The Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Top from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe features a moist, tangy lemon-infused base studded with crunchy poppy seeds, topped with a lightly sweet glaze that creates a golden, crumbly texture bursting with citrus flavor.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Muffin top pan or baking sheet
- Spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Citrus juicer
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush (for glaze)
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Use freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to maximize the bright citrus flavor in your muffin tops. Ensure the unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing and a tender crumb. Sifting the flour can help avoid lumps and create a lighter texture in the batter. Measure your ingredients accurately using proper measuring cups and spoons to maintain the perfect balance between sweetness and tang. Your Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Top from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe copycat will capture the bakery's signature moist, tangy, and crunchy experience perfectly.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease muffin top pan or line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds; set aside.
- In another bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in sour cream, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Do not overmix; gently fold with spatula if needed.
- Scoop batter evenly onto prepared muffin top pan or baking sheet, smoothing tops.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges turn golden and toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool muffin tops on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.
- For glaze, sift powdered sugar into bowl.
- Add melted butter and 2 tablespoons lemon juice; whisk until smooth, adding more juice for desired consistency.
- While muffin tops are slightly warm, brush glaze over with pastry brush.
- Allow glaze to set before serving.
Substitution
The Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Top from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe copycat recipe captures the bakery's signature tangy, moist texture with a crunchy poppy seed bite and a sweet lemon glaze. If you don't have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt or creme fraiche can be used as a substitute to maintain moisture and tanginess in the batter. When fresh lemons are unavailable, bottled lemon juice may be used for the zest and juice, but fresh zest is recommended for the best citrus flavor. If a muffin top pan is not available, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper works well for shaping large muffin tops. Your glaze consistency may be adjusted by gradually adding lemon juice to powdered sugar until the desired thickness is achieved for easy brushing.
Tips
Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature to achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing to maintain the muffin's tender crumb and prevent toughness. Use freshly zested lemon and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant citrus flavor that defines this recipe. After baking, glazing the muffin tops while they're still slightly warm helps the glaze set perfectly, enhancing both taste and appearance for your finished product.
Nutritions
The Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Top combines carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and sugars for quick energy, while the poppy seeds provide a small amount of dietary fiber and minerals such as calcium and iron. The inclusion of unsalted butter and eggs adds essential fats and protein, which support satiety and muscle repair. Whole milk and sour cream contribute calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health, while fresh lemon juice and zest supply vitamin C and antioxidants to boost your immune system. This treat offers a balance of macronutrients but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and fat content.
Storage
Store your Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Tops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain the moist, tangy texture and crunchy poppy seeds. To extend freshness, wrap each muffin top individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm briefly to revive the golden, crumbly texture and citrus glaze.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to add a tangy flavor while increasing protein content in your Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Tops. For a twist on texture, try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped almonds or walnuts to the dry ingredients for a nutty crunch. Instead of the traditional glaze, drizzle a lemon cream cheese frosting for richer sweetness and creamy contrast. Adjust baking time if using a standard muffin pan, as muffin tops may require shorter cooking to achieve the perfect golden crust.
Allergies
This Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Top contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (unsalted butter, sour cream, whole milk), and wheat (all-purpose flour), which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The poppy seeds also pose a potential allergy risk, although less common, they can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Be sure to check these ingredients carefully if you have food allergies and consider alternatives to keep your meal safe and enjoyable.
Why this recipe?
The Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Top from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe is celebrated for its vibrant citrus flavor combined with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, creating a unique texture that delights the palate. This bakery's recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy lemon zest and sweet undertones, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast or a snack. You'll find the freshness and authentic taste hard to resist, which justifies the effort to recreate a copycat at home, enabling you to indulge anytime. Replicating this muffin top allows you to customize sweetness and ingredients, ensuring a fresh and personalized experience.