If sunshine had a flavor, it would taste just like these lemon poppy seeds muffins I kid you not! This muffin recipe combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, creating a refreshing and light treat. The key to a great lemon poppy seed muffin is achieving the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The lemon glaze, if used adds an extra layer of citrusy goodness. I love them and I am sure you will love them too. And the beauty is, you can make them gluten-free or vegan if you have issues with gluten.
Enjoy them with tea in the morning, as a midday snack, or as a quick pick-me-up on the go, they’re perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re healthy too!

Why you will love Lemon Poppyseed Muffins
- They are made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. This adds a refreshing citrusy flavor that perfectly balances the subtle crunch of poppy seeds.
- They are very simple to make. They require simple ingredients and are beginner-friendly. You can easily make them at home.
- They are health. Poppy seeds provide fiber, calcium, and healthy fats.
- The muffins are soft, fluffy in the inside but are are crunchy on the outside. This makes every bite melt in your mouth, literary!
- They look appetizing to look at! Their golden color, delicate specks of poppy seeds, and fresh lemon aroma make them as appealing as they are delicious!
Similar recipes to love
- Orange poppy seed muffins with a twist
- Lemon Madeleines
- Blueberry Lemon Loaf
- Basic Lemon Chiffon Cake
- Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
How to make lemon poppy seeds muffins
To make these delicious lemon poppy seeds muffins, you’ll need simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, and, of course, poppy seeds. The batter comes together effortlessly, and after a short time in the oven, you’ll have golden, fragrant muffins perfect for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy them as they are or add a drizzle of lemon glaze for extra flavor. Below is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need. For the full recipe with measurements, scroll down or click “Jump to Recipe” at the top of this article.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the muffins. All-purpose flour is commonly used, but you can also opt for whole wheat for a denser texture or gluten-free flour for a dietary-friendly option.
- Buttermilk – gives the muffins moisture and a soft, moist texture.
- Poppy seeds – add a delicate crunch and a slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the texture and taste of the muffins.
- Salt – balances the sweetness of the muffins
- Baking powder and baking soda – These are leavening agents that help the muffins rise, making them light and fluffy. The combination works well with the acidity of the lemon juice.
- Sugar – adds sweetness and helps keep the muffins moist. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural touch.
- Vegetable oil – adds moisture and richness. You can also use melted butter instead. Oil will keep the muffins soft for longer, while butter enhances the flavor.
- Greek yogurt – adds moisture and extra tanginess to the muffins.
- Egg – helps to bid all the ingredients together and prevent the muffins from crumbling when baked.
- Lemon zest and lemon juice – lemon juice provides a tangy, citrusy brightness, while lemon zest intensifies the flavor with natural oils, making the muffins more fragrant.
- Lemon essence – enhances the lemony flavor of the muffins. While optional, it can add an extra citrus boost if desired.
- Confectioner’s sugar – This is used for the lemon glaze.

Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line 12 cup muffin pan with muffin paper liners
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, lemon zest, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk to combine them well.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, Greek yogurt, oil and eggs together. beat with a whisk to mix them until smooth.
- Pour buttermilk mixture into flour mixture and stir with a spatula until just combined.
- Scoop the mixture and pour each lined muffin cup distributing equally among the cups.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.
- Remove and cool for 10 minutes.
Glazing
- Mix icing sugar and lemon juice together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the muffins before serving
Tips for perfect lemon poppy seeds muffins
For maximum lemon flavor, use both lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice in the batter. Adding a bit of lemon extract can intensify the flavor even further.
Lemon poppy seeds muffins
Equipment
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon essence optional
Glaze
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- juice of 2 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line 12 cup muffin pan with muffin paper liners
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, lemon zest, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk to combine them well.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, Greek yogurt, oil and eggs together. beat with a whisk to mix them until smooth.
- Pour buttermilk mixture into flour mixture and stir with a spatula until just combined.
- Scoop the mixture and pour each lined muffin cup distributing equally among the cups.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.
- Remove and cool for 10 minutes
Glaze
- Mix icing sugar and lemon juice together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the muffins before serving.