These Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are a delightful treat that will brighten up your mornings and special occasions alike. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor, these muffins are fluffy and moist, featuring large bakery-style tops topped with crunchy pearl sugar. Perfect for brunch, tea time, or as a snack, this recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries them.

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 Muffins
- Step 11: Cool Muffins
- Step 12: Make Glaze
- How to Serve Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- With a Fresh Fruit Salad
- Topped with Vegan Cream Cheese
- Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- Alongside a Cup of Herbal Tea
- As Part of a Brunch Spread
- 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
- Can I make Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins gluten-free?
- How can I make these muffins sweeter?
- What if I don’t have vegan yogurt?
- How do I prevent my muffins from sticking?
- Can I add other flavors to these Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can succeed.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest create a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—enjoy them any time of day!
- Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, these muffins cater to various dietary needs.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite fruits or nuts for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools that will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin trays
- Muffin liners
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by effectively mixing wet ingredients.
- Muffin trays: Ensure even baking and perfect muffin shape.
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 granulated sugar and lemon zest into 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 the soy milk and lemon juice. Set this mixture aside for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In the bowl with flavored sugar, add olive oil, vegan yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined. Then add your prepared vegan buttermilk and whisk again.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt in another bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients to ensure they are evenly mixed.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two parts using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stop once there are no streaks of flour visible.
Step 6: Rest the Batter (Optional)
Allow the batter to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps create high muffin tops during baking.
Step 7: Prepare 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 muffin liners each while leaving space between them.
Step 8: Make Crumb Topping
Rub together remaining lemon zest with granulated sugar using your fingertips until fragrant. Incorporate flour and vegan butter until it resembles crumbs.
Step 9: Assemble Muffins
Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, fill each muffin liner all the way to the top with batter. Sprinkle crumb topping generously over each one, followed by pearl sugar if desired.
Step 10: Bake Muffins
Bake at fan-forced temperature of190°C/375°F or conventional temperature of210°C/410°F for the first five minutes. Then lower the temperature to170°C/340°F or190°C/375°F for an additional fifteen minutes.
Step 11: Cool Muffins
Once baked, allow muffins to cool in their tray for five minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Let them cool further for about thirty minutes.
Step 12: Make Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency—runny or thicker. Drizzle this glaze over cooled muffins before serving.
By following these steps diligently, you’ll create Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins that are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!
How to Serve Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
These moist vegan lemon muffins are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack, here are some creative serving suggestions.
With a Fresh Fruit Salad
- A colorful mix of seasonal fruits will complement the zesty flavor of the muffins perfectly.
Topped with Vegan Cream Cheese
- Spread some vegan cream cheese on top for an extra creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the lemon flavor.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds sweetness and enhances the muffin’s natural flavors.
Alongside a Cup of Herbal Tea
- Enjoy your muffins with a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, enhancing their fresh taste.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Serve these muffins alongside other brunch favorites like avocado toast or smoothies for a delicious gathering.

How to Perfect Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
To achieve the best results with your moist vegan lemon muffins, consider these helpful tips.
-
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your lemons are fresh for the best zest and juice flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the muffins.
-
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid dense muffins. Overmixing can lead to tough textures.
-
Resting the Batter: Allowing the batter to rest for 30 minutes before baking can promote taller muffin tops and a lighter crumb.
-
Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they’re fully baked but not overdone.
Best Side Dishes for Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
Pair these delicious muffins with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
-
Vegan Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing contrast.
-
Coconut Chia Pudding: This creamy pudding adds a tropical touch that complements the lemony flavor.
-
Savory Avocado Toast: The richness of avocado provides a savory balance to the sweetness of the muffins.
-
Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds creates an energizing breakfast option.
-
Nut Butter on Rice Cakes: Spread almond or peanut butter on rice cakes for a crunchy side that pairs well.
-
Vegan Sausage Links: These add protein and heartiness, making your meal more substantial while still being deliciously vegan.
-
Roasted Veggies: A side of roasted vegetables brings in nutrients and adds an earthy flavor contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to making perfect Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Using dried lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest is key for flavor. It adds the vibrant citrus notes that dried zest simply can’t replicate.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense muffins. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined for that fluffy texture.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the batter to rest helps achieve those high muffin tops. Don’t rush this step for bakery-style results!
- Not preheating your oven: A properly preheated oven ensures even baking. Always allow your oven to reach the desired temperature before placing your muffins inside.
- Neglecting muffin liners: Using liners helps with easy removal and keeps your muffins intact. Make sure to line your trays properly!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving if they were in the fridge.
Freezing Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Place muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm muffins for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individually for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Cover a skillet on low heat and warm muffins for a few minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins that may help you.
Can I make Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s a one-to-one substitution for best results.
How can I make these muffins sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter muffins, increase the granulated sugar by a small amount or add more powdered sugar in the glaze.
What if I don’t have vegan yogurt?
You can replace vegan yogurt with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas. This will maintain moisture and add flavor.
How do I prevent my muffins from sticking?
Using muffin liners or greasing your muffin tin will help prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal after baking.
Can I add other flavors to these Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins?
Absolutely! Try adding poppy seeds, blueberries, or even a hint of ginger for a delightful twist.
Final Thoughts
These Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are not only zesty and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients, like nuts or dried fruits, to create your perfect treat. Give this recipe a try; you’re sure to love them!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 large muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins that are perfect for brightening up your mornings or adding a sweet touch to any special occasion. These muffins are bursting with zesty lemon flavor, showcasing a fluffy texture and large bakery-style tops topped with crunchy pearl sugar. Ideal for brunch, as a snack, or even dessert, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures that everyone will be impressed with these delicious treats!
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
- Optional: pearl sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and prepare muffin trays with liners.
- In a bowl, mix granulated sugar with lemon zest until fragrant.
- Combine soy milk and lemon juice to create vegan buttermilk; let it thicken.
- Whisk together flavored sugar, olive oil, vegan yogurt, and vanilla; add buttermilk mixture.
- In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt; fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fill muffin liners to the top with batter and sprinkle with crumb topping (if desired).
- Bake for the first five minutes at high heat, then lower temperature for an additional fifteen minutes until golden.
- Cool on a rack before glazing with a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 145mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg