Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect breakfast treat or delightful snack to brighten your day. With a zesty lemon flavor complemented by creamy, velvety cream cheese filling, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your home. Fluffy, moist, and topped with a luscious glaze, they will invoke the feeling of sunshine with every bite. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have your taste buds singing!
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined—don’t overmix, or the muffins may turn out dense.
- For the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Add a spoonful of muffin batter to each muffin cup, filling about 1/3 of the way.
- Add 1 heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each.
- Cover the cream cheese mixture with more muffin batter, filling the cups just below the rim.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the very center) comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until thick but pourable. Drizzle over cooled muffins before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Nutrition Info (per muffin): Approximately 200 calories, 9g fat, 25g carbs, 2g protein.
How to Serve Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
These muffins are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or brunch option. For an additional treat, serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Variations
- Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for an extra burst of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Zesty Extras: Stir in lemon zest or poppy seeds for additional flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used for a lighter version without compromising taste.
Q: How do I store leftover muffins?
A: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and bake them fresh in the morning for a warm breakfast treat.