Almond Poppy Seed Muffins

These tender and fluffy almond poppy seed muffins are sure to become your favorite muffin recipe. The nutty essence of almonds is combined with yogurt to make them super moist, with poppy seeds adding texture. But the best part is the rich almond paste streusel on top that takes these homemade muffins to the next level.

Get ready to become obsessed with these delicious bakery style muffins. The thick layer of almond paste streusel is a show-stopper. I'm talking rich and chewy, marzipan-like in texture, but still veering on the side of crumbly streusel.

If you're a fan of the Costco almond poppy seed muffins, this recipe is going to knock your socks off, and in just 30 minutes. And, if you're a muffin lover, don't sleep on my blueberry sour cream muffins!

Jump to:

• ⭐️ Why These Poppy Seed Muffins Are The Best
• 🥄 Ingredient Notes
• 🤔 What is Almond Paste?
• 📝 Variations & Substitutions
• 🥄 How To Make Almond Poppyseed Muffins
• 🍽 Storage Instructions
• 👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips
• 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
• ☕️ More Muffin Recipes
• Almond Poppy Seed Muffins Recipe

⭐️ Why These Poppy Seed Muffins Are The Best

• Texture: Yogurt makes these fluffy muffins super moist with poppy seeds adding a slight crunch.
• Quick and easy: No special equipment is needed and this two-bowl recipe is easy enough for beginners; bakery style muffins are on the table in 30 minutes!
• Taste: Rich and nutty almond poppyseed muffins are topped with a buttery marzipan-like streusel (you can make these muffins without the streusel and they will still be delicious).
• Make-ahead instructions provided
• Freezer-friendly muffin recipe

🥄 Ingredient Notes

• Poppy seeds - An oil seed that is derived from the opium poppy. It's full of nutrition, fiber, and antioxidants, and gives subtle texture and flavor to baked goods.
• Whole-milk yogurt or sour cream - Provides an extra boost of moisture and slight tanginess.
• Light brown sugar - Gives the streusel a deeper flavor with notes of molasses
• Almond paste - A key ingredient in marzipan as well as almond croissants. This sweet, nutty paste takes our streusel to the next level of deliciousness. You can find it in the baking aisle at the supermarket.
• Unsalted butter - Using unsalted butter helps to control the amount of salt in your muffins.
• Almond extract - Gives the muffins a deep, nutty almond flavor.

🤔 What is Almond Paste?

If you aren't familiar with almond paste, I am happy to make the introductions to what is one of the most exquisite foods on planet Earth. It consists of ground almonds, powdered sugar, egg whites, and almond extract.

Almond paste is a key ingredient in marzipan as well as almond croissants. It's sweet, rich, nutty and has a unique texture. In short, it is absolutely divine. You can find it in the bakery aisle at the supermarket, or you can easily make your own almond paste!

📝 Variations & Substitutions

• Whole-wheat flour. To make healthy-ish muffins, substitute up to ½ cup of whole wheat flour for the all-purpose flour.
• Make dairy-free muffins: Substitute dairy-free yogurt, milk, and butter for dairy free muffins.
• Make vegan muffins: Along with the above dairy-free substitutions, you can use 2 flax eggs in place of the eggs: (combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes gelatinous.)
• Gluten-free muffins: Substitute your favorite brand of all-purpose gluten free flour using a 1:1 ratio. I don't recommend using almond flour, as it has a higher moisture content.
• Extra-virgin olive oil can be used in place of vegetable oil, but it does have a fruitier, more pronounced flavor.
• Low-sugar muffins. If you want to cut back on the amount of sugar, you could use about half the amount; the streusel provides extra sweetness here.

🥄 How To Make Almond Poppyseed Muffins

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a medium-sized muffin tin with 12 paper baking cups (or spray with cooking spray). In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour.

Add oil, eggs, extracts, yogurt, and milk. Beat with a whisk for 1-2 minutes until completely combined and batter is smooth. Set aside.

Make almond paste streusel: In a small bowl, add brown sugar, flour, almond paste, butter, almond extract, and salt. Use a fork or pastry cutter to combine. Mixture will look like a paste. Set aside.

Divide muffin batter evenly among muffin cups. Sprinkle batter with streusel, dividing evenly.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Transfer muffins to cooling rack.

🍽 Storage Instructions

Muffins can be stored in the refrigerator (in an airtight container) for up to 4 days.

How to freeze: After completely cooled, wrap each muffin in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.

👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips

• If you don't have muffin/cupcake liners handy, be sure to spray your muffin tin really well to prevent the muffins from sticking.
• Make your own almond paste if you can't find it at your local market (in the baking aisle).
• Make in advance: Muffin batter (and streusel) can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead of time.
• Use room-temperature eggs. This allows you to incorporate more air into the eggs when you beat/whisk them, which results in light and fluffy muffins.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

☕️ More Muffin Recipes

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