Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese
When autumn rolls in, there’s nothing better than cozying up with warm, spiced pumpkin muffins filled with a luscious cream cheese swirl. These pumpkin muffins with cream cheese combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice and the rich creaminess of cheesecake, creating the ultimate fall-inspired baked good. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend, or just craving something sweet, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Are So Popular
Pumpkin itself is naturally moist, slightly sweet, and full of nutrients like vitamin A and fiber. When paired with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it becomes the ultimate fall flavor. Adding cream cheese creates a rich, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the muffin, much like a built-in cheesecake swirl.
These muffins are:
- Moist and fluffy on the inside.
- Packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor.
- Balanced with creamy cheesecake filling.
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pumpkin Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ginger
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or crushed pecans for crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Muffin Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined (don’t overmix, or the muffins may become dense).
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla, mixing until creamy and lump-free.
Assemble the Muffins
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with pumpkin batter.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture in the center.
- Top with more pumpkin batter until cups are about ¾ full.
- For a swirl effect, use a toothpick to gently swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter.
Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Don’t Overmix: Over-stirring the batter can make muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
- Make Them Ahead: These muffins taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel Topping – Add a cinnamon-brown sugar crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese – Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolaty twist.
- Nutty Pumpkin Muffins – Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Mini Muffins – Make bite-sized versions for parties or quick snacks.
Healthier Substitutions
If you’d like to lighten up this recipe, try:
- Swapping half the flour for whole wheat flour.
- Using coconut sugar or honey instead of refined sugar.
- Replacing oil with unsweetened applesauce for fewer calories.
- Using reduced-fat cream cheese for the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin muffins with cream cheese are incredibly versatile. You can:
- Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
- Serve them as a dessert topped with whipped cream.
- Pair them with hot apple cider for a cozy fall afternoon.
- Pack them into lunchboxes for a sweet seasonal surprise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the soft, spiced flavor of pumpkin muffins and the tangy creaminess of cheesecake. It’s simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to feel like a bakery-style treat.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin muffins with cream cheese are the perfect autumn baking recipe. They’re moist, flavorful, and filled with a creamy surprise in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a fall breakfast, a holiday spread, or just because you love pumpkin, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
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