Dreamy Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Whipping up delectable lemon muffins with cream cheese filling feels like creating magic in your kitchen.

Sunlight seems to dance through zesty citrus notes that burst from each tender bite.

Soft, pillowy textures promise a delightful surprise when you slice into the center.

Cream cheese creates a luxurious hidden core that melts delicately against warm muffin crumbs.

Sweet and tangy flavors intertwine, promising a breakfast treat that rivals fancy bakery offerings.

Gentle hints of lemon embrace rich dairy undertones, crafting an irresistible morning companion.

Bake these muffins and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary excitement.

Why Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Are Bright and Rich

• Packed with bright lemon essence, these muffins deliver a tangy punch that wakes up your taste buds and brings sunshine to any morning.
• Requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a hassle-free baking experience perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• The unexpected creamy filling creates a delightful textural contrast, transforming ordinary muffins into a gourmet treat that feels special and indulgent with minimal extra effort.
• Great for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, or afternoon snacks, these muffins appeal to both kids and adults, making them an ideal recipe for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the muffins, choose unbleached for better texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning, white sugar works best.
• Baking Powder: Helps muffins rise and become fluffy, check freshness for best results.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients, whole milk recommended for richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides flavor and tender crumb, melt for easy mixing.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure, use room temperature for better incorporation.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bring bright citrus flavor, use fresh lemons for best taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, pure extract preferred over artificial.

• Cream Cheese: Creates rich, tangy filling, use full-fat for best texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: Creates a sweet and tangy topping, adjust consistency as needed.

How to Bake Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a muffin tin and line it with paper cups or give it a quick spray of non-stick magic.

Step 2: Craft the Dreamy Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until silky smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Muffin Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

• Milk
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently. Stop mixing when just combined- lumps are welcome!

Step 4: Build Your Muffin Masterpiece

Scoop a heaping spoonful of batter into each muffin cup.

Drop a dollop of cream cheese filling on top.

Cover the filling with another spoonful of batter, filling cups about 3/4 full.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven for 18-22 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick- it should come out clean (avoid the cheesy center).

Let muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Drizzle with Tangy Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice

Create a smooth glaze and drizzle over cooled muffins.

Step 7: Indulge and Enjoy

Devour immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips for Fluffy Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends easily.
• Prevent Overmixing Batter: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Maximize Lemon Flavor: Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus notes that elevate the entire muffin's taste profile.
• Control Filling Placement: Use a small spoon or piping bag to distribute cream cheese filling evenly, ensuring each bite has a delightful creamy center.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Best Way to Store Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

• Store muffins in an airtight container within the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping them deliciously moist for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
• Remove frozen muffins from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Drinks and Sides That Go with Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

• Pair these zesty lemon muffins with a crisp Earl Grey tea to complement the bright citrus notes and balance the creamy filling.
• Serve alongside a chilled lavender lemonade that echoes the muffin's lemony essence while providing a cool, light accompaniment.
• Enjoy with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet to amplify the dessert's creamy and tangy profile.
• Combine with a light Greek yogurt sprinkled with honey and lemon zest for a protein-rich and harmonizing breakfast combination.

Fun Variations on Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream or almond-based cream cheese. Use dairy-free milk and plant-based butter substitute.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Replace part of sugar with unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream. Choose vegan cream cheese substitute.

Lemon Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon muffins showcase creamy cream cheese filling in a delightful bakery-style treat. Bright citrus notes and rich filling create a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors you’ll crave from first bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Filling Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Flavoring and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 12 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and arranging paper liners in a standard muffin tin.
2. Create a silky cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until uniformly smooth, then set aside for later incorporation.
3. Develop the muffin foundation by combining dry ingredients in one mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Construct the liquid component separately by whisking milk, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until thoroughly integrated.
5. Merge wet and dry ingredients gently, stirring minimally to maintain a light, tender texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense muffins.
6. Layer the muffin cups strategically: first, add a generous spoonful of batter, then carefully place a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center.
7. Cover the cream cheese filling with additional batter, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
8. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring for a clean toothpick test when inserted near the edge.
9. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transition to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
10. Optional: Prepare a zesty glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice until achieving a smooth, drizzling consistency.
11. Serve immediately or store in a sealed container within the refrigerator, maintaining freshness for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with the muffin batter.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense muffins; mix just until ingredients are combined for light, tender texture.
• Layer cream cheese filling carefully in the center to create a delightful surprise burst of creamy sweetness in every bite.
• Customize recipe by adding fresh blueberries or swapping lemon zest with orange zest for a fun flavor variation that keeps the recipe exciting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg