If you love bright citrus desserts and creamy cheesecake, these Lemon Cheesecake Muffins are about to become your new favorite bake. Soft, fluffy lemon muffins filled with a rich, tangy cheesecake center — finished with a buttery crumble topping — they strike the perfect balance between fresh, sweet, and indulgent.

Unlike blueberry cheesecake muffins, this version focuses entirely on lemon. The zest is rubbed into the sugar to release natural citrus oils, fresh lemon juice adds brightness, and the cream cheese filling gets its own subtle lemon twist. The result? A bakery-style muffin that tastes light, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.

Perfect for spring baking, brunch, Easter, baby showers, or simply when you’re craving something sunny and comforting.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cheesecake Muffins

• Intensely fresh lemon flavor (without being too sour)
• Creamy cheesecake center in every bite
• Soft and moist crumb
• Bakery-style domed tops
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• These muffins are elegant enough for guests but easy enough for everyday baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Lemon Cheesecake Muffins

For the Lemon Muffin Batter:

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• Melted butter: Adds moisture and flavor.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Ensures a moist crumb.
• Milk: Adds smoothness and balances texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins and enhances lemon flavor.
• Lemon zest: The key to bold citrus aroma.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter.
• Baking powder: Creates lift.
• Salt: Balances sweetness.

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens without graininess.
• Lemon zest: Adds fresh citrus aroma.
• Lemon juice: Enhances tanginess.

Optional Crumble Topping

The crumble adds texture and a slight bakery-style finish.

• Flour
• Sugar
• Melted butter
• A touch of lemon zest

For Making the Lemon Cheesecake Muffins, Here Are the Essential Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin Tin: Standard 12-cup muffin tin for evenly sized muffins.
• Paper Liners or Light Greasing: Prevents sticking and ensures clean removal.
• Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps combine wet ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Prevents overmixing when combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Microplane or Zester: Essential for finely grating lemon zest.
• Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly after baking.

Here is the full Recipe for the Lemon Cheesecake Muffins

Ingredients:

Lemon Muffin Batter

• 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• 120 g (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 large eggs
• 60 g (1/4 cup) Greek yogurt (10%) or sour cream
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 280 g (2 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 12 g (1 tbsp) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling

• 150 g (2/3 cup) cream cheese, softened
• 30 g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 5 ml (1 tsp) fresh lemon juice

Optional Lemon Crumble Topping

• 100 g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• 80 g (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
• 60 g (1/4 cup) melted butter
• Zest of 1/2 lemon

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
   
2. Make Lemon Sugar: In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the zest of two lemons. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips for about 1–2 minutes.
   This step releases natural citrus oils and intensifies the lemon flavor.
   
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together: Eggs, Melted butter, Greek yogurt, Milk, Lemon sugar, Lemon juice, Vanilla extract, Mix until smooth and well combined.
   
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine: Flour, Baking powder, Salt.
   Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix — this ensures a soft muffin texture.
   
5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. The filling should be creamy and slightly thick.
   
6. Assemble the Muffins: Fill each muffin liner about two-thirds full with batter.
   Add about 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling to the center of each muffin. Top with a small spoonful of batter to lightly cover the filling.
   If using crumble, sprinkle over the tops.
   
7. Bake: Bake for 20-23 minutes.
   The muffins are done when the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cheesecake center) comes out clean.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Muffins

• Always rub zest into sugar for maximum flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter.
• Use room temperature cream cheese.
• Start baking at high heat for tall muffin tops.
• Let muffins cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Because of the cheesecake filling, refrigeration is recommended.
• To serve warm, microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Variations to Try

• Add white chocolate chips to the batter.
• Replace crumble with a lemon glaze.
• Add poppy seeds for lemon poppy cheesecake muffins.
• Swap lemon for orange zest for a citrus twist.

More Baking Ideas:

• Strawberries & Cream Cookies – Soft, buttery cookies infused with fresh strawberries and a velvety cream filling – the ultimate summer treat!
• White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies -Delight in the perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and tart raspberries with every bite of these irresistible cookies.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies -These zesty lemon cookies with a hint of poppy seed crunch will brighten up your day with a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Blueberry Curd – Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, these Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Blueberry Curd are a zesty delight topped with a luscious blueberry swirl. Perfect for citrus lovers looking for a sweet twist!

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe:

Summary

Recipe Name

Lemon Cheesecake Muffins

Author Name

Isabel

Published On

2026-02-25