Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are a quick & easy breakfast recipe for the whole family. Great for weekend mornings with coffee or when rushing off to work. So good!

Who loves lemon? We really love lemon & poppy seeds & so I’m always looking for new and creative ways to add that combo to our daily menu.

This post was originally written in 2012 and has since been updated with additional text and images.

Since I’m all about homemade breakfast recipes like blueberry granola cereal, easy banana bread & homemade muffins, I just had to whip up a batch of these Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins over the weekend to start our days off right.

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Sometimes I like to add a lemony glaze over the top of these. But most of the time they are just perfect right out of the oven when they are just a little bit warm still.

Paired with a cup of yogurt or a smoothie- you have yourself one awesome breakfast. My kids love having these because they are on the go more than ever & these help them stay nourished without taking a lot of time. Muffins are such great grab-n-go food & we all love them!

muffin recipes

This recipe makes one dozen, so a lot of times I will double or triple it so we have breakfast already made to last through the week.

It doesn’t take me any longer to whip them up & then I don’t have to think about breakfast all week long. So perfect for these hectic weekday mornings.

Here are some commonly asked questions

What are lemon poppy seed muffins?

Lemon poppy seed muffins are a type of quick bread that is made with lemon juice, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. These muffins are typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

What do lemon poppy seed muffins taste like?

Lemon poppy seed muffins have a bright, zesty flavor that is infused with the slightly nutty flavor of poppy seeds. They are often described as being sweet, tangy, and deliciously aromatic.

Can lemon poppy seed muffins be made gluten-free?

Yes, lemon poppy seed muffins can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Additionally, you can use a gluten-free lemon poppy seed muffin mix for even easier preparation.

When using a gluten-free flour blend, it is best to add an extra splash of milk to ensure that the muffins turn out soft and moist.

Additionally, some gluten-free lemon poppy seed muffin recipes also incorporate lemon zest and lemon juice to enhance the lemon flavor.

Ingredients for Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Poppy seeds – Add crunch and classic flavor.
• Baking powder + baking soda – Leavening agents for lift and tenderness.
• Butter (room temp) – Adds richness and flavor, helps with creaming.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps with creaming for a tender crumb.
• Eggs – Bind ingredients and add structure and moisture.
• Sour cream – Adds moisture and a tender crumb; the acidity helps activate leaveners.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out and deepens flavor.
• Lemon zest (optional) – Adds fragrant, citrusy flavor.
• Lemon juice – Provides tartness and activates baking soda for leavening.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

I have not personally tried it, so I can’t say how that would turn out. But if you would like to try it, I suggest a product that offers a 1:1 swap. Please let me know how it turns out.

Ingredients for Keto Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

• Almond flour – Low-carb flour alternative; adds moisture and a soft crumb.
• Granulated erythritol – Keto sweetener that mimics sugar without the carbs.
• Baking powder – Leavening for rise.
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
• Canola oil or melted coconut oil – Fat source for moisture and richness.
• Eggs – Structure and lift; very important in keto baking.
• Vanilla extract – Adds flavor depth.
• Poppy seeds – Classic texture and nutty flavor.
• Lemon juice – Brightens and adds a bit of tang; helps activate baking powder.
• Lemon zest – Concentrated citrus flavor.

What are poppy seeds?

Poppy seeds are small, nutty-tasting seeds that come from the opium poppy plant. They are commonly used in baked goods, such as cakes and muffins, as well as in salads and other dishes for their distinctive flavor and crunchy texture.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

I personally use whatever I have on hand. But if you are watching your salt intake, stick with the unsalted butter for these muffins.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and sour cream to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined.
5. Stir in the lemon juice, then gently fold in the dry ingredients. Mix until just incorporated—do not overmix.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
7. Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

What is the best way to store leftover poppy seed muffins?

I like to keep mine in an airtight container at room temperature. You can refrigerate them if you live in an overly hot or humid climate. But these should be fine for up to 3 days on the counter or in the pantry.

How to Make Keto Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with 9 paper liners and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Add the vanilla extract, canola oil, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in the erythritol, baking powder, salt, and lemon juice until fully combined.
4. Add the almond flour and mix until a thick batter forms.
5. Gently fold in the poppy seeds.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the 9 muffin cups.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Tip: Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
9. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving.

What do poppy seeds taste like?

Poppy seeds have a slightly nutty, earthy flavor with hints of lemon and honey. They are often used in baked goods for their distinctive flavor and crunchy texture.

How do you use poppy seeds?

Poppy seeds can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. They are often used in baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, and pastries. Additionally, poppy seeds can be used to top salads or added to savory dishes for a pop of flavor and crunch.

Can these poppy seed muffins be frozen?

You bet they can. Just place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, place in the refrigerator the night before serving.

You don’t want to miss our Apple Cinnamon Muffins too!

Are there any health benefits associated with poppy seeds?

Poppy seeds contain a number of nutrients and beneficial compounds, such as monounsaturated fats, protein, and fiber.

Additionally, poppy seeds are a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Some studies have also shown that consuming poppy seeds may help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

What is the best way to store poppy seeds?

Poppy seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. They can also be kept in the refrigerator or freezer for longer periods of time, though the flavor and texture may begin to deteriorate over time.

When storing poppy seeds, it is best to keep them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting their quality. Additionally, whole poppy seeds should be stored separately from ground poppy seeds, as ground seeds will lose their flavor more quickly.

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Products I love when making Poppy Seed Muffins…

This Poppy Seed Muffins recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you most likely have some of these items on hand

OR maybe you have never made homemade muffins before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love these. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this muffin recipe.

• vanilla extract
• lemon juice
• these simple but elegant wrappers
• mixer
• spatulas
• these muffin tins

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If you love this Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins recipe, you’re going to love these other breakfast ideas too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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If you love this recipe for Homemade Poppy Seed Muffins as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!

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