Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin**:
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a muffin tin with **paper liners** or lightly grease it with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

#### 2. **Mix the Wet Ingredients**:
– In a **medium bowl**, whisk together the **almond milk** and **apple cider vinegar**. Let this sit for about 5 minutes to allow the mixture to thicken slightly—this is your vegan “buttermilk.”
– After 5 minutes, add the **sugar**, **oil**, **vanilla extract**, **lemon zest**, and **lemon juice** to the wet mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined.

#### 3. **Combine the Dry Ingredients**:
– In a separate **large bowl**, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt**.
– If you’re using **poppy seeds**, add them to the dry ingredients as well.

#### 4. **Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients**:
– Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
– The batter should be thick but slightly pourable. If it feels too thick, you can add an extra tablespoon of almond milk to loosen it up.

#### 5. **Fill the Muffin Tin**:
– Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about **2/3 of the way** full.
– If desired, you can top each muffin with a little extra **lemon zest** or a sprinkle of **sugar** for a touch of sparkle and extra flavor.

#### 6. **Bake the Muffins**:
– Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for **18-22 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
– Keep an eye on them after 18 minutes, as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of the muffin tin.

#### 7. **Cool and Serve**:
– Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
– These muffins are best served fresh, but they’ll keep for about **3 days** at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to **1 month**—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

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### Tips for Perfect Vegan Lemon Muffins

1. **Don’t Overmix**: Overmixing muffin batter can lead to dense muffins. Stir until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined.

2. **Fresh Lemons for Best Flavor**: For the brightest, freshest lemon flavor, use **fresh lemon juice** and **zest**. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same vibrant taste.

3. **Flour Substitutes**: If you want to make these muffins gluten-free, substitute the **all-purpose flour** with a **gluten-free flour blend**. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain texture.

4. **Add a Lemon Glaze**: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple **lemon glaze** over the muffins once they’ve cooled. Just mix **powdered sugar** with a little **lemon juice** until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

5. **Make Them Lighter**: If you prefer a lighter muffin, you can substitute half of the **vegetable oil** with **applesauce**. This will reduce the fat content while keeping the muffins moist.

6. **Use Coconut Milk for Richness**: If you’re not concerned about keeping the muffins lower in fat, try using **coconut milk** for a richer flavor and texture.

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### Why You’ll Love These Vegan Lemon Muffins

These **Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins** are a delightful treat for any lemon lover. They’re soft, light, and have just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tangy citrus flavor. The **zesty lemon** pairs beautifully with the delicate crumb, creating a muffin that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with your afternoon tea or coffee.

Not only are these muffins **vegan**, but they’re also free from **dairy**, **eggs**, and **animal products**, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Plus, they come together in less than an hour and require minimal effort, making them a fantastic option when you need a quick, homemade treat.

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### Final Thoughts

These **Moist Vegan Lemon Muffins** are the perfect way to indulge in a sweet, citrusy treat without any of the dairy or eggs found in traditional recipes. With their light, fluffy texture and irresistible lemon flavor, they’ll become your go-to muffin recipe for all occasions—from casual mornings to special celebrations.

So next time you’re in the mood for something **refreshing**, **fluffy**, and **delicious**, whip up a batch of these vegan lemon muffins. Your taste buds (and anyone you share them with) will thank you! 🍋🧁