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For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping (optional):
- Lemon glaze (made with powdered sugar and lemon juice) or a dusting of powdered sugar
- Fresh lemon zest (for garnish)
How to Make Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, and continue to beat until well combined. The filling should be smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners or grease the tin lightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can result in dense muffins.
- Gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt for added moisture.
Step 3: Assemble the Muffins
- Spoon a small amount of the muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 1/3 full. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
- Add a spoonful of the cream cheese filling to the center of each muffin cup. The filling should not touch the edges of the muffin cup to prevent it from spilling out while baking.
- Top the cream cheese filling with more muffin batter, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Step 4: Bake the Muffins
- Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden.
- Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Optional Glaze and Garnishing
- For a sweet finishing touch, you can drizzle the muffins with a simple lemon glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice. Alternatively, dust them with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar and top with a little more fresh lemon zest for an added burst of citrusy flavor.
- Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy filling.
Why You Should Eat Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
If you’re a fan of lemony treats with a creamy twist, these Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are a must-try. They combine the freshness of lemon with the richness of cream cheese, creating a muffin that’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy. The texture is light and fluffy, while the cream cheese center offers a decadent surprise in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a morning indulgence, an afternoon snack, or a special treat for a gathering, these muffins are sure to impress.
Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer a refreshing take on traditional muffin recipes, thanks to the addition of lemon zest and cream cheese. Perfect for spring brunches, summer picnics, or any occasion where you want to brighten up your dessert table, Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are a tropical-inspired treat that everyone will love.
So, the real question is—Would you eat Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins? If you adore the combination of bright citrus and creamy goodness, then we’re confident you’ll say yes! Enjoy these delightful muffins anytime you need a little zesty pick-me-up.
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