Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

If you’re craving a muffin that’s tangy, sweet, and irresistibly soft, look no further than these Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins. They’re bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor and have a velvety cream cheese filling that makes each bite feel indulgent yet light. The cream cheese center adds a deliciously rich twist to the classic lemon muffin, making these a true standout. Whether you’re treating yourself to a morning delight or offering them up at brunch, these muffins will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

Perfectly Tangy & Sweet

The fresh lemon zest and juice bring a lively tang that’s perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the muffin. The cream cheese filling is rich and creamy, offering a delightful contrast to the lemony goodness.

Moist and Tender Texture

Thanks to the cream cheese, these muffins are incredibly moist and tender. They stay fresh for days, so you can enjoy them at your leisure without worrying about them drying out.

Easy to Make & Elegant Enough for Any Occasion

These muffins may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to make! They’re perfect for a weekend breakfast, a brunch gathering, or even an afternoon treat with your favorite tea.

A Little Something Extra

The cream cheese filling takes these muffins to the next level—adding a little surprise with each bite. They’re not just your average muffin, they’re a decadent treat with a tangy twist!

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the muffin and creates a soft, tender texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the muffins rise perfectly and stay fluffy.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the muffins.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to complement the tartness of the lemon.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the muffins.
• Milk: Keeps the batter moist and helps create a tender crumb.
• Lemon Zest: The key to that bright, fresh lemon flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy, citrusy punch that brings the lemon flavor to life.
• Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the muffins.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The star of the filling! It adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor that contrasts perfectly with the tangy lemon muffin.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without overpowering it.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
• Lemon Juice: A little extra lemon juice to tie the filling into the muffin’s overall flavor profile.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Muffin Tin:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Make the Muffin Batter:

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the muffins dense.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

5. Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Muffins:

6. Fill the muffin tin: Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into the bottom of each muffin cup, just enough to cover the bottom. Then, add a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter.
7. Top with more muffin batter: Spoon more muffin batter on top of the cream cheese filling, covering it completely. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly smooth – the filling will peek out as the muffins bake.

Bake the Muffins:

8. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for a bit of creamy filling).

Cool and Serve:

9. Cool the muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and enjoy: These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll stay delicious for a few days if stored in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220
Fat per serving: 12g
Carbs per serving: 25g
Protein per serving: 4g
Sugar per serving: 12g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

As a Morning Treat:

Pair these muffins with a hot cup of coffee or a citrusy tea for the perfect start to your day. Their fresh lemon flavor makes them feel light and refreshing.

At Brunch:

Serve them at your next brunch gathering, along with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or savory sides. These muffins will be a showstopper on any brunch spread!

Afternoon Snack:

Need a little pick-me-up? These muffins are perfect for an afternoon snack. Their cream cheese center makes them feel indulgent, but they’re still light enough for a quick treat.

For Dessert:

For a simple dessert, serve these muffins with a drizzle of lemon glaze or whipped cream. They’re just sweet enough to satisfy your craving without feeling heavy.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Lemons:

For the best lemon flavor, always use fresh lemon zest and juice. It really makes a difference in the brightness of the muffins!

Customize the Cream Cheese Filling:

You can add a bit of lemon zest or a dash of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a little extra flavor. Or, mix in some chopped berries for a fruity twist.

Make Ahead:

These muffins can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Glaze Them for Extra Sweetness:

If you want an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle these muffins with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A1: Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese. It will still be creamy, but the texture might be slightly different.

Q2: Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap the lemon for lime, orange, or even grapefruit for a different citrusy twist.

Q3: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
A3: Yes, these muffins are great for make-ahead. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Definitely! Just double the ingredients and bake them in two muffin tins. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.

Q5: Can I add other flavors to the muffins?
A5: You can experiment with adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or even a handful of poppy seeds for a fun twist!

Q6: How can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A6: To make these muffins gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Just make sure to check the ingredients of your baking powder to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Q7: Can I use a muffin mix?
A7: You can, but for the best flavor, we recommend making them from scratch. The cream cheese filling is what makes these muffins special!

Q8: What can I do with leftover cream cheese filling?
A8: You can use it as a topping for other baked goods like scones, cupcakes, or even spread it on toast or crackers for a sweet snack.

Q9: How can I make these muffins even sweeter?
A9: If you prefer sweeter muffins, add a bit more sugar to the batter or drizzle them with a lemon glaze for extra sweetness.

Q10: How do I store leftover muffins?
A10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

These Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy indulgence. They’re moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert. With the creamy center and fresh citrusy goodness, these muffins will brighten your day with every bite. Enjoy!

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