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Tender Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

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These tender lemon poppy seed muffins feature a bright lemon flavor, crunchy poppy seeds, and a luscious cream cheese filling that adds moisture and richness. Perfect for brunch, tea time, or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt, full-fat preferred
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 medium lemons
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Cream cheese filling:
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
  2. Make the cream cheese filling: Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge while preparing the batter.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and melted butter until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
  6. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; batter should be thick with some lumps. Do not overmix.
  7. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Add about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling in the center, then cover with more batter until each cup is about 3/4 full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean and tops are lightly golden.
  9. Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Chill cream cheese filling well to prevent leaking. Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best flavor. Oven temperature is important; use an oven thermometer if possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon poppy seed muffins, cream cheese filling, lemon muffins, easy muffins, breakfast muffins, homemade muffins, tender muffins

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/tender-lemon-poppy-seed-muffins-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-filling/