Name: Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour; 1 cup Granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup Buttermilk; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup Granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 cup Powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons Lemon juice

Jump to Recipe

Bright, zesty, and wonderfully creamy—Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are about to become your new baking addiction. Imagine biting into a tender, lemony muffin, with a velvety swirl of sweet cream cheese inside. It’s the kind of treat that makes any day feel like a celebration. Did you know that lemons were prized by ancient Romans for their aroma and flavor? As a child, I used to sneak into my grandmother’s kitchen just for a whiff of her lemon desserts. These muffins have the same irresistible effect!

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes in the kitchen. It’s family-friendly, totally beginner-proof, and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. If you’ve loved my Blueberry Streusel Muffins, you’ll find the lemon-cream cheese combo here equally delightful—dare I say, a little more “grown-up.” So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to bake some sunshine into your day!

What is Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins?

Let’s talk about that mouthful of a name—Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins. With a name this inviting, how could you possibly resist? Are these muffins luscious because they’re packed with lemony goodness, or is it the dreamy cream cheese center that steals the show? It’s probably both, but that’s part of the fun! In my house, we joke that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and these muffins are practically Cupid with a muffin tin. Each bite is a love letter to your taste buds. So why not whip up a batch and see if you fall under their spell?

Why You’ll Love This

If you’re searching for bake-shop quality lemon muffins at home, here’s why Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins need to be on your menu. First, they are bursting with bright, tangy lemon flavor balanced perfectly by a smooth cream cheese filling. The luscious texture delivers a delightful contrast—the muffin is moist and fluffy, while the center is decadently creamy.

Second, making these at home saves you a small fortune compared to your favorite bakery. For just a few dollars’ worth of ingredients, you get a whole dozen rather than splashing out for just one or two. Plus, you control the ingredients—no preservatives or artificial flavors, just pure homemade goodness.

Finally, it’s those flavorful toppings and accents—the lemon glaze and extra zest—that take these muffins from basic to bakery-style. Want to try something similar but gentler on citrus? Check out my Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf for another cheerful treat! So go ahead, preheat your oven and bake up a batch today—you and your family will be hooked!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are easier to make than they look and guaranteed to brighten your table! The recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, with about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. The batter is simple—only basic mixing required—and the dreamy cream cheese filling takes just seconds to whip up. What makes these extra special is the double hit of lemon: fresh zest in the muffin and a vibrant lemon glaze on top. There’s no tricky folding or special equipment—just old-fashioned fun and deliciousness.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup lightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and blended.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined—don’t overmix, or the muffins may turn out dense.
For the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and smooth.
Add a spoonful of muffin batter to each muffin cup, filling about 1/3 of the way.
Add 1 heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each.
Cover the cream cheese mixture with more muffin batter, filling the cups just below the rim.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the very center) comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until thick but pourable. Drizzle over cooled muffins before serving.

What to Serve With

These muffins shine on their own, but you can create a memorable breakfast or brunch spread by pairing them with fresh seasonal berries, Greek yogurt, or a vibrant fruit salad. For something more indulgent, try a dollop of whipped cream or a light vanilla bean custard on the side. For beverages, they’re the perfect partner for a hot pot of English breakfast tea, a foamy cappuccino, or a cold glass of homemade lemonade on a summer day.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Always use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor—the secret to that lovely zing!
Don’t overmix the muffin batter; gentle stirring keeps your muffins light.
Ensure your cream cheese is really soft before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
If you want a slightly lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese.
If you’re out of buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Avoid overbaking to keep the centers moist and the filling creamy.
For extra flair, sprinkle a few poppy seeds over the glaze before it sets.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature (best if you keep them in a cool spot). If you’d like them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Need to freeze? Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag—they’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow frozen muffins to thaw at room temperature, then warm in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, 15-20 seconds in the microwave will do the trick, but the oven keeps that outside a little crispier.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the brightest flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Can these muffins be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Is it possible to use low-fat cream cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s softened well for a smooth texture.

Can I freeze Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins?
Definitely. Wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice to 1 cup milk, let sit for 5 minutes, then use as directed.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about the combination of lemon and cream cheese, and these Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins prove it with every irresistible bite. Fluffy, zesty, and deeply satisfying, they’re delightfully simple to make and sure to bring smiles to your kitchen. Whether you’re prepping a special brunch, prepping snacks for the week, or simply treating yourself, these muffins are a sunshine-filled pick-me-up you’ll make again and again. Ready to brighten your day? Roll up your sleeves, give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share the love! If you enjoyed this, explore more citrusy goodness around the blog—you’re just one recipe away from your next favorite bake.