Heavenly Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Joy

Crisp autumn mornings call for delectable pumpkin cream cheese muffins that spark instant comfort and joy.

Warm spices dance through kitchens, creating an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone closer.

Soft, tender crumb meets luxurious cream cheese filling in a magical combination.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between sweet pumpkin and tangy cream cheese.

Home bakers can easily craft these magnificent treats with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Seasonal baking never felt so delightful or approachable.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of these mouthwatering muffins.

What You’ll Love About Pumpkin Muffins

• Dive into the cozy embrace of autumn with these pumpkin cream cheese muffins that bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.
• Impress family and friends with a versatile muffin that works as a breakfast option, afternoon snack, or sweet ending to any meal.
• Packed with pumpkin's nutritional benefits and the creamy goodness of cheese, these muffins offer a guilt-free way to enjoy a delectable dessert.

Pumpkin Muffin Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

Flour Base: .

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic baking foundation for muffin structure.

• Pumpkin Puree: Rich, smooth base that provides signature autumn flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm blend of traditional fall spices.

• Eggs: Crucial for binding and creating muffin texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist and tender muffin crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy filling that adds richness.
• Egg Yolk: Helps stabilize cream cheese mixture.

• Baking Soda: Helps muffins rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances and enhances other flavors.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F.

Grab a muffin tin and line it with cute paper liners or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk everything together until well blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently fold everything together, being careful not to overmix.

A few small lumps are totally fine and will make your muffins tender.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Egg yolk

Mix until the filling becomes silky and smooth.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon batter into each muffin cup, filling about one-third of the way.

Add a dollop of cream cheese mixture, then top with more batter until cups are nearly full.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before devouring these delightful treats.

Pumpkin Muffin Tips for Success

• Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to keep muffins tender and light, stopping when just combined to avoid tough textures.
• Use a small spoon or piping bag to create beautiful, even cream cheese dollops throughout the muffin for consistent flavor distribution.
• Bring eggs, cream cheese, and pumpkin puree to room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother blending and better muffin texture.
• Adjust pumpkin pie spice to personal taste or create a homemade blend using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for a more vibrant flavor profile.
• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring maximum freshness and moisture.

Keep Pumpkin Muffins Fresh

• Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place a paper towel between layers to prevent sticking and absorb moisture.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated muffins and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Heat refrigerated muffins for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cream cheese filling.

Pair Pumpkin Muffins With These

• Pair Spicy Chai Latte: Complement the warm pumpkin spices with a creamy, aromatic chai tea that echoes the muffin's autumnal flavors.
• Boost with Maple Pecan Coffee: Brew a rich coffee with hints of maple and toasted pecans to enhance the muffin's sweet and nutty undertones.
• Match Cinnamon Vanilla Steamer: Create a smooth, comforting non-alcoholic drink that mirrors the muffin's creamy texture and warming spices.
• Elevate with Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a decadent beverage that balances the muffin's sweetness with a luxurious, slightly salty edge.

Flavor Ideas for Pumpkin Muffins

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and taste while accommodating those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative: Swap eggs and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like silken tofu, vegan cream cheese, and flax eggs to create a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Muffins: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the muffins' delicious flavor profile.
• Nut-Infused Pumpkin Muffins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional value, creating a heartier breakfast or snack option.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my muffins from being dry?

The key is to not overmix the batter. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined, leaving a few lumps. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make muffins tough and dry.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to strain fresh pumpkin puree to remove excess moisture. Homemade puree should be thick and not watery to maintain the right muffin texture.

• What if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can make your own by mixing 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.

• How do I know when the cream cheese filling is properly mixed?

Beat the cream cheese mixture until smooth and no lumps remain. It should look creamy and have a consistent texture without any white streaks.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Spiced pumpkin cream cheese muffins bring autumn’s warmth to your breakfast table with rich, velvety layers of seasonal comfort. Crumbly streusel tops and creamy cheese centers make these muffins irresistible companions for your morning coffee.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and prepare a muffin tin with liners or grease.
2. Create the dry mixture by combining flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until thoroughly integrated.
4. Gently incorporate wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a slightly lumpy texture.
5. Craft the cream cheese filling by blending softened cream cheese, sugar, and egg yolk until silky and uniform.
6. Layer the muffin cups strategically: first add a base layer of batter covering one-third of each cup, then carefully place a cream cheese dollop in the center.
7. Complete the muffin cups by adding remaining batter, ensuring each compartment is approximately three-quarters full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring for a clean toothpick test when inserted into the muffin’s center.
9. Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.

Notes

• Swap flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra protein and healthy fats.
• Create a dairy-free option by substituting cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese or coconut cream.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg