy top, you can also broil the muffins for a minute or two after reheating them in the oven or toaster oven. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Random Fact About Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
The lemon-poppy seed muffins recipe is a delicious vegan option that can be easily customized.
Is Making Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegan lemon-poppy seed muffins recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the use of coconut milk and mashed banana as substitutes makes it budget-friendly. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $10. The muffins are a delightful treat, earning a solid 8/10 rating for their affordability, simplicity, and delightful flavor.
Are Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?
This vegan lemon-poppy seed muffin recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. On the positive side, it uses coconut milk beverage instead of dairy, includes nutrient-rich ingredients like banana and poppy seeds, and relies on natural flavors from lemon juice and zest. However, the recipe still contains a significant amount of sugar and refined flour, which can be less beneficial for overall health.
To make this recipe healthier:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the sugar content by using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or date paste, or simply decrease the amount of sugar used
- Incorporate more healthy fats by replacing vegetable oil with coconut oil or olive oil
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for extra protein and healthy fats
- Experiment with using aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as an egg replacer to enhance the texture and protein content of the muffins
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutrient-dense and satisfying treat that still delivers the delightful flavors of lemon and poppy seeds. Remember, moderation is key, and even healthier versions of sweet treats should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Vegan Muffin Recipe
The vegan lemon-poppy seed muffins recipe is a delightful combination of zesty lemon and nutty poppy seeds, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The use of coconut milk and mashed banana adds moisture and richness to the muffins, while the glaze provides a tangy and sweet finish. The recipe's simplicity and use of fresh ingredients make it a wonderful choice for a vegan-friendly treat.
Enhance Your Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Vegan Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins Recipe:
This recipe uses fresh squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest to provide a burst of citrus flavor. The addition of mashed banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, while coconut milk beverage creates a creamy texture. The use of poppy seeds adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal. With a perfect balance of flour, baking powder, and baking soda, these muffins are guaranteed to turn out light and fluffy. The glaze made with confectioners' sugar and fresh squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy and sweet finish.
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