Name: Moist Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins with Optional Lemon Curd Filling and Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490280H24M32S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 115 g unsalted butter, room temperature (½ cup); 180 g caster sugar, ¾ cup + 2 tbsp; 1 lemon, zested & juiced; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 250 g plain flour, 2 cups; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp flaky sea salt or a generous pinch of fine salt; 100 ml milk, scant ½ cup; 50 g Greek yoghurt, scant ¼ cup; 1 heaped tbsp poppy seeds; 8-12 tsp lemon curd, for filling (optional); 60 g icing sugar, ½ cup; 1–1.5 tsp fresh lemon juice; ½ tsp sour cream (optional, for a thicker glaze)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 81 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a bright and cheerful treat, then you absolutely must try this Moist Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins with Optional Lemon Curd Filling and Glaze Recipe. These muffins are bursting with zesty lemon flavor, dotted with crunchy poppy seeds for just the right texture, and maintain an irresistibly tender crumb that’s perfect any time of day. Whether you love them plain or choose to elevate them with a luscious lemon curd filling and a shiny glaze, they bring sunshine to your kitchen and delight every bite. I’ve made these countless times, and they never fail to impress friends and family alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a golden-brown muffin in a light brown parchment paper liner with a textured, bumpy top that has a well in the center filled with a thick, pale yellow sauce being gently poured from a metal spoon held by a woman's hand. Around the muffin, similar muffins in the same liners are visible inside a slightly worn metal baking tray, all positioned on a white marbled surface. The scene captures a warm, cozy baking moment with natural light highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From creamy butter lending richness, to fresh lemon zest and juice delivering that vibrant zing, every component adds its own magic.

Unsalted butter (115 g, room temperature): Ensures a soft, moist crumb and subtle richness without overpowering sweetness.
Caster sugar (180 g): Fine sugar that dissolves easily, helping create a tender, light texture.
Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Provides fresh citrus flavor and aromatic brightness that define these muffins.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients, adding structure and moisture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the lemon notes and adds a warm, sweet undertone.
Plain flour (250 g): Forms the base for the muffins, giving them body and softness.
Baking powder (2 tsp): Leavens the batter to create light, fluffy muffins.
Flaky sea salt (½ tsp): Just a pinch highlights flavour contrasts and balances sweetness.
Milk (100 ml): Keeps the muffins moist and tender without heaviness.
Greek yoghurt (50 g): Adds tang and extra moistness, enriching the crumb beautifully.
Poppy seeds (1 heaped tbsp): Adds a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
Lemon curd (8–12 tsp, optional): For an indulgent surprise filling that intensifies the citrus experience.
Icing sugar (60 g) and fresh lemon juice: Combine for a sweet-tart glaze to finish the muffins with flair.
Sour cream (½ tsp, optional): Adds creaminess to the glaze for a luscious finish.

How to Make Moist Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins with Optional Lemon Curd Filling and Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and muffin tin

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F, which is the perfect baking temperature for these muffins to rise beautifully and bake evenly. Line a muffin tin with 12 standard paper cases or use larger cases for 8 big muffins if you prefer. Preparing the tin beforehand ensures effortless muffin removal and keeps things tidy.

Step 2: Infuse the sugar with fresh lemon zest

In a small bowl, lovingly rub the lemon zest into the caster sugar using your fingertips. This simple step unlocks the essential oils in the lemon skin and releases an amazing fragrant aroma that will infuse the entire batter, giving your muffins that unmistakable fresh lemon punch.

Step 3: Cream the butter and lemon sugar

In a large bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and lemon-infused sugar together until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This aeration helps create the light texture your muffins need. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and glossy, which prepares a perfect base to combine with the wet and dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine wet ingredients

Stir in the milk, Greek yoghurt, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the butter mixture. The mixture might look a bit curdled—that’s completely normal and nothing to worry about. These ingredients bring moisture and a gentle tang that keep the muffins tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Mix dry ingredients

Whisk the plain flour, baking powder, flaky sea salt, and poppy seeds together in a separate bowl. This ensures the raising agents and flavors are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving every bite a perfect crumb and balanced poppy seed crunch.

Step 6: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the muffins from becoming tough. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well blended enough to produce those wonderfully soft muffins you’re aiming for.

Step 7: Fill muffin cases and bake

Divide the batter evenly among your muffin cases. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden and a skewer inserted into the muffin (avoiding any lemon curd spots if added) comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Add optional lemon curd filling and glaze

If you want to get fancy, scoop out a small hole from each muffin top using an apple corer or small knife, and fill with a dollop of bright lemon curd. Replace the muffin tops and then drizzle the cooled muffins with a simple glaze made by stirring icing sugar and fresh lemon juice together, adding a bit of sour cream if you want a richer finish. This final touch takes your Moist Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins with Optional Lemon Curd Filling and Glaze Recipe to the next level of deliciousness.

How to Serve Moist Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins with Optional Lemon Curd Filling and Glaze Recipe

A close-up of a muffin torn in half on a white plate, showing a soft, light beige crumb with small dark specks inside. Bright yellow, thick lemon filling oozes from the center, dripping slightly onto the plate. The muffin top is textured with a drizzle of white icing. In the background, there are more muffins wrapped in brown parchment paper with a soft-focus view of green leaves in a glass jar. Powdered sugar is lightly dusted on the plate and muffin. The surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your muffins with a sprinkling of finely grated lemon zest or a few poppy seeds for visual appeal and extra flavor pop. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers also make charming, colorful additions when serving to guests, enhancing the fresh feeling of these delightful muffins.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a cup of your favorite tea, a dollop of Greek yoghurt, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced and satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack. Their zesty nature complements creamy or fruity sides wonderfully and makes for a light yet fulfilling treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these muffins on a lovely tiered cake stand for an inviting brunch spread or gift them wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also turn them into mini trifle cups by layering crumbled muffins with lemon curd and whipped cream for a fun twist on dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These muffins keep beautifully for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The moisture stays locked in, ensuring they remain soft and flavorful, perfect to enjoy all week long if needed.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy them later, simply place the muffins in a sealed tupperware or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature until fully defrosted—just like freshly baked!

Reheating

To bring them back to warm softness, pop frozen or refrigerated muffins in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5–7 minutes or microwave each for 15 seconds. This revives their tender crumb and intensifies the lemon aroma wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use poppy seeds other than black ones?

Yes, you can use white poppy seeds if you prefer—they have a slightly milder flavor but still add that lovely crunch to your muffins. Black poppy seeds are more traditional, but either works great.

Do I have to add lemon curd filling?

Not at all! The muffins are delicious on their own with the lemon zest and juice, but the lemon curd filling adds an extra burst of tangy sweetness that’s totally worth trying if you enjoy a surprise inside.

Can I substitute Greek yoghurt with something else?

If you don’t have Greek yoghurt, sour cream or even regular plain yoghurt can be great substitutes, providing similar moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the lemon flavor.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely. Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and substitute the Greek yoghurt for a dairy-free alternative to keep that lovely moist texture intact.

How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

The best way is to insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Also, the tops will be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Moist Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins with Optional Lemon Curd Filling and Glaze Recipe a try—you’re in for a seriously delightful treat. From the first bite to the lingering lemony freshness, these muffins feel like a sunny hug in food form. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, they’re sure to brighten anyone’s day. Happy baking!