Description
Sunshine-packed “luscious lemon cream cheese muffins” deliver a delightful breakfast experience with zesty citrus notes and creamy richness. Eager bakers can savor these tender treats that promise a perfect balance of tangy brightness and smooth indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
- 0.75 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
Flavor Enhancers and Spices:
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
Cream Cheese and Glaze Components:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup powdered sugar (for cream cheese filling)
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese filling)
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for lemon glaze)
- 0.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for lemon glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and positioning paper liners or lightly greasing a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Create a velvety cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Develop the dry foundation by thoroughly combining flour, granulated sugar, leavening agents, salt, and vibrant lemon zest in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Construct the liquid component by whisking together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla essence, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until thoroughly integrated.
- Delicately fold the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, using minimal strokes to preserve the muffin’s tender texture and prevent overworking the batter.
- Craft the muffin layers by depositing a base layer of batter into each cup, strategically placing a dollop of cream cheese filling at the center, then covering with additional batter until each compartment reaches approximately three-quarters full.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring for a golden exterior and ensuring a clean toothpick test around the muffin’s perimeter.
- Allow the muffins to rest and slightly cool for five minutes, then embellish with an optional tangy lemon glaze for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Gentle mixing prevents tough muffins, ensuring a light and tender crumb by avoiding overmixing the batter.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a more consistent texture and better overall muffin structure.
- Cold cream cheese can create lumpy filling, so let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before preparing.
- Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice for flexibility in ingredient substitution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg