Spicy Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Tender, golden cornbread muffins with a spicy jalapeño kick dance with creamy, unexpected cream cheese filling that promises pure comfort.

These savory treats blend southern charm with zesty excitement in every bite.

Bakers seeking a crowd-pleasing side dish will fall in love with this delightful recipe.

Each muffin delivers a perfect balance of heat and smooth richness that sparks conversation around the table.

The jalapeño adds just enough punch to make these muffins memorable and irresistible.

Warm from the oven, these muffins will become your new go-to recipe for potlucks and weekend brunches.

Let’s dive into a culinary experience that celebrates bold flavors and homestyle baking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes In Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that adds creamy tang and luxurious texture to the muffin center.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides delicate sweetness and helps create silky filling consistency.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that cuts through richness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cornmeal: Adds rustic texture and authentic cornbread character with hearty golden crunch.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures tender, soft muffin crumb.
• Sugar: Balances savory notes and contributes subtle sweetness.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help muffins rise and achieve light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances and amplifies all other flavor dimensions.

• Buttermilk: Creates tender, tangy base with perfect moisture and subtle acidity.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist, soft muffin texture and prevents dryness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, provide structure, and contribute rich, golden color.
• Jalapenos: Bring vibrant heat and zesty kick to complement creamy filling.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, savory depth and melty richness throughout muffins.

Tools You’ll Need For Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• Mixing Bowls: Large and small bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Muffin Tin: 12-cup tin for baking perfect muffins.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate recipe results.
• Paper Liners or Cooking Spray: Prevents muffins from sticking to the pan.
• Wire Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Toothpick: Helps check muffin doneness.
• Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients and scraping bowls.

How To Bake Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream Cheese Magic

Mix softened cream cheese with a hint of sweet powder and a splash of zingy lime juice. Tuck this creamy blend into the refrigerator while you prep the rest of the magic.

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375F. Line a muffin pan with cute paper cups or give it a quick spritz of cooking spray.

• Batter Fusion

Grab a big mixing bowl and dance together the dry ingredients – cornmeal, flour, sugar, and those powdery rising agents. In another bowl, whisk the wet buddies – buttermilk, oil, and eggs. Gently marry these two worlds, being careful not to overmix. Toss in some fiery jalapeno bits and sharp cheese for a flavor explosion.

• Muffin Construction

Lay down a base layer of batter in each cup. Nestle a dollop of that dreamy cream cheese right in the center. Blanket it with another layer of batter, making sure the cheesy surprise is completely hidden.

• Baking Brilliance

Slide the pan into the oven for about 18-22 minutes. You’re looking for golden tops and a perfectly cooked interior. Let these beauties rest for a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

• Serving Suggestion

Dive in while they’re warm! A drizzle of honey takes these muffins from delicious to absolutely irresistible. Perfect alongside a steaming bowl of chili or soup.

Smart Tips For Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling

• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder version or adding extra chopped peppers for more kick. Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to prevent skin irritation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cream cheese filling and muffin batter separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store the filling in the refrigerator and keep the batter covered at room temperature for quick morning baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use cornmeal that's certified gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients meet gluten-free requirements for celiac-friendly muffins.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk and swap cheddar for dairy-free cheese shreds. Coconut oil works great as a vegetable oil substitute.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Cool muffins completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in freezer bags. Reheat directly from frozen in microwave for 30-45 seconds for quick breakfast or snack option.

Serve Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling Hot

• Brunch Companion Bliss: Pair these zesty muffins with a hearty chili or creamy tomato soup for a satisfying meal that balances spicy and comforting flavors.
• Honey Drizzle Delight: Enhance the muffins' sweetness by drizzling warm honey over the top, creating a perfect blend of spicy jalapeño and golden nectar.
• Breakfast Buddies: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a southwestern-inspired breakfast that packs a delicious punch of flavor and texture.
• Picnic Perfect Pick: Pack these muffins in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, where their compact size and bold taste will impress friends and family.

Store Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling Properly

• Fridge Storage Tactics: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Freezer Friendly Method: Place cooled muffins in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
• Room Temperature Tips: Keep muffins at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place in a sealed container away from direct sunlight to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm muffins in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy edges and soft interior. Microwave for 10-15 seconds as a quick alternative, but be careful not to overheat and dry out the cream cheese filling.

Spicy Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins With Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Homemade jalapeno cornbread muffins with cream cheese filling blend southwestern spice and comfort. Creamy centers and spicy edges make these muffins a perfect side dish or snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsps powdered sugar
• 1 tsp lime juice (optional)
• 1 cup (240 ml, 8 fl oz) buttermilk
• ⅓ cup (80 ml, 2.7 fl oz) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 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
• ¼ cup (50 g, 1.8 oz) granulated sugar
• 2 jalapenos, finely diced
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Cream Cheese Preparation: Whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lime juice until luxuriously smooth. Chill the mixture to intensify flavors while assembling remaining ingredients.
2. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Grease a muffin tin or line with paper cups for easy release.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend dry components to ensure uniform distribution.
4. Wet Ingredient Integration: Vigorously whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs in a separate vessel. Gently fold wet mixture into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the batter.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Fold diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter, ensuring even dispersion of spicy and cheesy elements.
6. Muffin Assembly: Deposit a base layer of batter into each muffin cavity, then carefully center a dollop of chilled cream cheese filling. Cover the filling completely with additional batter, creating a hidden creamy core.
7. Baking Process: Transfer muffin tin to preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Monitor for golden-brown tops and test doneness by inserting a toothpick near the muffin’s edge.
8. Cooling and Serving: Rest muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm, optionally drizzling honey or accompanying with a complementary dish like hearty chili.

Notes

• Manage Jalapeno Heat: Remove seeds and membranes from jalapenos to reduce spiciness while maintaining pepper flavor. Wear gloves when handling peppers to prevent skin irritation.
• Prevent Filling Leakage: Refrigerate cream cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes before filling to maintain structural integrity and prevent spreading during baking.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Do not overmix batter; stir just until dry ingredients are incorporated to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version. Replace cheese with nutritional yeast for vegan adaptation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg