Name: Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh); 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 pint fresh blueberries (rinsed and picked through); ½ cup powdered sugar (for the drizzle); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for the drizzle); 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for a zesty finish)

Imagine starting your day with a warm, fluffy muffin that bursts with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon. These Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a rich cream cheese filling that takes them to another level of deliciousness. They’re a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack. Let’s dive into the world of these scrumptious muffins that are sure to impress your family and friends!

The Upside of Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

These muffins not only taste amazing but are also wonderfully versatile. The combination of blueberries and lemons provides a refreshing flavor that is ideal for any season. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture and a rich taste that elevates the traditional muffin. Plus, they are easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, these muffins are a must-try!

Ingredient Rundown

To create these delightful muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 ounces cream cheese – at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing
4 tablespoons unsalted butter – also at room temperature for easy blending
1 tablespoon lemon juice – fresh is best for a vibrant flavor
2 tablespoons lemon zest – adds a fragrant citrus aroma
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
½ cup whole milk – for moisture and richness
2 large eggs – at room temperature for better emulsification
2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of the muffins
¾ cup granulated sugar – to sweeten the batter
1 teaspoon baking powder – for leavening
½ teaspoon baking soda – works with the acid in the batter
½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1 pint fresh blueberries – rinsed and picked through for quality
½ cup powdered sugar – for the drizzle
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – to flavor the drizzle
1 tablespoon lemon zest – for a zesty finish

Equipment Breakdown

Before you start baking, gather these essential tools:

Muffin tin – to shape your muffins
Parchment paper liners – for easy removal and serving
Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
Whisk – to blend the wet ingredients
Rubber spatula – for folding in the blueberries
Cooling rack – to cool the muffins evenly

Make Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins: A Simple Method

Follow these straightforward steps to create your Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your muffins start baking at the right temperature for a perfect rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line your muffin tin with parchment paper liners. This will make it easier to remove the muffins once they are baked.

Step 3: Cream Together the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer, cream them together until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Sweetness

Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs and Milk

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the whole milk and mix until the batter is smooth.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 7: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to over-mix, as this can break the berries and turn your batter blue.

Step 8: Scoop into Muffin Tin

Using a scoop or spoon, fill each muffin liner about 2/3 full with the batter.

Step 9: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Prepare the Drizzle

While the muffins are baking, prepare the lemon drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

Step 11: Cool and Drizzle

Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely, then drizzle the lemon icing over the top.

What to Use Instead

If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, here are some great substitutes:

Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt or ricotta can be used for a lighter option.
Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil or vegetable oil can work in a pinch.
Whole Milk: Almond milk or oat milk are good dairy-free alternatives.
Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or honey can be used, although it may alter the texture slightly.

Testing Timeline

For the best results, consider the following timeline while preparing your muffins:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Storage Pro Tips

To maintain the freshness of your Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins, follow these storage tips:

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.

Questions People Ask

Can I make these muffins without eggs?

Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes). This will help bind the ingredients together.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries can be used, but do not thaw them before adding to the batter. This will help prevent the muffins from turning a purple color.

How do I know when my muffins are done baking?

The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the muffins are ready to be taken out of the oven.

Can I add other fruits to the muffins?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even chopped apples. Just be sure to adjust the sugar if the fruit is particularly sweet or tart.

Bring It Home

These Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are a fantastic way to brighten up your mornings or enjoy as a delightful snack during the day. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Plus, they are easy to make, and the ingredients are simple to find. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, each bite is a celebration of berries and citrus that you won’t want to miss.

Indulge in these muffins, share them with loved ones, or keep them all to yourself. You’ll be glad you did!