Introduction: Why These Muffins Are a Must-Try

Keto Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect blend of flavor and texture, ideal for anyone following a keto diet or looking to cut back on carbs. Made with almond flour, a cinnamon-infused streusel, and a luscious cream cheese filling, these muffins are both satisfying and easy to make. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness without compromising your diet.

Unlike traditional muffins that rely on sugar and refined flour, these keto-friendly muffins use monk fruit as a sweetener and almond flour to keep them low in carbohydrates. The result is a soft, fluffy, and flavorful muffin with only 4.8g of net carbs per serving.

Ingredients & Equipment

Equipment Needed:

  • Hand Mixer: To mix ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
  • Muffin Tray: Essential for baking these muffins in perfect portions.
  • Baking Sheets or Parchment Liners: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the batter ingredients.
  • Medium Mixing Bowl: For preparing the cream cheese filling and streusel topping.

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
  • 3 tbsp powdered monk fruit (Allulose blend)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Muffin Base:
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup monk fruit sweetener (Besti Allulose blend)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
For the Streusel Topping:
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup monk fruit sweetener
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon powder
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt
  • 2 1/2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, add softened cream cheese, monk fruit sweetener, and vanilla extract.
  2. Using a hand mixer, beat until smooth and creamy.
  3. Place the mixture onto plastic wrap, rolling it into a log shape. Twist the ends like a candy wrapper.
  4. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up before slicing into portions.

2. Making the Muffin Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and monk fruit sweetener until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  3. Slowly incorporate almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Mix until the batter is thick and well combined.

3. Preparing the Streusel Topping

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, cinnamon, and sea salt.
  2. Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until a crumbly streusel forms.

4. Assembling the Muffins

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Line a muffin tray with parchment liners and grease them lightly.
  3. Add a small layer of muffin batter into each cavity.
  4. Sprinkle a little streusel over the batter.
  5. Cut frozen cream cheese log into 12 slices and place one slice in the center of each muffin.
  6. Add the remaining muffin batter over the top, covering the cream cheese layer.
  7. Sprinkle additional streusel topping on each muffin.
  8. Bake for 22-28 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
  9. Allow muffins to cool before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Room Temperature:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration:

  • Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.

Freezing:

  • Freeze muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

  • Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
  • Microwave for 20-30 seconds, ensuring they don’t become too soft.

FAQs & Troubleshooting

1. Are These Muffins Keto-Friendly?

Yes, these muffins are made with almond flour and monk fruit sweetener, keeping them low in carbs with only 4.8g net carbs per serving.

2. Can I Use Coconut Flour Instead of Almond Flour?

No, coconut flour is much more absorbent and would alter the texture significantly. Stick with fine-textured almond flour for best results.

3. Can I Prepare These Muffins in Advance?

Yes! You can bake the muffins ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. The cream cheese filling can also be prepped separately.

4. How Do I Prevent the Muffins from Being Too Dry?

  • Ensure eggs and heavy cream are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Do not overbake; check at the 22-minute mark.

5. How Can I Make These Dairy-Free?

Substitute butter with coconut oil and cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

  • Calories: 318
  • Fat: 29.3g
  • Protein: 9.3g
  • Total Carbs: 8.7g
  • Net Carbs: 4.8g
  • Fiber: 3.9g

Final Thoughts

Keto Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect way to satisfy a sweet craving while staying within your keto goals. The combination of a soft almond flour muffin, a rich cream cheese filling, and a cinnamon streusel topping creates a delicious treat without the guilt. Whether you’re preparing them for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these muffins will become a favorite in your keto-friendly kitchen!