Adding lemon juice to cream cheese, especially in recipes like Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins, serves a few purposes: Flavor Enhancement: Lemon juice imparts a bright, tangy flavor that complements the rich, creamy taste of cream cheese. This combination creates a delightful contrast in flavors, enhancing the overall taste experience of the muffin. Texture: Lemon juice can slightly thin the cream cheese, making it easier to incorporate into the muffin batter or to use as a filling. This helps in achieving a smoother, more spreadable consistency. Chemical Reaction: In some recipes, the acidity of lemon juice can react with baking soda or baking powder, aiding in the leavening process. This reaction can contribute to a lighter, fluffier texture in baked goods.