Description

If you're a fan of bright, citrusy flavors combined with rich, creamy textures, these Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect treat for you. Each bite of these muffins offers a burst of zesty lemon flavor, perfectly balanced by a velvety cream cheese center that adds a delightful richness. Topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze, these muffins are not only delicious but also beautiful to behold. Whether you're serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, these muffins are sure to impress with their vibrant flavor and moist, tender crumb.

Ingredients

• For the Muffins:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Lemon Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Fill muffin liners halfway with lemon batter, add cream cheese mixture, then top with more batter until 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. While cooling, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make glaze.
10. Drizzle glaze over cooled muffins and serve.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
For a fun variation, try adding a handful of fresh blueberries to the batter before baking. The blueberries pair perfectly with the lemon and cream cheese, adding an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color to your muffins. You can also substitute the lemon juice and zest with orange or lime for a different citrus twist.

Conclusion:
These Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are a true delight, combining the fresh, zesty flavor of lemon with the rich creaminess of a sweet cream cheese filling. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, they’re the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them a hit at any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So whip up a batch, savor the flavors, and enjoy the bright taste of lemony goodness in every bite!