Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

These delightful Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling are soft, zesty, and perfectly sweet. With a light, fluffy lemon muffin base and a rich, creamy filling, these muffins are a refreshing treat for any occasion. The combination of lemon zest, juice, and a smooth cream cheese center makes each bite irresistible.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 1 hour (for filling and curd)
  • Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

  • 4 egg whites
  • A pinch of salt
  • 120g (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons) sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
  • 4g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 30 ml (2 tablespoons) water
  • 40 ml (3 tablespoons) lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 300g (1 1/4 cups) soft cream cheese
  • 75g (3/4 cup) powdered sugar

For the Lemon Curd:

  • 3 eggs
  • 190g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 10g (1 tablespoon) cornstarch
  • 130 ml (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) lemon juice

Directions

Prepare the Muffin Batter:

  1. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add 120g of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  2. Add the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Gently fold the egg yolks into the beaten egg whites using a spatula.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
  4. Add Lemon and Liquids: Mix in the lemon zest, water, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the batter is smooth.
  5. Fill Muffin Tins: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. Fill each cup about 2/3 full with the muffin batter.
  6. Bake the Muffins: Bake the muffins for about 25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

  1. In a bowl, beat the soft cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the fridge while the muffins bake.

Prepare the Lemon Curd:

  1. Mix the Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and cornstarch.
  2. Cook the Curd: Gradually add the lemon juice to the mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.
  3. Cool the Curd: Once thickened, transfer the lemon curd to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until completely cooled.

Assemble the Muffins:

  1. Once the muffins have cooled, cut a small hole or indent in the top of each muffin (about halfway down) using a small spoon or knife.
  2. Spoon a small amount of cream cheese filling into the cavity of each muffin.
  3. Top the cream cheese filling with a spoonful of lemon curd for an extra burst of flavor.
  4. Refrigerate the muffins for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.
  5. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve chilled for a refreshing and tangy treat.
  • Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack.
  • Garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint for a fancy presentation.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
  • Serve alongside fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries.

Cooking Tips:

  • When beating the egg whites, make sure the bowl is clean and free of any fat to achieve stiff peaks.
  • Let the muffins cool completely before adding the filling to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
  • Make sure the lemon curd thickens properly by cooking it slowly and stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to make it easier to beat into a smooth filling.
  • Store the muffins in the fridge if not serving immediately to keep the filling fresh.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Eggs: Provide protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
  • Lemons: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds calcium and protein, contributing to bone health.
  • Cornstarch: A gluten-free thickener that helps achieve a smooth texture without adding fat.

Dietary Information:

  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Contains Gluten: From the flour in the muffins
  • Contains Dairy: From the cream cheese
  • Contains Eggs: In the muffins and lemon curd

Nutritional Facts (Per Muffin, Approximate):

  • Calories: 270
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 26g

Storage:

  • Refrigerate: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: You can freeze the unfrosted muffins for up to 1 month. Thaw and add the filling before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. The combination of lemon zest and juice gives these muffins a fresh, tangy flavor.
  2. The creamy filling adds a rich and smooth contrast to the light muffins.
  3. Perfect for lemon lovers, each bite is bursting with citrusy goodness.
  4. These muffins are easy to make and are ideal for brunch or a sweet treat.
  5. The balance of flavors and textures makes them a hit for any occasion.

Conclusion:

These Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The soft, fluffy muffins pair beautifully with the rich cream cheese and zesty lemon curd, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a special dessert at home, these muffins are sure to be a hit with everyone. Give them a try, and they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can bake the muffins in advance and store them in the fridge. Add the filling right before serving for the freshest taste.
  2. Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon?
    • Absolutely! You can substitute the lemon with lime or orange for a different flavor profile.
  3. What if my muffins crack when I add the filling?
    • If the muffins crack slightly, don’t worry. The cream cheese and lemon curd will still hold in place, and you can smooth it over before serving.
  4. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
    • Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought lemon curd works well as a substitute.
  5. How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the liners?
    • Make sure to grease the muffin liners or use non-stick liners to prevent the muffins from sticking.