Irresistible Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Spicy jalapeno cornbread muffins dance with creamy unexpected delight on your plate.

My kitchen experiments always lead to surprising combinations that make eating fun.

Southwest flavors burst through these little golden treasures, promising a kick of excitement.

Warm, tender morsels hide a secret cheesy center that melts perfectly.

Home cooks adore recipes that look impressive but come together easily.

Each bite promises a balance of heat and comfort you’ll absolutely love.

Jump into this recipe and watch magic happen with just a few simple ingredients.

Why Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling Are So Addictive

• Surprise in Every Bite: The unexpected cream cheese filling transforms these cornbread muffins from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a delightful burst of creamy goodness when you bite into them.
• Kick Up the Flavor: Jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese deliver a zesty, spicy punch that elevates these muffins from simple side dish to a bold, exciting treat that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Comfort: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these muffins offer a perfect blend of convenience and homemade warmth, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gathering snacks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served alongside chili, as a breakfast item, or enjoyed on their own, these muffins adapt to any meal and will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Goes Into Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream Cheese: Soft, tangy base for the creamy filling that adds richness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus touch that balances the richness of the filling.

• Cornmeal: Provides classic cornbread texture and authentic corn flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the muffins and create structure.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for light, fluffy muffins.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the muffins.

• Buttermilk, Eggs, Vegetable Oil: Create moisture and richness in the muffin batter.
• Jalapenos: Adds spicy kick and fresh pepper flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy cheese notes throughout the muffins.

How To Bake Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling Easily

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Center

• Grab softened cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Lime juice

Blend these ingredients in a small bowl until silky smooth. Pop the mixture into the refrigerator while you tackle the rest of the recipe.

Step 2: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Prep a muffin tin by either lining with cute paper cups or giving it a light spray of cooking oil.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Magic

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Baking soda

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until they come together. Don’t overmix!

Step 5: Add Some Spicy Goodness

• Diced jalapenos
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 6: Create Layered Muffin Magic

• Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup
• Add a generous dollop of cream cheese filling in the center
• Cover with another spoonful of batter, making sure the filling is completely hidden

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Look for golden-brown tops and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly
• Drizzle with honey or serve alongside a steaming bowl of chili
• Enjoy the spicy, cheesy, cornbread goodness!

Smart Tips For Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
• Manage Jalapeno Heat: Remove seeds and membranes for milder muffins, or keep them for extra spiciness. Wear gloves when handling to prevent skin irritation.
• Prevent Overmixing Batter: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep muffins tender and light. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense texture.
• Create Neat Cream Cheese Center: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to place filling precisely in muffin cups, ensuring even distribution and beautiful presentation.
• Make Ahead and Store: Wrap cooled muffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in microwave before serving.

How To Store And Reheat Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• Refrigerate: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave: Warm individual muffins for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check to ensure they're heated through without becoming tough or rubbery.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350F. Place muffins on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in foil to prevent drying out and preserve the cream cheese filling's creamy texture.

Best Sides For Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• Sip Spicy Margarita Companion: Pair these zesty jalapeno cornbread muffins with a refreshing margarita that complements the spicy kick. The lime juice in both the muffin filling and cocktail creates a harmonious flavor connection.
• Dive into Hearty Chili Match: Serve these muffins alongside a robust beef or vegetarian chili. The cream cheese filling and cornbread texture provide a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, spicy chili.
• Embrace Mexican-Inspired Beer Pairing: Grab a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona to balance the muffins' heat. The light, clean beer cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and provides a refreshing finish.
• Enhance with Tangy Salsa Sidekick: Accompany the muffins with a fresh, zesty salsa that echoes the jalapeno's spiciness. Opt for a homemade pico de gallo or a bright green salsa verde to elevate the flavor profile.

Tasty Twists On Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• Southwestern Style: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese and add chopped cilantro and diced green chiles for extra southwestern flair.
• Bacon Lover's Version: Incorporate crispy crumbled bacon into the batter and sprinkle more on top before baking for a smoky, savory kick.
• Mexican Street Corn Spin: Mix in roasted corn kernels, swap lime juice with cotija cheese in the filling, and dust muffins with chili powder for authentic street corn flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornmeal and all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture and bold jalapeno punch while accommodating dietary needs.

Quick FAQs For Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• What makes these jalapeño cornbread muffins special?

The cream cheese filling is the secret star! It adds a creamy, tangy surprise in the center that transforms these muffins from ordinary to extraordinary, giving each bite a delightful burst of flavor.

• Can I adjust the spice level of these muffins?

Absolutely! You can control the heat by removing the jalapeño seeds and membranes, which contain most of the spiciness. For milder muffins, use fewer jalapeños or swap them with mild green chiles.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these muffins?

Not at all! You’ll just need a standard 12-cup muffin tin, some basic mixing bowls, and standard measuring tools. A whisk and spatula are the main tools you’ll use to create these delicious muffins.

• How do I know when the muffins are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown tops and use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center), and if it comes out clean, your muffins are ready to enjoy.

Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Spicy “Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins” with a secret cream cheese core deliver a delightful southwestern kick that surprises and satisfies. Creamy, zesty bites promise a delectable journey through rich flavors you’ll savor with every delicious mouthful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (130 g, 4.6 oz) yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup (125 g, 4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 g, 2.1 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 jalapenos, finely diced

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml, 8 fluid oz) buttermilk
• ⅓ cup (80 ml, 2.7 fluid oz) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (50 g, 1.8 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for a tangy twist)

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Instructions

1. Craft the velvety cream cheese filling by blending softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a hint of lime juice until silky smooth. Refrigerate the mixture to allow flavors to meld while preparing the batter.
2. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining with paper cups or applying a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Whisk these dry ingredients to ensure even distribution.
4. Create a separate bowl for wet ingredients, whisking buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs until thoroughly incorporated. Gently merge the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Introduce diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter, folding carefully to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Layer the muffin cups by first adding a tablespoon of batter to cover the bottom of each cavity.
7. Carefully place a dollop of chilled cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin base, then top with another tablespoon of batter to completely conceal the filling.
8. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Look for golden-brown tops and test doneness by inserting a toothpick near the edge (avoiding the cream cheese center).
9. Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for slight cooling.
10. Serve these spicy-creamy muffins warm, optionally drizzling honey on top or pairing with a hearty chili or soup for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by removing jalapeno seeds for milder muffins or keeping them for extra spiciness.
• Swap buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar if unavailable, creating a perfect tangy substitute.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack to add unique flavor dimensions to the cornbread muffins.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg