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Cream Cheese Zucchini Muffins

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Delight your taste buds with an irresistible combination of creamy cheesiness and the subtle sweetness of zucchini in these Cream Cheese Zucchini Muffins. These muffins are not just a simple snack; they are the answer to your hunt for a scrumptious treat that balances flavor and texture flawlessly. Whether they’re fresh out of the oven or enjoyed at room temperature, they offer a reminder of why baking is such a joy. Packed with nutritious zucchini, these muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go or a delightful treat any time of the day. Whip them up in minutes for a deliciously indulgent experience that’s nothing short of perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup grated zucchini: Nutritious and versatile, zucchini adds moisture and a hint of sweetness to the muffins, making them ideally soft and delicious.
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Offers a rich and creamy texture, blending beautifully with the zucchini to create a moist and flavorful muffin.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a luscious buttery taste that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins just right, balancing the flavors of the cream cheese and zucchini.
  • 2 large eggs: Provides structure and richness crucial for the muffin’s texture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a sweet aroma and additional depth.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the muffin, creating a light but hearty structure.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise perfectly for a tender crumb.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for the best lift possible.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of all ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the muffins, complementing the sweetness of zucchini.
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enriching the texture of the muffins.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This step ensures that your oven is ready and your muffins have a non-stick surface to bake in.

Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese, Butter, and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. This step adds richness and flavor to the batter.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Ensuring these dry ingredients are well mixed will lead to even distribution in your batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing might lead to dense muffins, so be gentle with the batter.

Step 6: Fold in Zucchini and Walnuts

Gently fold in the grated zucchini and walnuts, if using, to the mixture. This step ensures that the zucchini stays intact, retaining its texture and flavor within the muffins.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling them about three-quarters full.

Step 8: Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. This baking time will ensure perfectly cooked muffins with a golden top.

Step 9: Cool the Muffins

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cool-down process is essential for setting the muffins’ texture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

These muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any time of the day.

Notes

Adjusting Sugar Content

If you find the muffins too sweet, feel free to reduce the granulated sugar by a quarter cup for a less sweet version.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version of these muffins, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free.

Nut-Free Variation

If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts. The muffins will still be delicious and rich without the nuts.

Storage Tips

Store remaining muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for more extended storage.

Find it online: https://chyachya.com/cream-cheese-zucchini-muffins/