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Lemon cream muffins drizzled with a sweet glaze on a plate.

Luscious Lemon Cream Muffins with Zesty Glaze

These muffins are a delightful blend of zesty lemon flavor and creamy filling, perfect for any occasion, whether it's brunch or a quiet breakfast.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Muffin Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour For the base of the muffins
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder For leavening
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt Enhances flavor
  • 1/2 cup melted butter Adds richness
  • 1 cup buttermilk For moisture
  • 2 large eggs Provides structure
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest For flavor
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Adds tanginess

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz softened cream cheese Main filling ingredient
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the filling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zesty Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar Sweet glaze base
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice For zest and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest Enhances citrus flavor

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In another bowl, mix the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and fold gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Fill muffin liners halfway with batter, add a tablespoon of cream cheese filling, and top with more batter until about three-quarters full.

Baking and Glazing

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled muffins and allow to set.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Consider adding poppy seeds for a crunch or more lemon zest for extra zing.
Keyword Baking, Cream Cheese Filling, Lemon Muffins, Muffins Recipe, Zesty Glaze