POMEGRANATE CREAM CHEESE SURPRISE MUFFINS

Pomegranate Cream Cheese Surprise Muffins image

I baked these muffins for the kids I babysit, and they couldn't get enough. Their favorite part? The filling, of course! -Jodie Gharbi, Shreveport, Louisiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 16 muffins.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
MUFFINS:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1-1/4 cups pomegranate seeds
2 teaspoons coarse sugar

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°. For filling, mix first four ingredients until blended. , In a large bowl, whisk together first five muffin ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together egg, milk and melted butter. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in pomegranate seeds., Fill paper-lined muffin cups one-third full with batter. Drop filling by tablespoonfuls into center of each muffin; cover with remaining batter. Sprinkle with coarse sugar., Bake until top springs back when lightly touched, 18-22 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 211 calories, Fat 9g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 244mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.