Print

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Print Recipe

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are moist and fluffy fall treats combining the warm spices of pumpkin with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, they are easy to make for bakers of all skill levels and ideal for cozy breakfasts, snacks, or seasonal gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature, then mix it with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling will add irresistible pockets of flavor and richness throughout the muffins.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of spice and leavening agents for a consistent rise and flavor.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This mixture will provide the moist base for your muffins and integrate all flavors evenly.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make muffins dense instead of fluffy.
  5. Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese: Fill muffin cups halfway with the pumpkin batter, then add a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center. Top with more pumpkin batter until almost full for the signature swirl effect.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean but the cream cheese center stays moist. Let cool slightly before enjoying your delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough muffins.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the warm flavor in your muffins.
  • Swirl Gently: For the perfect cream cheese swirl, add filling carefully and slightly swirl with a toothpick before baking.
  • Check for Doneness: Test muffins with a toothpick near the edges to avoid overbaking the cream cheese center.
  • Line Muffin Tin: Use paper liners or grease well to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin muffins, cream cheese muffins, fall recipe, gluten-free muffins, baked goods, autumn treats, easy muffins

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/pumpkin-cream-cheese-muffins/