Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins Recipe

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both healthy and irresistibly tasty, these Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are just the right pick for you! With their bright lemony flavor and the perfect hint of crunch from poppy seeds, these muffins make a wonderful breakfast option or a mid-day snack. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

• Bursting with bright lemon flavor that’s both refreshing and invigorating.
• Made with wholesome ingredients which are great for a guilt-free treat.
• Perfect for meal prep, they freeze well and are easy to grab-and-go.
• Enjoyable as a breakfast with coffee or as a satisfying snack.
• Simple to make with ingredients you likely have at home!

Ingredients for Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions to Make Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking soda, and salt. Ensure that everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the Greek yogurt, eggs, melted coconut oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix as this can make the muffins dense.

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Notes

• For extra lemony flavor, increase the zest to 3 lemons. Check this guide on zesting lemons.
• Make sure your eggs and yogurt are at room temperature to ensure the batter mixes smoothly.
• If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use melted butter or canola oil as a substitute.

Variations of Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour.
• Vegan: Substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
• Low-Sugar: Reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup or use a sugar substitute like stevia.

Required Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Zester or grater

Storage Instructions

Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Suggested Pairings

Serve these muffins with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast or enjoy them with a cup of herbal tea as an afternoon treat.

Pro Tips

• Mix the batter gently to prevent overworking the gluten, which keeps the muffins light and fluffy. Learn more about gluten’s role here.
• Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• You can add a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness.

FAQ

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but it may slightly change the texture and nutritional content of the muffins.

How can I make these muffins more moist?

Adding an extra tablespoon of coconut oil or a bit more yogurt can help make them moister.

Are poppy seeds necessary for this recipe?

While poppy seeds add a nice texture and flavor, you can omit them if you prefer or substitute with chia seeds.