Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins 😋🍋🧁

Introduction

There’s something incredibly uplifting about the bright and zesty flavor of lemons, especially when combined with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. These Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins have become a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason! They are light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. My family can’t get enough of these muffins, and every time I bake a batch, the house is filled with delightful aromas that draw everyone in. The combination of the lemony muffin with the creamy center is simply heavenly, and I love how easy they are to whip up. If you’re a lemon lover, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your household, too!

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
6. Fill Muffin Liners: Fill each muffin liner halfway with the lemon muffin batter. Add a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then top with more muffin batter until the liner is about 3/4 full.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled muffins for a sweet and tangy finish.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and calories per serving)

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Calories: 320 per muffin
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Drizzle with lemon glaze just before serving.
• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Enjoy as a sweet breakfast option or a midday snack.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice.
2. Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
3. Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when mixing the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
4. Add Blueberries: For a fun twist, consider adding a handful of fresh blueberries to the batter.
5. Store Properly: Keep muffins in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Fruit Add-ins: Experiment with other fruits like raspberries or cranberries for added flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the muffins instead of lemon glaze.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Spread: Serve with butter and honey for a delicious breakfast spread.
• Brunch Table: Perfect addition to a brunch table alongside other pastries and fruits.
• Gift Idea: Package in a decorative box as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

• Yes, you can use regular milk, but for the best flavor and texture, buttermilk is recommended. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

1. How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

• Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, they need more time.

1. Can I make the muffins ahead of time?

• Yes! You can prepare the batter and fill the muffin liners ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

1. What can I substitute for cream cheese?

• You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a different flavor.

1. Are these muffins suitable for a breakfast meal prep?

• Absolutely! These muffins are great for meal prep. Just store them in individual containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.

1. Can I skip the glaze?

• Yes, you can enjoy these muffins plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of the glaze.

1. How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?

• Make sure to use high-quality liners, and you can also spray them lightly with cooking spray before filling.

1. Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon juice?

• Yes, you can use lemon extract for a more concentrated flavor, but you might want to reduce the amount slightly.

1. What if I want my muffins sweeter?

• You can increase the sugar in the muffin batter by a few tablespoons to suit your taste.

1. Can I double the recipe?
   • Yes, you can double the recipe. Just ensure you have enough muffin tins or bake them in batches.

Conclusion

These Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect treat to brighten your day. With their delightful lemon flavor, creamy filling, and sweet glaze, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a midday snack, these muffins will leave you craving more. So why not gather the ingredients and bake a batch today? You won’t regret it!

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