These Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are the perfect treat for any occasion! With their zesty flavor, fluffy texture, and delightful bakery-style tops, they elevate breakfast or dessert to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving something sweet, these muffins are sure to impress. The addition of crunchy pearl sugar and a fragrant lemon crumb topping makes them stand out, ensuring every bite is bursting with citrus goodness.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Muffins
- For the Topping
- For the Glaze
- How to Make Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Step 1: Flavor the Sugar for Muffin Batter
- 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 the Oven/Pan
- Step 8: Make the Crumb Topping
- Step 9: Assemble
- Step 10: Bake
- Step 11: Cool
- Step 12: Make the Glaze
- Storage Instructions
- How to Serve Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Enjoy with Beverages
- Add Toppings
- Serve as a Dessert
- 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 do I make my vegan lemon muffins fluffier?
- Can I substitute other plant-based milks?
- How can I customize my Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins?
- What should I do if my muffins come out too dense?
- Can I use gluten-free flour?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Zesty: These muffins are packed with fresh lemon flavor, making them a refreshing treat.
- Fluffy Texture: The combination of ingredients creates a light and airy muffin that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a snack, breakfast item, or dessert.
- Vegan-Friendly: These muffins cater to vegan diets without compromising on taste or texture.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful muffin-making process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment helps ensure that your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin trays
- Muffin liners
- Ice cream scoop (optional)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A sturdy mixing bowl provides enough space for whisking your ingredients without spills.
- Muffin trays: Proper muffin trays help shape the muffins perfectly and promote even baking.
- Cooling rack: This allows air to circulate around the muffins, preventing sogginess.
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.
For the 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
For the Topping
- 30 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 30 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons pearl sugar (optional)
For the Glaze
- 40 g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (see note 1)
How to Make Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
Step 1: Flavor the Sugar for Muffin Batter
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 the soy milk and lemon juice. Set aside for a few minutes to curdle.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add olive oil, vegan yogurt, and vanilla extract to the flavored sugar. Whisk until combined. Then add the vegan buttermilk mixture and whisk again until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift flour, baking powder, and sea salt into another bowl. Whisk together until well mixed.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients in two parts using a spatula. Ensure there are no pockets of flour but avoid overmixing for best results.
Step 6: Rest the Batter (Optional)
Let the batter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps promote high muffin tops.
Step 7: Prepare the Oven/Pan
Preheat your oven to fan-forced 190°C (375°F) or conventional 210°C (410°F). Line two muffin trays with eight muffin liners each. Leave gaps between liners as you’ll fill only every second cavity.
Step 8: Make the Crumb Topping
Rub together granulated sugar and lemon zest until fragrant. Add in flour followed by vegan butter until it resembles crumb consistency.
Step 9: Assemble
Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, fill each muffin liner generously with batter. Top with crumb mixture and sprinkle pearl sugar if desired.
Step 10: Bake
Bake at fan-forced temperature for first five minutes then reduce temperature to fan-forced 170°C (340°F) or conventional 190°C (375°F). Continue baking for another fifteen minutes until golden brown.
Step 11: Cool
Allow muffins to cool in tray for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Let cool further for about thirty minutes.
Step 12: Make the Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Adjust consistency as preferred before drizzling over cooled muffins.
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate for up to one week. Allow refrigeration items to sit at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Enjoy these delicious Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins that brighten up any occasion!
How to Serve Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor.
- Citrus slices: Garnish with orange or lemon slices to elevate the citrusy notes.
Enjoy with Beverages
- Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or Earl Grey complements the muffins beautifully.
- Coffee: Pair these muffins with a rich coffee to balance the sweetness.
Add Toppings
- Vegan Butter: Spread a little vegan butter on warm muffins for extra richness.
- Nut Butter: Almond or cashew butter adds creaminess and a nutty flavor.
Serve as a Dessert
- Ice Cream: Top with vegan vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of this creamy topping makes it feel like an indulgent dessert.

How to Perfect Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
To ensure your Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- technique choice: Use fresh lemon juice and zest; it enhances the flavor substantially.
- ingredient measurement: Accurately measure all ingredients to maintain the right balance of moisture and fluffiness.
- mixing method: Avoid overmixing the batter; fold gently for best texture.
- resting time: Allow the batter to rest before baking; this helps achieve those tall muffin tops.
- oven temperature: Start baking at a higher temperature before reducing it; this creates a bakery-style rise.
Best Side Dishes for Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins can be paired with various side dishes that complement their zesty flavor. Here are some tasty options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer vegan yogurt with granola and fruits for added texture.
- Avocado Toast: The creaminess of avocado contrasts nicely with the muffin’s fluffiness.
- Savory Scones: Try cheese-flavored vegan scones for a savory touch alongside your sweet muffins.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl filled with greens and fruits makes a great pairing.
- Chia Pudding: A light chia pudding offers a nutritious side that complements the muffin’s sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Boldly overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Fold the ingredients gently until just combined to keep them fluffy and light.
- Ignoring the resting time: Skipping the optional resting time may result in less impressive muffin tops. Allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes to achieve high, bakery-style tops.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the texture. Always use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
- Using stale baking powder: Expired baking powder won’t give your muffins rise. Check the expiration date and replace if necessary for fluffy results.
- Neglecting oven temperature adjustments: Failing to adjust temperatures during baking can affect texture. Start high for initial rise, then lower for even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer freshness, keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Let them defrost at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm muffins for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per muffin for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat until warmed through, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins.
How do I make my vegan lemon muffins fluffier?
To make your muffins fluffier, ensure you don’t overmix the batter and allow it to rest before baking. This promotes better texture.
Can I substitute other plant-based milks?
Yes, you can substitute almond milk or oat milk for soy milk in this recipe while maintaining moisture and taste.
How can I customize my Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins?
You can add poppy seeds, blueberries, or nuts to give your muffins a unique twist while keeping them deliciously moist.
What should I do if my muffins come out too dense?
If your muffins are dense, check that you’re using fresh baking powder and avoid overmixing your ingredients.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be aware that texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins are not only zesty and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins or toppings depending on your preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy delightful moments shared over freshly baked muffins!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 large muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins that elevate any occasion! Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a crunchy crumb, these muffins are fluffy, light, and irresistibly delicious. They make a perfect breakfast treat, snack, or dessert option, whether you’re hosting brunch or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these vegan muffins ensure everyone can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence.
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
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to fan-forced 190°C (375°F).
- In a large bowl, rub together sugar and lemon zest until fragrant.
- Mix soy milk and lemon juice in a jug; let it curdle for a few minutes.
- Combine olive oil, yogurt, and vanilla with the flavored sugar; whisk until smooth.
- Fold in the curdled soy milk mixture.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into another bowl; mix well.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes (optional).
- Line muffin trays with liners and fill each generously with batter.
- For the topping, mix sugar and zest with flour and vegan butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping over muffins before baking at reduced temperature of fan-forced 170°C (340°F) for about 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (90g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg