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Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins Perfect for Any Morning

Delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins featuring a zesty flavor and rich filling—perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Muffins
  • 2 cups All-purpose Flour substitute gluten-free flour for gluten-free option
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar coconut sugar can replace it for a healthier choice
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar can use a sugar substitute like Stevia
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter or use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 2 large Eggs consider flax eggs for a vegan version
  • Zest of 2 lemons Lemon Zest
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Extract or use more fresh lemon juice as a substitute
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt or use sour cream
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened to room temperature
For the Streusel Topping
  • 1 cup All-purpose Flour use gluten-free flour if needed
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar or brown sugar for deeper flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter melted
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar mix with lemon juice for glaze
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice for brightening flavor

Equipment

  • Oven
  • muffin pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • hand mixer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugars, and salt for the streusel topping. Drizzle in the melted unsalted butter, and mix until resembling coarse crumbs. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest, vanilla extract, lemon extract, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.
  6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
  7. In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth.
  8. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, add a dollop of cream cheese filling, then top with more batter to 2/3-3/4 full. Sprinkle atop streusel.
  9. Bake for 22-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
  10. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffinCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 120mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Use freshly zested lemons for the best flavor and avoid over-mixing the batter to prevent tough muffins.

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