Bright, zesty, and packed with a little extra brainpower — these Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are a seasonal twist on a classic favorite. Infused with the subtle, earthy notes of Purana’s Lion’s Mane 8x Powder, they offer more than just a sunny flavour — they support mental clarity and focus, too.

By swapping out just ¼ cup of traditional flour for lion’s mane powder, you get a delicious, functional boost without compromising texture or taste. Perfect for spring mornings, afternoon tea, or a mindful treat on the go, these muffins bring a fresh perspective to everyday baking.

Ingredients:

• 2¼ cups (288g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup (32g) lion’s mane powder (replacing ¼ cup of the flour)

• 1 cup (200g) coconut sugar (or other sugar of choice)

• 2½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp poppy seeds

• ½ cup (110g) unsalted butter (or coconut oil), melted

• 2 tbsp light neutral oil

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ¼ cup (65g) sour cream, room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp almond extract (or lemon extract)

• 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (about ½ lemon)

• 1 cup (240ml) milk (of your choice), room temperature
  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Muffin Batter:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, lion's mane powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.

   • In another bowl, mix the melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and milk until well combined.

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

2. Bake the Muffins:

   • Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with paper liners or grease with nonstick spray.

   • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each to the top.

   • Bake for 8 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes:

• Lion's Mane Powder: Incorporating lion's mane powder not only adds a subtle earthy flavour but also brings potential cognitive benefits, aligning with wellness-focused baking.

• Flavour Balance: The lemon zest and juice provide a bright, citrusy contrast to the earthy notes of the lion's mane, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

• Texture: Replacing a portion of the flour with lion's mane powder maintains the moist and fluffy texture of the muffins while introducing a slight density that complements the overall mouthfeel.