Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Now that all of you have been helping us gain new traffic to this website community, I’m going back and adding depth to some of our previous recipes, and I stumbled upon this jewel from 2019. I’ve added some details, but the recipe remains the same, and I’m sure you’ll love it!

Here in Oklahoma, we have been experiencing more rain than I can ever remember and that has got me itching for something bright and cheery! These Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are just what I needed, and kicked off an obsession with this combo!

The smell and taste of lemons fill me with happiness, add some of our Blue Bird Poppy Seeds to the mix and this dynamic duo is ready to take on the world! I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do! What is your favorite flavor combo? Leave your suggestion in the comments, I’m always ready to try something new!

Happy Baking!

Taste & Flavor

I usually make these muffins earlier in the year before spring has arrived, which may affect my taste description. These lemon poppy seed muffins truly taste like a fresh burst of sunshine in every bite. The consistency of the muffins is both moist and fluffy, with initial flavors of tart lemon balanced with the nutty crunch of the poppy seeds.

lemon poppy seed muffins recipe poppy seeds

The lemon zest and juice infuse the batter with a citrusy flavor that is refreshing. When you add the tangy lemon glaze, each bite is elevated to a new level of zesty goodness. This adds a sweeter finish that complements the muffin’s initial flavors mentioned above.

mixer mixing lemon poppy seed muffin batter

The honey butter adds an extra touch of smoothness and richness that partially melts into the warm muffins. It creates a creamy balance to the zesty lemon, taking these muffins to another level. Overall, these muffins are a fun way to brighten up your day!

FULL RECIPE

I’ve done my best to organize this recipe in the easiest fashion. I have separate sections for the muffins, the lemon glaze, and the honey butter topping. This recipe makes 20-22 standard sized muffins or 12-15 jumbo muffins; I usually make standard sized muffins, but both options are delicious.

Muffin Ingredients

420 grams of flour
200 grams Sugar
80 grams Poppy Seeds (check out our Fresh Poppy Seeds)
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
Zest of 4 Lemons
1 tbsp Lemon Paste
1/4 tsp Lemon Oil
220 grams unsalted butter, melted and cooled
345 grams Greek yogurt (I used a lemon-flavored Greek yogurt)
115 grams lemon juice
3 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla Bean Extract (check out our Small Batch Vanilla Extract)

Lemon Glaze Ingredients

83 grams powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Honey Butter Topping Ingredients

100 grams Sugar
115 grams Heavy Cream
155 grams Honey
1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Paste (Learn how to make your own Homemade Vanilla Paste)
220 grams Unsalted Butter

If you’re a fan of honey butter, you should see our detailed post about Homemade Honey Butter that includes the recipe video.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Prepare your muffin pan by lining with muffin liners.
In a large mixing bowl, add the lemon paste, lemon oil, melted butter, greek yogurt, lemon juice, eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Add in the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda and lemon zest and blend until all the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Fill the muffin liners ⅔ of the way full with the muffin batter
Bake for 20 minutes, turning the tins halfway through. Test with a toothpick before removing the muffins, your toothpick should pull out clean.
Let the muffins cool for 20 minutes while you make the Lemon Glaze and Honey Butter. While the glaze and honey butter are definitely not required, it definitely adds to the muffins!

lemon poppy seed muffins recipe in muffin pan

Lemon Glaze Instructions

Add powdered sugar and lemon juice to a bowl
Whisk together until there are no clumps.

Honey Butter Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine the first four ingredients and whisk until smooth.
On medium heat, bring the sugar, heavy cream, honey, and vanilla to a boil.
While the mixture heats, place the butter in a glass bowl and set aside.
Back on the stove let the mixture boil for one minute and then remove from the stovetop. Pour this over the butter and stir until the butter has melted.
Move the honey butter to a bender or electric mixer and blend for at least a minute. This allows additional air creating a light, creamy butter.
Divide the honey butter between three half-pint jars and place into the refrigerator or freezer. Allow to sit overnight before use.

Once you have the glaze and butter completed, drizzle the glaze across the muffins and add a dollop of honey butter. These muffins are best enjoyed while warm and fresh! Seal any extras in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

This table includes the estimated nutrition info for one lemon poppy seed muffin. It does not include the optional lemon glaze and dollop of honey butter.

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins (serving size – 1 muffin)

Occasions for Baking these Muffins

These muffins are very versatile and can be used for a variety of occasions. I’ve thought of a few off the top of my head, including:

Breakfast or brunch – these muffins work great early in the morning, let the refreshing lemon wake you up
After-school snacks – they are a quick and easy after school snack for the kids, and you can grab one “to go” too
Tea parties – if you are into this sort of thing, the flavor of these muffins pairs well with a cup of tea
Family gatherings – bringing these to a small or medium sized family gathering is sure to be a hit
Holiday gatherings – the bright color and taste of these muffins will add some sunshine to your table
Gifts – related to the holiday season… you can gift some of these delicious muffins to a friend, relative, neighbor, or teacher.

Now that you’re finished with this muffin recipe, you need a warm beverage to enjoy. Check out my Homemade Pecan Latte Recipe!