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Home » Recipes » Sourdough Recipes » Tangy Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Tangy Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Published: Apr 24, 2023 · Modified: Nov 10, 2023 by Lynn Polito · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

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Full of zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds, these Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are the perfect muffin to make! It's also a great use for your sourdough starter that is hanging out in your refrigerator!

A sourdough lemon poppy seed muffin is on a cutting board, unwrapped.

Each bite delivers a burst of citrusy freshness complemented by the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, all embraced by the wholesome goodness of sourdough. Light, moist, and irresistible, these muffins are a delightful treat for any occasion, bringing a touch of homemade charm to your Spring day.

Baking with sourdough discard is one of my favorite things to do! You can make lots of sourdough recipes with your sourdough starter! There's nothing better than a chocolate chip sourdough muffin too!

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love These Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
  • Ingredients You'll Need
  • What is Sourdough Discard?
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Tips and Tricks
  • How To Store Lemon Poppyseed Sourdough Muffins
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Muffin Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You'll Love These Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

  • These muffins are a great make ahead breakfast! Bake up a big batch on Sunday and then enjoy them throughout the week. Pop one in the oven to heat it through and slather with butter. A delicious grab and go breakfast!
  • These muffins are easy to make! The lemon poppy seed muffins are made by hand, so you don't have to break out any equipment to make these.
  • This recipe use some of that precious sourdough starter! I love using my sourdough starter for other things than just bread.

Ingredients You'll Need

All the ingredients for the Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are labeled.
  • Flour. All purpose flour, bread flour, or a combination or white flour and whole wheat flour will work.
  • Sourdough Discard. Unfed, meaning that it is right out of the refrigerator and has not been fed yet.
  • Lemons. Fresh lemons are best since we are using both the lemon zest and the lemon juice
  • Leavening agents. Even though we are using sourdough discard, we need the baking powder and baking soda to make the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Melted Butter. To make these dairy-free, use canola oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or a light olive oil.
  • Poppyseeds. Lemon and poppyseed are a classic combination! The tangy lemon flavor pairs perfectly with the poppyseed crunch and earthy flavor.

See printable recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

What is Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard is the portion of your sourdough starter that you are not feeding. When you are "feeding" your starter to make bread with, you add equal parts flour, water, and starter to a mason jar and let it rise.

You can't feed your entire starter, as it doubles and sometimes triples in size, and that's a lot of starter to have on hand! If you are new to sourdough, be sure to check out how to keep a sourdough starter post all about how to keep your sourdough starter happy.

Step By Step Instructions

The dry ingredients are mixed in a large bowl.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Set that aside. Place muffin liners in a muffin tin.
The sugar and butter are added to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, milk, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
The eggs are added to the large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the large eggs to the mixing bowl and mix well.
The sourdough discard and lemon juice are added to the mixing bowl.
Step 4: Add the sourdough discard, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the mixing bowl.
The poppy seeds are added to the mixing bowl.
Step 5: Add the poppy seeds to the large mixing bowl.
The dry ingredients are added to the wet ingredients.
Step 6: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Do not overmix.
The batter is ready to be added to the muffin tins.
Step 7: Mix until a batter forms. It's ok if there are a few lumps left in the batter. Do not overmix or the muffins will be tough.
The muffins are in a muffin tin.
Step 8: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.

Tips and Tricks

  • To make these lemon muffins even sweeter, add a lemon icing like this one on blueberry zucchini bread with lemon icing! There's always a brown sugar streusel topping to add to the muffins too!
  • Rotate the muffin pan halfway through the baking process to make sure that the muffins bake evenly.
  • If you don't have fresh lemons, you could use store bought lemon juice. Increase the amount to 3 tablespoons since you won't be using the lemon zest.

How To Store Lemon Poppyseed Sourdough Muffins

Once these Sourdough Lemon Poppyseed Muffins have cooled to room temperature on a wire rack, place them in an airtight container and keep them on the counter for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze the muffins by wrapping them in plastic wrap and place them in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. Take out a muffin as you would like and enjoy them throughout the month.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use active starter instead of inactive starter?

Yes! If you have some extra active starter (meaning it has already been fed and is active and bubbly) use that! The muffins will get even bigger! Think bakery style muffins.

Can I long ferment these sourdough muffins?

Yes! Once the batter has mixed fully, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it ferment in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking them.

What should I do with leftover muffins?

Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container on the counter. Do not place leftover muffins in the refrigerator. They will go stale very quickly.

A sourdough lemon poppy seed muffin has a bite taken out of it.

More Muffin Recipes

  • 2 Ingredient Banana Muffins
  • Carrot Cake Muffins
  • Banana Oatmeal Muffins
  • Banana Muffins with Self-Rising Flour
  • 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
  • Cranberry Walnut Muffins

Did you love this recipe? If you did, please leave a 5 ⭐️ rating below! Follow along on Instagram and Facebook!

📖 Recipe

A sourdough lemon poppy seed muffin is on a cutting board, unwrapped.

Tangy Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Full of zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds, these Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are the perfect muffin to make! It's also a great use for your sourdough starter that is hanging out in your refrigerator!
5 from 11 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 Muffins
Calories: 234kcal
Author: Lynn Polito

Equipment

  • Muffin Tin
  • Muffin Liners
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 2 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ cup Butter Melted
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • ½ cup Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Sourdough Starter Inactive
  • 2 Eggs
  • 3 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 3 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 2 tablespoon Poppy Seeds

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a muffin tin with muffin liners. Set that aside.
  • In a small mixing bowl, add the all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix and set that aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and melted butter. Mix well. Add the milk, sourdough discard, and eggs. Mix again.
  • Squeeze the lemon juice and zest the lemons into the bowl. Add the poppy seeds and mix until all the ingredients are combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. It's ok if there are just a few lumps in it, you do not want to overmix the batter.
  • Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan. Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.

Notes

  • Rotate the muffin pan halfway through the baking process to make sure that the muffins bake evenly.
  • If you don't have fresh lemons, you could use store bought lemons. Increase the amount to 3 tablespoons since you won't be using the lemon zest.
  • To make these lemon muffins even sweeter, add a lemon icing like this one on blueberry zucchini bread with lemon icing! There's always a brown sugar streusel topping to add to the muffins too!

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 335mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 294IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LynnsWayofLife or tag #lynnswayoflife!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer Osborn

    May 02, 2023 at 2:13 pm

    5 stars
    This is one of my favorite flavor combinations and my family ate every last muffin. Thanks! Your recipe turned out well.

    Reply
    • Lynn Polito

      May 02, 2023 at 3:53 pm

      Yay! I love that!

      Reply
  2. Claire

    April 26, 2023 at 2:51 am

    5 stars
    These were quite delicious!!

    We were having these for afternoon tea rather than brunch so I made the icing that you suggested and it added such a delicious sweet touch.
    Perfect for serving with tea.

    Great recipe and so easy to follow

    Reply
  3. Sherry

    April 25, 2023 at 11:35 am

    5 stars
    I love your website, Lynn!! This sourdough lemon poppy seed muffins recipe is super tasty and my family loved them! Another great muffin recipe!

    Reply
  4. Devy

    April 25, 2023 at 10:38 am

    5 stars
    Used the sourdough discard and was pleased with the result. The muffins were so delicious. Though I didn't use poppy seeds as my kids don't like them.

    Reply
  5. Sarita

    April 25, 2023 at 6:21 am

    5 stars
    Love the poppy seed lemon combination - a great spring flavour and snack!

    Reply
  6. rupali

    April 24, 2023 at 7:16 pm

    5 stars
    So easy to make and the tangy little treats were a delight to have with tea!

    Reply
  7. Angela

    April 24, 2023 at 1:58 pm

    5 stars
    My favorite Lemon Poppy Seed muffins!

    Reply

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Hey there! I'm Lynn and I'm based just outside of Boston. I'm a wife and mom of two with a passion for cooking and creating homemade food for my family.

Whether it's creating new recipes, or exploring tried and true classics, I am constantly trying to show that homemade doesn't have to be hard

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