Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

Published:

by Sofia

These Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly balances zesty lemon flavor with a fluffy texture. Ideal for breakfast or as a snack, these muffins are not only delicious but also vegan-friendly! With their bakery-style tops and crunchy crumb topping, they offer a unique twist that will impress anyone who tries them. These muffins are perfect for brunches, gatherings, or simply enjoying with your afternoon tea.

Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistibly Moist: These muffins are incredibly moist thanks to the combination of yogurt and soy milk.
  • Zesty Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright, refreshing taste you won’t forget.
  • Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful treats.
  • Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as an on-the-go snack.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add poppy seeds or berries for extra flavor!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this zesty muffin adventure, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Muffin trays
  • Muffin liners
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Ice cream scoop (optional)
  • Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

  • Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls allows you to easily combine ingredients without mess.
  • Muffin trays: Using proper muffin trays ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect muffin shape.
  • Rubber spatula: This tool is ideal for gently folding ingredients together without overmixing the batter.

Ingredients

These are the best vegan lemon muffins you will try! Zesty, fluffy, and moist, with huge bakery-style muffin tops and crunchy pearl sugar and lemon crumb topping. This recipe will yield 8 large bakery-style muffins or 10-12 smaller muffins.

For the Muffins

  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons lemon zest (see note 1)
  • 60 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed, see note 1)
  • 180 ml soy milk (see note 2)
  • 120 ml olive oil (see note 3)
  • 120 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (see note 4)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 300 g all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the Crumb Topping

  • 30 g granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 30 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 2 tablespoons pearl sugar (optional)

For the Glaze

  • 40 g powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice (see note 1)

How to Make Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

Step 1: Flavor the Sugar

Add the sugar and lemon zest to a large mixing bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until it feels “wet”. This releases essential oils and enhances flavor.

Step 2: Make Vegan Buttermilk

In a jug, mix together the soy milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Set aside for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl with flavored sugar, add olive oil, vegan yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined. Then pour in your vegan buttermilk mixture and whisk again until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt into another bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients in two parts using a rubber spatula. Carefully incorporate until no streaks of flour remain; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.

Step 6: Rest the Batter (Optional)

Letting your batter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes helps achieve those high bakery-style muffin tops!

Step 7: Prepare the Oven/Pan

Preheat your oven to fan-forced at 190°C (375°F) or conventional at 210°C (410°F). Line two muffin trays with eight liners each while leaving gaps between them.

Step 8: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, rub together granulated sugar with lemon zest until fragrant. Then add flour followed by vegan butter; mix until crumbly in texture.

Step 9: Assemble

Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, fill each muffin liner to the top with batter. Generously sprinkle crumb topping over each muffin before adding pearl sugar if desired.

Step 10: Bake

Start by baking at fan-forced temperature of 190°C/375°F for first five minutes. Lower temperature to fan-forced at 170°C/340°F for another fifteen minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Cool

Allow muffins to cool in tray for about five minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack for further cooling—aim for at least thirty minutes if possible.

Step 12: Make the Glaze

For a sweet touch, combine powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Adjust thickness as desired before drizzling over cooled muffins!

With every bite of these Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins, you’ll enjoy a burst of citrus flavor that’s sure to brighten your day!

How to Serve Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

These Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, there are many ways to enjoy them!

With Fresh Fruit

  • Serve the muffins alongside a medley of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

  • A light drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor, making for a delightful treat.

With Vegan Butter

  • Spread some vegan butter on warm muffins to add richness and creaminess without dairy.

Accompanied by Tea or Coffee

  • Pairing these muffins with your favorite herbal tea or coffee creates a cozy experience perfect for leisurely mornings.

Topped with Coconut Whipped Cream

  • For an indulgent twist, top the muffins with homemade coconut whipped cream for added fluffiness and flavor.
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How to Perfect Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins is easy with these helpful tips!

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the flavor significantly. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
  • Don’t Overmix: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ones. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
  • Let Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 30 minutes before baking helps create those beautiful muffin tops.
  • Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if muffins are done; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
  • Cool Properly: Allow muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a cooling rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add poppy seeds or nuts for added texture and taste variation.

Best Side Dishes for Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

These muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their zesty flavors. Here are some great options:

  1. Fruit Salad – A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits that adds freshness and nutrition.
  2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer vegan yogurt with granola and fruit for a satisfying meal.
  3. Smoothie Bowl – A thick smoothie topped with nuts and seeds provides a healthy balance.
  4. Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado on whole-grain toast offers healthy fats and fiber alongside your muffin.
  5. Chia Pudding – A sweet chia pudding makes a nutritious option that pairs well with lemon flavors.
  6. Granola Bars – Homemade granola bars can be a crunchy companion that complements the softness of the muffins.
  7. Savory Scones – Consider serving savory scones alongside for a delightful contrast in flavors.
  8. Cucumber Sandwiches – Light cucumber sandwiches add crunch and freshness, making them an ideal pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect their quality. Here are some tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfect.

  • Ignoring the importance of fresh ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Stale ingredients can lead to bland muffins.
  • Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make muffins dense. Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined to keep them fluffy.
  • Not letting the batter rest: Skipping the resting period can result in flat tops. Allowing the batter to sit promotes higher muffin tops.
  • Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. Using an incorrect temperature can cause uneven baking or dry muffins.
  • Not using proper measuring techniques: Use a kitchen scale or spoon-and-level method for measuring flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry muffins.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat for best flavor retention.

Freezing Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

  • Place cooled muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag.
  • They last up to 3 months in the freezer; label with date for tracking.

Reheating Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
  • Microwave: Heat individually for about 15-20 seconds for soft, warm muffins.
  • Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins so special?

These muffins are special because they are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, making them a delightful treat.

Can I substitute soy milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can use almond milk or oat milk as alternatives to soy milk while still achieving delicious results.

How do I make these muffins gluten-free?

To make Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How long do Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins last?

They can last up to 5 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding poppy seeds or blueberries for extra flavor. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins


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  • Author: Sofia
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 8 large muffins 1x

Description

Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are a delightful, fluffy treat that boast a zesty lemon flavor, making them perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. These vegan-friendly muffins feature bakery-style tops with a crunchy crumb topping that will impress anyone who tries them. Ideal for brunches, gatherings, or a cozy afternoon tea, these muffins are not only delicious but also easy to make. With the option to customize by adding poppy seeds or berries, they cater to various tastes and preferences. Enjoy the bright citrus burst in every bite, making these muffins a lovely addition to your recipe repertoire.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 60 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 180 ml soy milk
  • 120 ml olive oil
  • 120 g vegan Greek-style yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 300 g all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to fan-forced at 190°C (375°F).
  2. In a large bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest, rubbing them together until fragrant.
  3. Mix soy milk and lemon juice in a jug; let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Add olive oil, yogurt, and vanilla to the flavored sugar; whisk until smooth. Stir in the vegan buttermilk mixture.
  5. In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt together; then fold into the wet mixture gently.
  6. Let batter rest for 30 minutes if desired for taller muffins.
  7. Line muffin trays with liners and fill each liner to the top with batter.
  8. Prepare crumb topping by mixing sugar with lemon zest and flour; add melted vegan butter until crumbly.
  9. Sprinkle crumb topping over muffins before baking for 5 minutes at high heat; then lower temperature and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Cool on a rack before glazing with powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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