Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and creamy, making them a delightful breakfast treat or a perfect afternoon snack! These muffins are loaded with juicy blueberries, zesty lemon, and a creamy center of smooth cream cheese. Each bite offers a taste of bright citrus mixed with the burst of blueberry goodness, topped off by a slightly tangy, creamy surprise in the middle. If you’re a fan of fruity, rich baked goods, this recipe is a must-try!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These muffins aren’t your average blueberry muffins—they’re elevated with a refreshing twist of lemon and a creamy cream cheese center. Here’s what makes this recipe so lovable:
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of blueberries and lemon creates a fresh and vibrant flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the richness of cream cheese.
- Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the cream cheese filling and the fresh fruit, these muffins are incredibly moist and tender.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these bakery-style muffins right at home.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack to pair with your afternoon coffee or tea.
What Do Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a fluffy, lemon-scented muffin that’s packed with bursts of sweet blueberries and has a creamy, tangy surprise in the middle. The combination of the fruity blueberry and lemon with the richness of cream cheese creates a delightful flavor explosion that’s anything but boring!
Benefits of These Muffins
These muffins are a wonderful way to enjoy the goodness of fresh fruit while indulging in a little creamy decadence. They offer a burst of antioxidants from the blueberries, vitamin C from the lemon, and a touch of protein from the cream cheese. They can also be customized with various ingredients to suit your preferences, making them an all-around satisfying treat.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Muffin tin
- Paper muffin liners
- Electric mixer (for the cream cheese filling)
- Zester for the lemon
- Ice cream scoop (for even muffin portioning)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Berries: Swap blueberries for raspberries or a mix of berries for a different flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Use lime or orange zest instead of lemon for a new citrus twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
- Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit if you prefer a lower-sugar version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Make the Muffin Batter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
3. Fill the Muffin Cups
- Fill each muffin liner about halfway with the batter.
- Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each muffin.
- Top with more muffin batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
4. Add the Crumble Topping (Optional)
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cubed butter for the crumble topping. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over each muffin.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve with Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
These muffins are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of lemon curd for an extra indulgent treat!
Tips for Making the Perfect Muffins
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Use Fresh Zest: Fresh lemon zest provides the best flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent them from bleeding into the muffin.
Storage Instructions
- At Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These muffins freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes! If using frozen blueberries, add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent the muffins from turning purple.
Q: How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
A: Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling.
Q: Can I skip the cream cheese filling?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer plain blueberry lemon muffins, just omit the cream cheese filling.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect combination of fruity, creamy, and tangy flavors. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The lemony zing paired with the sweet burst of blueberries and rich cream cheese center is simply irresistible.
Looking for more muffin recipes? Check out these peach-filled delights:
- Peach Streusel Muffins: Juicy peaches topped with a crunchy streusel.
- Peach and Blueberry Oat Muffins: A hearty, wholesome muffin with the best of both fruits.
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Nutritional Information (per muffin, without crumble topping)
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Enjoy these muffins with a smile, knowing you’ve baked up a delightful treat that brings together the best of blueberries, lemon, and cream cheese!
