Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously bright and moist treat, Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling are sure to satisfy your cravings. These muffins combine the zesty flavor of lemon with a creamy, tangy surprise that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Muffins

• Bright Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest bring a vibrant and refreshing taste that can brighten any day.
• Creamy Center: The cream cheese filling adds a delightful contrast to the light, fluffy muffin, making every bite a delicious experience.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delightful lemon muffins, gather the following ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

this recipe

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

6. Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup, followed by a dollop of the cream cheese filling, then cover with more muffin batter until each cup is about ¾ full.

7. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (with the exception of the cream cheese filling).

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Muffins

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be a convenient substitute but may lack the same freshness.
• Avoid Overmixing: To keep your muffins fluffy, mix until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Storage: Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for a week. They also freeze well; just thaw before serving.

Conclusion

These Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling are a perfect blend of tart and sweet, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and savor the delightful burst of lemon flavor in every bite! Enjoy baking!

Here are some Serving and Storage Tips for your Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling:

Serving Tips

1. Warm or Room Temperature: These muffins are delightful served warm right out of the oven, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.
2. Garnish: Consider dusting the muffins with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of lemon glaze (mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice) for an added touch of sweetness and decoration.
3. Pairing Suggestions: Serve these muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
4. Serving Size: Each muffin is a perfect serving size, but for larger gatherings, consider cutting them in half to create bite-sized pieces for guests to enjoy.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Refrigeration: If you live in a warmer climate or prefer a longer shelf life, you can store the muffins in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, these muffins freeze well. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.
4. Avoiding Sogginess: If you notice your muffins are becoming soggy, place a paper towel in the container with them to absorb excess moisture.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling stay delicious and fresh for as long as possible! Enjoy every bite!

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Yes! While cream cheese is the classic choice for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mascarpone or ricotta for a different taste and texture. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so you might need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar accordingly.

2. How can I make these muffins healthier?
To make healthier lemon muffins, consider substituting some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. You can also reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

3. Can I add mix-ins to the muffins?
Absolutely! You can customize these lemon muffins by adding mix-ins such as blueberries, poppy seeds, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Just be sure not to overmix the batter to maintain the muffins’ light and fluffy texture.

4. What can I do with leftover lemon muffins?
If you have leftover muffins, they can be enjoyed in various ways! Consider using them as a base for a lemon trifle, crumbling them over yogurt or ice cream, or even toasting them lightly for a delicious breakfast treat. If they’re getting stale, you can also turn them into a bread pudding!

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