Ingredients
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (120ml) milk
¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin container with cupcake holders or just grease it slightly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. If using lemon zest, add it to this mixture.
Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Over-mixing should be avoided in order to maintain the lightness and fluffiness of the muffins.
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide batter among muffin cups filling each about ¾ full.
Bake : Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Cool: Give the muffins few minutes to cool in the tin, then transfer them to a wire rack so that they can cool completely.
Hints for Success
Don’t Over-Mix: When you over-stir it will lead to heavy muffins. Stir until everything is just mixed together.
Use Fresh Baking Powder: Always ensure that your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Check for Doneness: Muffins are done when a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking can dry them out.
Health Benefits
Poppy seeds contain essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium and iron. They also have fiber which helps in digestion. Although muffins are indulgent treats, adding poppy seeds gives them some nutritive value compared to plain ones.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 220
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 4g
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free : Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-Free : Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk and vegetable oil instead of butter. Add-Ins : Adding half a cup of blueberries, chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter would make it tastier. Flavor Twist : Spice it up by adding one teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
