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Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins That Brighten Your Breakfast Bliss

Delight in these Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins that balance tangy lemon and creamy filling, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Streusel Topping
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour can substitute gluten-free flour
  • 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt a pinch enhances flavors
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter softened
For the Muffin Batter
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour can substitute gluten-free blend
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar or sugar substitute
  • 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder ensure freshness
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 large Eggs can substitute with flaxseed for vegan option
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest from fresh lemons
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract adjust based on taste
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Extract optional for stronger flavor
  • 2/3 cup Greek Yogurt can substitute with sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice fresh is best
For the Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Glaze
  • 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice fresh

Equipment

  • Cupcake Pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • fork

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a standard 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix in 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until crumbly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and salt.
  4. Beat together 1/3 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon lemon extract; mix until smooth.
  5. Mix in 2/3 cup Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  6. In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  7. Spoon muffin batter into prepared cups, fill halfway, add cream cheese filling, and top with more batter until two-thirds full.
  8. Sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin cup.
  9. Bake for 22-25 minutes, reducing to 350°F (175°C) after 5 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
  10. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Make the glaze by mixing 3/4 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth.
  12. Drizzle glaze over cooled muffins and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffinCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use fresh lemons and eggs for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing for light muffins. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to a week.

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