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The Best Lemon Poppyseed Muffins: A Delightful Recipe from The Domestic Rebel

When it comes to brightening up a dull day, few things rival the invigorating aroma and taste of freshly baked lemon poppyseed muffins. Renowned for their light, fluffy texture and zesty flavour, these muffins combine sweetness with a delightful nutty crunch, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. This recipe, inspired by a popular favourite from The Domestic Rebel, captures all the essential elements to deliver muffins that are sure to impress.

Why Lemon Poppyseed Muffins?

Lemon poppyseed muffins are a timeless classic. The tangy brightness of lemon zest and juice pairs beautifully with the subtle crunch of poppyseeds, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. They’re wonderfully versatile, too; whether enjoyed warm with a smear of butter, served alongside a cup of tea, or even as a light dessert, these muffins never fail to satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the best lemon poppyseed muffins, gather the following ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your muffins, providing structure.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: To help the muffins rise beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavours.
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds: The star of the show, adding texture.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Freshly grated for a zesty kick.
• ½ cup whole milk: For moisture.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Ensures a tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Provides richness and binding.
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds tartness and enhances the lemon flavour.

For the Lemon Glaze (optional but highly recommended):

• 1 cup powdered sugar: For a sweet finishing touch.
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice: Adjust the quantity for desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners or greasing it.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, poppy seeds, and lemon zest until well combined.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

5. Fill the Muffin Tins

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.

6. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.

7. Prepare the Lemon Glaze (optional)

While the muffins are baking, you can prepare the optional glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to stay on the muffins.

8. Cool and Glaze

Once the muffins are baked, allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled muffins for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

These lemon poppyseed muffins from The Domestic Rebel are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also yield a batch that caters to all tastes. Each bite is a burst of sunshine, making them the perfect addition to any breakfast table or snack spread. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these scrumptious muffins. With their perfectly balanced flavours and inviting aroma, you might just find they become a staple in your baking repertoire! Enjoy!