Lemon Sunflower Oil Muffins
These light and fluffy vegan lemon muffins feature the neutral richness of sunflower oil, allowing the bright, zesty lemon flavor to truly shine. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or a sweet snack.
For 12 servings
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil, plant-based milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, prepare a lemon glaze by whisking 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled muffins before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough muffins. Mix until just combined, even if a few lumps remain.
- 2Room temperature ingredients: Plant-based milk and lemon juice at room temperature emulsify better with the oil, creating a smoother batter.
- 3Fill muffin liners 2/3 full: This ensures even baking and prevents overflow, giving you perfectly domed muffins.
- 4Test for doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean when they are fully baked.
Adapt it for your goals.
Berry Lemon
Fold in 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
Poppy SeedPoppy Seed
Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients for a classic lemon-poppy seed flavor and texture.
Streusel ToppingStreusel Topping
Combine 1/4 cup flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp cold vegan butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Crumble over the tops of the muffins before baking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Sunflower oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can contribute to heart health when consumed in moderation.
Vitamin C Boost
Lemon zest and juice provide Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
Fiber Content
Muffins made with all-purpose flour offer some dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute with other neutral-flavored oils like canola oil or grapeseed oil. Avoid strong-flavored oils like olive oil unless you want that specific taste.
