These Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are the ideal treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack. They are not just delicious; their fluffy texture and zesty flavor make them standout favorites among vegan recipes. With bakery-style tops and a crunchy lemon crumb topping, these muffins are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- How to Make Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Step 1: Flavor the Sugar
- Step 2: Make Vegan Buttermilk
- Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Step 5: Make the Batter
- Step 6: Rest the Batter (Optional)
- Step 7: Prepare Oven/Pan
- Step 8: Make Crumb Topping
- Step 9: Assemble Muffins
- Step 10: Bake
- Step 11: Make Glaze
- Step 12: Storage
- How to Serve Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- With Fresh Fruit
- Topped with Vegan Butter
- Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- Accompanied by Tea or Coffee
- As Part of a Brunch Spread
- With Coconut Yogurt
- How to Perfect Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Best Side Dishes for Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Reheating Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I make my Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins even more flavorful?
- Can I substitute other plant-based milks?
- How do I know when my muffins are done baking?
- What should I do if my muffins are too dense?
- Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates a bright, refreshing taste that energizes your day.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack with tea or coffee.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the vegan yogurt and olive oil, these muffins are incredibly moist without any dairy.
- Customizable Topping: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like nuts or additional citrus zest for extra flair.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Muffin tins (with liners)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice cream scoop (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Allow you to easily combine ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Ensures even mixing of wet ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Muffin tins: Help shape the muffins perfectly while baking.
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.
- 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
- 30 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 30 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons pearl sugar (optional)
- 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.
Step 2: Make Vegan Buttermilk
In a jug, mix together the soy milk and lemon juice. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the olive oil, vegan yogurt, and vanilla extract to the lemon-sugar mixture. Whisk together until well combined. Then add in the vegan buttermilk mixture and whisk again until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt into a separate bowl. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two parts using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stop once no flour streaks remain visible.
Step 6: Rest the Batter (Optional)
Let the batter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps create high muffin tops.
Step 7: Prepare Oven/Pan
Preheat your oven to fan-forced at 190°C (375°F) or conventional at 210°C (410°F). Line muffin trays with muffin liners, ensuring you leave gaps between each liner as you will fill every second cavity.
Step 8: Make Crumb Topping
Using your fingertips, rub lemon zest into granulated sugar until fragrant. Add flour then vegan butter until you achieve crumb consistency. Set this aside.
Step 9: Assemble Muffins
Distribute batter evenly amongst muffin liners using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, filling each liner to its top. Sprinkle with crumb topping and optional pearl sugar.
Step 10: Bake
Place in preheated oven for five minutes at high temperature. Then lower heat to fan-forced at 170°C (340°F) or conventional at190°C (375°F) for an additional fifteen minutes. After baking, let cool in trays for five minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.
Step 11: Make Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth; adjust thickness as desired. Drizzle over cooled muffins.
Step 12: Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate them for up to one week. For best results after refrigeration, let sit at room temperature for an hour before serving. You can also freeze them in an airtight container; defrost prior to serving.
How to Serve Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
Serving Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins can elevate your breakfast or snack time. These muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to suit your taste.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair your muffins with a side of fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing touch.
Topped with Vegan Butter
- Spread a layer of vegan butter on warm muffins for a rich, creamy flavor.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup on top for an extra sweetness that complements the lemon flavor.
Accompanied by Tea or Coffee
- Enjoy these muffins with a cup of herbal tea or coffee to balance the zesty taste.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Serve them alongside other brunch favorites like avocado toast or fruit salad for a delightful spread.
With Coconut Yogurt
- Top the muffins with coconut yogurt for added creaminess and a tropical twist.

How to Perfect Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
To ensure your Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins turn out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
-
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled.
-
Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones to maintain fluffiness. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
-
Let the batter rest: Allowing the muffin batter to sit for 30 minutes helps create high bakery-style tops.
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Use an ice cream scoop: This ensures even portioning when filling muffin liners, leading to uniform baking.
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Check doneness wisely: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean to confirm they are properly baked.
Best Side Dishes for Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
Complementing your Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins with side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad – A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the muffin’s sweetness.
- Smoothie Bowl – A nutritious smoothie bowl can be served alongside, packed with greens and fruits.
- Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado toast provides a savory contrast to the sweet muffins.
- Chia Pudding – Creamy chia pudding is nutritious and offers a nice texture contrast.
- Vegan Sausage Links – Savory vegan sausage adds protein and balances the muffin’s flavors well.
- Granola Parfait – Layered granola with plant-based yogurt creates a delicious breakfast combination.
- Coconut Yogurt Dip – A sweet coconut yogurt dip can enhance flavors when paired with muffins.
- Herbal Tea Selection – Offer different herbal teas like chamomile or mint to accompany your muffins perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precise measurements for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough muffins. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Skipping the resting period: Allowing the batter to rest promotes high muffin tops. Don’t rush this step!
- Using old baking powder: Check the expiration date on your baking powder. Fresh ingredients ensure proper rising and fluffiness.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and muffin texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Let them sit at room temperature for an hour before serving if stored in the fridge.
Freezing Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Place cooled muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 170°C (340°F) and warm muffins for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for about 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, covered, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins, here are some answers:
How can I make my Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins even more flavorful?
You can add poppy seeds or blueberries for added flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment!
Can I substitute other plant-based milks?
Yes! Almond milk or oat milk can be used instead of soy milk without altering the recipe significantly.
How do I know when my muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are ready!
What should I do if my muffins are too dense?
Ensure you aren’t overmixing your batter as this can lead to density. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Final Thoughts
These Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are not only delightful but also versatile. Their zesty flavor and fluffy texture make them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Customize them by adding fruits or nuts, and enjoy this comforting treat with family and friends!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 large muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins, a perfect treat that brightens any occasion. These muffins feature a fluffy texture and a zesty lemon flavor, making them stand out among vegan recipes. Their bakery-style tops and crunchy lemon crumb topping ensure they impress family and friends alike. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these muffins are versatile and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 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
- 30 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 30 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons pearl sugar (optional)
- 40 g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line muffin tins with liners.
- In a bowl, rub lemon zest into granulated sugar until fragrant.
- Mix soy milk with lemon juice and set aside to create vegan buttermilk.
- Combine olive oil, vegan yogurt, and vanilla extract with the lemon-sugar mixture; then add the vegan buttermilk.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Let batter rest for 30 minutes (optional).
- Fill muffin tins with batter and sprinkle with crumb topping made from flour, sugar, and melted vegan butter.
- Bake for 5 minutes at high heat, then reduce temperature to 170°C (340°F) for an additional 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg