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

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to ensure easy removal and perfect presentation of your muffins.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture forms the base of your muffins and provides the structure they need to rise beautifully.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The combination of buttermilk and lemon juice ensures that these muffins are incredibly moist with a bright, tangy flavor that complements the cream cheese filling.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well combined.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling will create a delightful surprise in the center of each muffin, adding a rich, creamy texture to contrast with the bright lemony batter.

Assemble the Muffins:

Fill each muffin liner halfway with the lemon batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each muffin, then top with more batter until the liners are about 3/4 full. This layering ensures that each muffin has a delicious cream cheese center.

Bake the Muffins:

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden, and your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of lemon and vanilla.

Cool the Muffins:

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief resting period helps the muffins set, making them easier to handle and enhancing their flavor.


Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

While the muffins are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl to create a smooth, tangy glaze. This glaze adds a finishing touch of sweetness and an extra burst of lemon flavor.
Glaze and Serve:

Once the muffins are completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops. The glaze will set into a shiny, sweet topping that makes these muffins as beautiful as they are delicious.

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!