Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe: A Bright Morning Treat

Sunshine bursts through these delightful lemon cream cheese muffins, infusing every bite with zesty brightness.

Soft, pillowy textures mingle with a vibrant lemon cream cheese twist that dances across your palate.

Each muffin promises a delectable journey of citrusy warmth and creamy richness.

The delicate balance of tangy and sweet creates a morning treat that feels like a culinary embrace.

Fragrant lemon zest whispers of fresh orchards and bright mornings.

These muffins transform a simple breakfast into a moment of pure, delightful indulgence.

Get ready to savor every crumbly, lemony morsel that awaits you.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 202 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the muffin, provides structure and creates tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with muffin's golden-brown exterior.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and fluffy texture with perfect rise.
• Baking Soda: Helps neutralize acidic ingredients and contributes to muffin's softness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Sour Cream: Adds rich moisture and tangy flavor to muffin batter.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender texture and carries deeper flavor notes.
• Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure to muffins.
• Lemon Zest: Infuses bright, citrusy aroma and intense lemon flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds zesty acidity and enhances citrus profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor complexity and adds warm undertones.

• Cream Cheese: Creates luscious, creamy center with smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides silky smoothness for glaze and balanced sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements cream cheese with subtle, warm notes.

Tools to Get That Lemon Muffin Texture Right

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing cream cheese filling and lemon glaze.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• 12-Cup Muffin Tin: Necessary for shaping and baking muffins.
• Muffin Liners or Cooking Spray: Helps prevent muffins from sticking.
• Wire Rack: Great for cooling muffins evenly after baking.
• Toothpick: Helps check muffin doneness.
• Electric Mixer (optional): Useful for beating cream cheese filling smoothly.

How to Bake Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

• Warm Up Your Kitchen

Fire up the oven to 350F and grab a muffin tin. Line it with paper cups or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Mix the Dry Goodies

Toss flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a big bowl. Whisk them together until they’re best friends.

• Blend the Wet Components

In another bowl, swirl sour cream, melted butter, eggs, zesty lemon bits, lemon juice, and vanilla until they’re silky smooth.

• Create Creamy Centers

Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until it’s dreamy and soft.

• Build Your Muffin Masterpiece: Drop batter into each muffin cup, about a third full. Dollop a spoonful of cream cheese in the center, then cover with more batter.
• Bake to Perfection

Slide the tin into the oven and let them transform for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.

• Drizzle with Zing

Once cooled, shower these beauties with a tangy lemon glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest.

Bright Tips for Making Lemon Muffins Shine

• Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for ultra-smooth, lump-free filling.
• Avoid overmixing batter – stir just until ingredients combine to keep muffins light and tender.
• These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for quick breakfast treats.
• Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version. Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter for vegan adaptation. Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener for low-carb option.
• Store muffins in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain maximum freshness and prevent cream cheese filling from spoiling.

Serve the Muffins Warm, Iced, or Dusty Sweet

• Brunch Buddy Pairing: Serve these zesty muffins alongside a fresh fruit salad or light yogurt parfait for a delightful morning breakfast spread. The tangy lemon and creamy filling will complement the fresh fruits beautifully.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Create an elegant tea time experience by arranging these muffins on a decorative plate with chamomile or Earl Grey tea. The subtle sweetness and bright lemon flavor make them perfect for a relaxed afternoon gathering.
• Dessert Transformation: Elevate these muffins into a stunning dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh lemon zest or a mint leaf for an extra touch of sophistication and visual appeal.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package these muffins in clear cellophane bags tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Include a small note with serving suggestions to make the present even more special and personal.

How to Store Lemon Muffins to Keep Them Moist

• Let muffins rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before storing to prevent condensation and maintain perfect texture.
• Store cream cheese muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve freshness.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator or room temperature for 2-3 hours before enjoying.
• Prepare batter and cream cheese filling separately the night before. Store in sealed containers in refrigerator. Mix and bake fresh muffins in the morning for instant breakfast deliciousness.

FAQs

• Are these muffins easy to make for beginners?

These muffins are beginner-friendly! The recipe involves simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create delicious cream cheese-filled muffins without any complicated baking skills.

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. However, full-fat cream cheese provides a richer and creamier texture. The filling will still be delicious with a low-fat option, but might be slightly less creamy.

• How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking in the muffins?

To prevent sinking, add a thin layer of batter first, then place the cream cheese filling in the center, and cover with more batter. This technique helps keep the filling suspended in the middle of the muffin.

• Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice and zest?

Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor and brightness. While bottled lemon juice can work, fresh ingredients will give your muffins a more vibrant and authentic lemon taste.

Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Lemon cream cheese muffins deliver a zesty, tangy delight that elevates morning breakfasts with Mediterranean flair. Pillowy pastries combine creamy cheese and citrus notes, promising pure culinary comfort for passionate bakers.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Zest of 1 large lemon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry components.
3. Wet Mixture: Combine sour cream, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
4. Batter Formation: Delicately merge wet and dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a light, tender muffin texture without overworking the mixture.
5. Cream Cheese Filling: Whip softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until achieving a silky, luxurious consistency for the interior surprise.
6. Layering: Strategically fill muffin cups by first adding a base layer of batter, placing a central dollop of cream cheese filling, then covering with remaining batter to hide the creamy center.
7. Baking Process: Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer near the edge – it should emerge clean.
8. Cooling: Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to bring them to room temperature completely.
9. Lemon Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest until creating a smooth, drizzle-ready consistency for final embellishment.
10. Finishing Touch: Once cooled, generously drizzle the tangy lemon glaze over the muffins, adding a bright and elegant final flourish.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir wet and dry ingredients gently to maintain a light, tender muffin texture, avoiding tough or dense results.
• Temperature Control for Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Strategic Layering Technique: Add cream cheese filling in the center of the muffin batter to create a delightful hidden surprise within each bite.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the muffins’ structural integrity and soft crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg