# Components:
→ Muffin Base
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, rested 5 minutes)
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Cream Cheese Filling
11 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 large egg yolk
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Churro Topping
15 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper on the sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until thoroughly blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk (or prepared milk and lemon juice), melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until homogenous.
04 - Integrate wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
05 - Spread approximately two-thirds of the muffin batter evenly in the prepared pan.
06 - Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla; continue beating until the filling is light and fully incorporated.
07 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the batter and gently swirl through with a knife to create a marbled effect.
08 - Drop spoonfuls of the remaining muffin batter on top and lightly swirl again for enhanced marble pattern.
09 - Transfer pan to the oven and bake for 23 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
10 - Mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl. Brush melted butter over warm squares, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
11 - Allow squares to cool completely, then use the parchment overhang to lift out. Slice into 16 even portions before serving.
