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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and arranging paper liners in a standard muffin tin.
- Create a silky cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until uniformly smooth, then set aside for later incorporation.
- Develop the muffin foundation by combining dry ingredients in one mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Construct the liquid component separately by whisking milk, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until thoroughly integrated.
- Merge wet and dry ingredients gently, stirring minimally to maintain a light, tender texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense muffins.
- Layer the muffin cups strategically: first, add a generous spoonful of batter, then carefully place a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center.
- Cover the cream cheese filling with additional batter, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
- 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.
- Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transition to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
- Optional: Prepare a zesty glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice until achieving a smooth, drizzling consistency.
- 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