Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
If you’re in search of a delightful recipe that brightens your day and fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of fresh lemons, look no further than lemon cream cheese muffins. These muffins are fluffy, moist, and perfectly tangy, encapsulating the essence of spring in every bite. They are incredibly easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or cozy evenings. With the luscious cream cheese filling hidden inside and a zesty glaze that perfectly crowns the muffins, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household.
The first bite will evoke feelings of nostalgia, transporting you back to family gatherings where homemade treats made with love were the stars of the show. Moreover, kids can’t resist these sweet, lemony delights—they’re perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, or weekend brunches. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Are you ready to give in to your sweet cravings?
Imagine biting into a warm muffin, the rich cream cheese filling oozing out and a burst of lemon flavor dancing on your taste buds. How often do you find a treat that can satisfy your sweet tooth and brighten your mood simultaneously? This is the kind of indulgent moment you deserve, and these lemon cream cheese muffins are here to deliver it.
Picture this: it’s a rainy afternoon, and you’re curled up with a good book. Now, envision holding one of these muffins in your hand, the delightful aroma wafting up as you take that first bite. Can you resist the temptation?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Why do you need to add lemon cream cheese muffins to your recipe repertoire? Firstly, these muffins are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients that you likely have on hand.
They are perfect for a crowd, making them an excellent choice for potlucks or family gatherings. The combination of flavors strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, appealing to both adults and children alike.
Not to mention, they are incredibly versatile, allowing for fun variations like adding poppy seeds or walnuts for a delightful crunch. These muffins are a guilt-pleasure treat, whether you’re enjoying one as an afternoon snack or serving them at brunch.
Ingredients
The Total Musts for Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
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All-Purpose Flour: A pantry staple, providing the structure for these muffins.
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Granulated Sugar: The sweet touch that balances the tartness of the lemons.
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Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The dynamic duo that ensures your muffins rise beautifully.
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Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and enhances flavor.
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Buttermilk: Keeps the muffins moist and tender while adding a pleasant tang.
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Fresh Lemon Zest: The bright, aromatic essence of lemon that infuses every bite.
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Fresh Lemon Juice: The essential tartness that defines these muffins.
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Full-Fat Cream Cheese: The creamy center that makes each muffin pure indulgence.
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Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling for a balanced richness.
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Vanilla Extract: A warm, fragrant addition that rounds out the flavors.
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Powdered Sugar: For a dreamy glaze that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
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Lemon Juice: Used again for the glaze, bringing brightness and flavor.
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Lemon Zest: A finishing touch for the glaze, enhancing visual and flavor depth.
Timing
Whipping up lemon cream cheese muffins is both fast and indulgent. From start to finish, you can have these delectable treats ready in less than an hour!
Simply preheat your oven, prep your ingredients, and in under 30 minutes, you’ll be filling your kitchen with that delightful scent. Perfect for a light breakfast or a sweet afternoon indulgence, these muffins satisfy your cravings in no time.
Step-by-Step
Here’s how to make your irresistible lemon cream cheese muffins:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your muffin tin with paper liners. Creating the perfect baking environment is crucial.
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Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This will be your dry mixture.
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In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice. The blend of ingredients results in a luscious wet mixture.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. The key here is not to overmix—this keeps your muffins light and fluffy.
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Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth for the filling. This rich mixture adds a luxurious surprise in the center of your muffins.
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Fill each liner halfway with batter, add a tablespoon of cream cheese filling, then cover with the remaining batter. It’s a fun layer of surprise!
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Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the muffins are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
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Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step helps maintain their perfect texture.
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Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest. Once muffins are cool, drizzle with glaze. This glaze is the crowning glory of these muffins!
Nutritional Information
Each lemon cream cheese muffin contains approximately 200 calories.
While they are indulgent, they bring joy and satisfaction that makes the occasion worthwhile. Enjoy them as an occasional treat, and relish every luscious bite!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re seeking lower-sugar or dairy-free alternatives, the following substitutions can help:
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Low-Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative to lower the overall sugar content.
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Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut cream cheese for the filling, and swap regular milk for almond or oat milk to create a deliciously dairy-free version.
These alternatives allow you to enjoy the essence of lemon cream cheese muffins while accommodating dietary preferences!
Serving Suggestions
These lemon cream cheese muffins shine on their own, but consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent experience.
They also work wonderfully as festive treats during holidays such as Easter or Mother’s Day, adding a touch of sweetness to your celebrations.
Common Mistakes
While making these muffins is relatively straightforward, here are common pitfalls to avoid:
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Overbaking: This can lead to dry muffins. Keep an eye on them and perform the toothpick test for doneness.
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Texture Issues: Overmixing can make muffins tough. Always fold gently to maintain that fluffy texture.
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Messy Filling: Ensure you don’t overfill each liner when adding the cream cheese filling to avoid overflow during baking.
Storing Tips
Store your lemon cream cheese muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in muffin-sized portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
This way, your sweet treat is always ready to please!
Tempting to Bake it ASAP
With their bright flavor, airy texture, and rich surprise filling, lemon cream cheese muffins are an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Don’t wait any longer—get your mixing bowls ready and indulge in this delightful recipe. Your kitchen—and taste buds—will thank you!
FAQs
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Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber and nutrition! -
How do I know when my muffins are done?
The muffins should be golden brown on top and spring back when touched lightly. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted. -
Can I make these muffins in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day ahead and keep it in the fridge or bake them a day earlier and store them properly. -
What can I add to the cream cheese filling?
You can add a hint of lemon extract or some fresh berries for added flavor and texture. -
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! These muffins freeze beautifully, so feel free to double the recipe for batch baking!
These lemon cream cheese muffins are not just a recipe; they are an experience. Dive into your baking adventure today!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful lemon cream cheese muffins that are fluffy, moist, and perfectly tangy, with a luscious cream cheese filling and a zesty glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Zest
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 8 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Sugar (for filling)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth for the filling.
- Fill each muffin liner halfway with batter, add a tablespoon of cream cheese filling, then cover with remaining batter.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown and springy to the touch.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest, then drizzle over cooled muffins.
Notes
Store muffins in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze for longer storage. For variations, consider adding poppy seeds or walnuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
