Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins with Crumb Topping are a delightful innovation in the world of muffins. They combine the zesty flavor of lemon with creamy cheese, resulting in a muffin that's both soft and rich, topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb. The lemon zest adds a bright note to every bite, making these muffins ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. This recipe, with its focus on bold flavors and varied textures, reflects the creativity of modern American bakeries.
These muffins are versatile in serving options. They can be the highlight of a breakfast spread, paired perfectly with coffee or tea. For a more elaborate brunch, try them alongside a spinach and feta omelette for a mix of sweet and savory. For an indulgent twist, serve them warm with lemon curd or honey. They're also great with fresh berries or fruit salad for a lighter option.
Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins with Crumb Topping:
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
1.5 cups cake flour
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons buttermilk, room temperature
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1.25 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumb Topping:
1/3 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and sliced
Instructions:
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F and line a muffin tin with liners.
Make Cream Cheese Swirl: Combine 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat ¾ cup butter and 1.25 cups granulated sugar until fluffy.
Add Eggs & Flavorings: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp vanilla.
Fill Muffin Cups: Fill cups halfway with batter, add a dollop of cream cheese swirl, then more batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together 1.5 cups cake flour and ½ tsp salt.
Make Crumb Topping: Mix ½ cup butter, ¾ cup flour, and ⅓ cup powdered sugar until crumbly.
Add Topping: Sprinkle topping over each muffin.
Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let muffins cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy your Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins with Crumb Topping!
Mix Dry & Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet, alternating with 2 tbsp buttermilk.