If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make muffin recipe, look no further! The Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins Recipe is perfect for breakfast or a snack. These muffins are moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re a great way to use ricotta cheese, which adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein.
What You’ll Need for Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins Recipe
Complete Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (250 g)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (60 ml, freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 3/4 cup sugar (150 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115 g, melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some substitutions you can consider:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut yogurt.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or use a sugar substitute.
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, poppy seeds, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the muffins are baking, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze the Muffins
Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each muffin.
Step 9: Serve
Enjoy the muffins warm or at room temperature. They make a delightful breakfast or snack, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins Recipe
How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins
These muffins are best served warm or at room temperature. For an appealing presentation, arrange them on a platter and dust with powdered sugar or serve with a side of fresh fruit.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
Consider pairing your muffins with a dollop of whipped cream, a smear of cream cheese, or a light drizzle of honey. They also go wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect addition to brunch or afternoon tea.
Storing & Preserving Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins Recipe
Best Storage Methods
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
To reheat, simply pop the muffins in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If freezing, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins Recipe Every Time
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until combined.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the texture and flavor.
- Skipping the cooling step before glazing can cause the glaze to melt off.
Helpful Tricks for Success
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the wet ingredients.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Fun Variations of Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins Recipe
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
Get creative with your muffins! Consider adding ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
To make these muffins vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter alternative. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
What If My Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your muffins are dense or don’t rise, check your baking powder for freshness and ensure you didn’t overmix the batter.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before baking.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
You can swap ricotta for Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor, or use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
Print
Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful recipe for moist and fluffy lemon poppy seed muffins made with ricotta cheese, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (250 g)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (60 ml, freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 3/4 cup sugar (150 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115 g, melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, poppy seeds, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the muffins are baking, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each muffin.
- Enjoy the muffins warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply pop the muffins in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
- If freezing, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, Ricotta Muffins, Breakfast Muffins, Easy Muffin Recipe