Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins Zesty Bites of Bliss
Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins Zesty Bites
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever have one of those days, you know? The kind where you just need a little sunshine? Well, Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are exactly what you need.
The perfect sweet quick bread, these will brighten your mood instantly.
Brief Overview
The beauty of the Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins lies in their simplicity. These muffins deliver big flavour, perfect for a brunch with friends.
Ready in under an hour, this recipe yields 12 delightful muffins, enough to share…or not!
Main Benefits
These Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins aren't just delicious. They also sneak in a bit of sunshine via vitamin C from the lemons.
These are perfect meals for the road , ideal for picnics or a quick breakfast on the go. What makes these muffins special? The tangy lemon perfectly balances the creamy filling.
Let's Talk Ingredients
Right, so before we dive in, let's gather our bits and bobs. We're talking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt for the base.
Then, the magic ingredients: oil, eggs, buttermilk, tons of lemon zest, and a dash of vanilla. Oh my gosh! For the filling, cream cheese, more sugar, an egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla are needed.
Baking with Lemon
Honestly, baking with lemon is one of my favourite things. It just adds this incredible freshness. The lemon zest is key here.
Don't skimp on it! It really makes the lemon muffins recipe pop. Homemade muffins are the best, aren't they? Especially when they're this easy.
A Cream Cheese Muffin Filling Dream
That cream cheese muffin filling is divine. It's so smooth and tangy. A perfect contrast to the slight tang of the lemon muffin. You can even eat it with a spoon.
Easy Muffin Recipe: Seriously Easy
Don't be intimidated, it's an easy muffin recipe . Even if you're a bit of a beginner, you'll nail it. Just follow the steps, and you will have a perfect treat.
Sweet Treats and Lemon Desserts
Lemon desserts are always a winner in my book, especially if you are looking for something fresh but not too heavy.
That's why the Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are amazing to offer, and you will be loved forever
Brunch Recipes, Sorted!
Looking for the best brunch recipes ? Look no further! These are just the ticket for a lazy Sunday morning. They are super yummy!
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to bake these amazing Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins . Honestly, it's all pretty standard stuff.
But, a few things will make your life so much easier. These muffins are perfect for meals for the road or a fancy brunch .
We're making sweet quick bread that everyone will adore.
Ingredients & Equipment for Zesty Muffin Magic
This is where the magic really happens! Getting your ingredients prepped and ready is half the battle. The best baking is like that, right? Think of it as your baking mise en place!
Main Ingredients: The Muffin Dream Team
- All-Purpose Flour: 250g (that's 2 cups for you US folks).
- Granulated Sugar: 175g ( 3/4 cup packed ).
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – Don't skimp on this! It's what makes them rise.
- Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Vegetable Oil: 120ml ( 1/2 cup ). I usually use sunflower, but melted unsalted butter will work too.
- Large Eggs: 2 .
- Buttermilk: 120ml ( 1/2 cup ). If you haven't got buttermilk, just add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to milk. Let it sit for a sec!
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons .
- Lemon Zest: From 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons ). This is key for that baking with lemon flavour!
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon .
- Cream Cheese: 115g ( 4 oz or 1/2 cup ), softened. This is for that incredible cream cheese muffin filling . Make sure it's properly soft so it mixes in smoothly, you know?
- Granulated Sugar (for filling): 50g ( 1/4 cup ).
- Large Egg Yolk: 1 - Just the yolk for the filling to give the Lemon desserts a creamy texture.
- Lemon Juice (for filling): 1 tablespoon .
- Vanilla Extract (for filling): 1/2 teaspoon .
I once made these lemon muffins recipe without enough lemon zest. Honestly, they were just… sad. So, zest those lemons like you mean it! Use great quality lemons, for the best flavor.
Seasoning Notes: Zesty Zing!
The secret to these muffins isn't just the ingredients, it's how they play together. Lemon and vanilla are a match made in heaven.
The slight tang of the lemon with the sweetness of the vanilla... Oh my gosh! I'm already dreaming of these muffins.
For a little extra oomph, a tiny pinch of ground cardamom can add a warm, exotic note. If you're feeling adventurous. If not, no worries. They're still divine.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- A 12-cup muffin tin .
- Muffin liners (optional, but they make cleanup so much easier).
- Mixing bowls (medium and large).
- A whisk and rubber spatula.
- An electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer). Makes the cream cheese filling a breeze.
- Measuring cups and spoons (accurate measuring is key).
- A lemon zester.
- An Ice Cream scoop or large spoon
Don't have a fancy mixer? A whisk and a bit of elbow grease will do the trick. It's about enjoying the process, right? It's an easy muffin recipe , don't let the equipment stop you! These homemade muffins are simpler than you think.
Right, let's talk about how to nail these Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins ! I’m going to walk you through the steps, so you can achieve muffin perfection.
This easy muffin recipe will have you baking like a pro in no time. Honestly, making these bad boys is easier than navigating the Tube during rush hour.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps
Before you even think about turning on the oven, you need to get prepped. That means mise en place , darling! It's basically having all your ingredients measured out and ready to go.
- Essential mise en place: Measure out everything . Seriously. Flour, sugar, lemon zest. It's boring, but it saves time.
- Time saving organization tips: Get all your dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another. Makes life easier, trust me.
- Safety reminders: Don't be a silly sausage! Oven gloves are your friend. Hot trays are NOT.
Let's Bake: Step-by-Step Process
Alright, time to get baking our Homemade Muffins . Remember, it's all about following the steps for these Sweet Quick Bread , and you'll have lemon desserts on your table in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 200° C ( 400° F) . Then, line your muffin tin.
- Mix your cream cheese filling. Blend the cream cheese with sugar until it's smooth. Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Set it aside.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together. Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients. Oil, eggs, buttermilk, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Important: Don't overmix!
- Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, add a dollop of cream cheese filling, and then top with more batter.
- Bake for 5 minutes at 200° C ( 400° F) then reduce the temperature to 175° C ( 350° F) and bake for 15- 20 minutes .
These Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are great for Brunch Recipes , or even just a mid day treat!.
Pro Tips for Muffin Mastery
Right, here are a few secrets to elevate your Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins from good to bloody brilliant .
- Don’t overmix the batter! A few lumps are fine. Overmixing results in tough muffins. Honestly, nobody wants a tough muffin.
- If you're taking these muffins on a trip. These are great Meals For The Road .
- Avoid opening the oven door too early. Resist the urge! It can cause the muffins to collapse. I learned that the hard way.
This lemon muffins recipe will give you that perfect taste. And don't forget the cream cheese muffin filling is what makes it extra special! The process of baking with lemon is always such a joyful thing, the smells is just amazing! Enjoy these Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins .
Recipe Notes for Perfect Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
Honestly, crafting these Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins has been quite the adventure! I've baked countless batches, tweaking and perfecting the lemon muffins recipe .
So, here are a few nuggets of wisdom I've gleaned along the way to help you create your own zesty masterpieces.
Serving Up Sunshine: Presentation is Key
Presentation matters, you know? These Sweet Quick Bread wonders aren't just food; they are a mood lifter! For a fancy touch, dust them with powdered sugar.
Arrange them beautifully on a platter. A sprig of mint adds a pop of green. They are absolutely perfect for Brunch recipes .
These are also great Meals For The Road .
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Secrets
Alright, let's talk storage. If you have any left, that is! These Homemade muffins will keep at room temperature for a day or two in an airtight container.
Pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wanna freeze them? Wrap them individually in cling film and then place them in a freezer bag.
They'll be good for up to 2 months. Reheat in a low oven or microwave 'em gently.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a twist? Absolutely! For a dairy free version, use plant based cream cheese and milk alternatives. You got it! Swap the granulated sugar for honey for a slightly different flavour profile, and add blueberries for a Lemon desserts that sing in harmony.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonal ingredients like raspberries or blackberries. Get those Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins singing!
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's keep it real. These Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are a treat. They are not exactly health food.
But! They do offer a bit of calcium from the cream cheese muffin filling . The lemon provides a touch of Vitamin C.
Everything in moderation, right?
These Easy muffin recipe delivers a symphony of flavours. Baking with lemon is always a good idea!. They're a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Go on, give it a whirl!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins tough? I'm getting a bit of a brick!
A common reason for tough muffins is overmixing the batter. When you overmix, you develop too much gluten, which leads to a dense, chewy texture not ideal for a light and fluffy muffin. Fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
Think Mary Berry, not a cement mixer!
Can I freeze these Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins? I want to batch bake!
Absolutely! These muffins freeze brilliantly. Let them cool completely after baking, then wrap them individually in cling film or foil before placing them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They'll keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you fancy one, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
It’s like having a little bit of sunshine stashed away for a rainy day!
I don't have buttermilk! Can I still make these Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins?
Not to worry, you can easily make a buttermilk substitute. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 120ml (1/2 cup) of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly et voilà, you've got "buttermilk"!
It adds that lovely tang that complements the lemon perfectly. Necessity is the mother of invention, after all!
My cream cheese filling sank to the bottom. What did I do wrong with the Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins?
There are a couple of reasons why your cream cheese might have sunk. Firstly, make sure your cream cheese is properly softened room temperature is key! Secondly, avoid overfilling the muffin liners with the main batter; too much batter will weigh down the filling.
A good balance between the batter and filling should keep everything in its rightful place. Next time they will be the best, no worries!
Can I adapt this recipe to be gluten free?
Yes, you certainly can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and provide a similar texture to regular flour.
You might need to experiment with different brands to find one you like, but it's definitely achievable to have lovely gluten free Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins. No one will even know they're gluten free!
