Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins (Vegan)

When squeezing lemons, do not make the mistake of discarding the seeds—they can be used to grow your own lemon trees! In this recipe, we’ll use fresh lemon juice and zest to create delicious, vegan lemon poppy seed muffins.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from the squeezed lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, mix the non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle slightly, creating a vegan “buttermilk.”
   • Add the vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the “buttermilk” mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
   • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool:
   • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve your lemon poppy seed muffins warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack.

Bonus Tip

Instead of discarding the lemon seeds, plant them in a pot with well-draining soil. Water them regularly, and with a bit of patience, you might grow your own lemon tree!