Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

There’s something undeniably cozy about the aroma of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins wafting through your kitchen, reminiscent of crisp autumn days, golden leaves, and family gatherings. These muffins are the perfect fusion of tender pumpkin cake and rich, creamy filling, creating a delightful contrast that is nearly impossible to resist. With each bite, your taste buds will experience the warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, perfectly paired with the velvety cream cheese center.

What truly makes these muffins worth making is their versatility and ease—perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or even a sweet indulgence after dinner. Whether you’re in a hurry or looking to impress guests, these pumpkin cream cheese muffins will leave everyone smiling, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.

Are you ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with a pumpkin treat?

Imagine pulling a warm muffin out of the oven, its golden top glistening with a crunchy streusel coating. With every bite, the fluffy pumpkin base gives way to a sweet, creamy center that oozes indulgence. Can you taste that perfect blend of fall spices and rich creaminess? It’s hard to resist the allure of these muffins, whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or savoring one with your morning coffee. How often do you find a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day? These muffins embody that comforting feeling perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

1. Easy Prep: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip up this treat with ease.
2. Healthy-ish: While indulgent, pumpkin packs in nutrients and fiber, making each bite a tad more nutritious.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply sharing with family.
4. Less Time, More Taste: This recipe requires minimal active time, maximizing the flavors during baking for an incredible taste.
5. Versatile Base: You can enjoy these muffins at breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, you’ll need:

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (slightly softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar

For the Muffin Batter:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 ½ teaspoons homemade pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can pure pumpkin puree (15 ounces)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon homemade pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)

These ingredients combine to create nourishing flavors that will tantalize your senses and evoke memories of home.

Timing

While pumpkin cream cheese muffins can be baked in under an hour, each moment spent in the kitchen is filled with the anticipation of sweet reward. The prep time is quick, taking about 15-20 minutes, while they bake to perfection in just 20 to 25 minutes. It’s that type of fast, indulgent experience that truly makes baking a pleasure, as you can enjoy your heartwarming muffins in less than an hour!

Step-by-Step Instructions

To create these delightful muffins, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray 20 muffin wells with nonstick cooking spray or line them with paper muffin liners.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until soft—about 3 minutes. Then, add the egg, vanilla, and brown sugar, mixing until beautifully smooth. It’s fine if there are a few small cream cheese chunks.

3. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. If you choose, stir in the pecans. Refrigerate this topping until you’re ready to use it.

4. Prepare the Muffin Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Then, mix in the eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer until just combined—be careful not to overbeat.

5. Assemble the Muffins: Evenly distribute about 1 ½ tablespoons of the muffin batter into the prepared muffin wells. Spoon 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin batter dollop, then top off with an additional 1 ½ tablespoons of muffin batter. Finish with a sprinkle of the streusel topping.

6. Bake: Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean (though a few moist bits from the cream cheese center is perfectly fine!).

7. Cool: Remove the muffin pans and place them on cooling racks, allowing the muffins to cool completely before serving.

8. Optional Glaze: Once cooled, stir together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired glaze consistency. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the muffins for a finishing touch.

Nutritional Information

While these pumpkin cream cheese muffins are a decadent indulgence, their nutritional profile isn’t bad either! Each muffin averages around 250-300 calories, depending on ingredient choices. While it’s important to enjoy these treats responsibly, a warm muffin in hand is always worth the occasional indulgence.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking for ways to tweak the recipe for a healthier twist? Consider these substitutions:

• Low-Sugar: Replace some granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
• Dairy-Free: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and a plant-based milk for the glaze.
• Whole Grain: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added nutrients and fiber.

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins can shine on their own or bring a festive flair to your table.

• Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Delight guests at your Thanksgiving feast by offering these as a festive treat alongside coffee.
• Enjoy as a delightful breakfast pairing with your favorite fall-flavored latte.

Common Mistakes

When preparing these muffins, a few common errors can lead to less-than-perfect results:

• Overbaking can dry out the muffins. Keep an eye on the time, as ovens vary!
• Texture issues can arise from overmixing the batter, resulting in dense muffins instead of fluffy ones.
• A messy kitchen can be avoided by having all ingredients pre-measured and ready to go.

Storing Tips

To ensure your delicious muffins stay fresh longer:

• Freezing Portions: Allow the muffins to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Instructions: For the best taste, reheat frozen muffins in a microwave for a quick 15-20 seconds or place them in a warm oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes.

Tempted to bake it ASAP?

Ready to embark on your baking adventure? These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are not just a treat—they’re an experience that encapsulates the essence of fall. Warm, cozy, and irresistibly inviting, they promise to satisfy your sweet cravings while creating lasting memories. Don’t delay—dive into the flavors of the season and enjoy these delectable muffins today!

FAQs

Can I make these muffins without cream cheese?

Absolutely! You can replace the cream cheese filling with a pumpkin spice filling or simply omit it for a classic pumpkin muffin.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, you can, but be sure to use a well-cooked pumpkin puree that has been thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture.

How long will the muffins last?

They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, or longer if refrigerated.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Oh yes! Chocolate chips can add a deliciously sweet touch to the already indulgent muffins.

What if I want to make mini muffins?

Feel free to adjust the baking time; mini muffins typically bake for about 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy baking these wonderful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins and indulge in their warm, delightful flavors!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Delightful pumpkin muffins filled with a rich cream cheese center, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 muffins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Fall

Calories: 275

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese (slightly softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar

For the Muffin Batter

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2.5 teaspoons homemade pumpkin pie spice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 15 ounces pure pumpkin puree (1 can)
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.33 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Topping

• 0.5 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon homemade pumpkin pie spice
• pinch salt
• 0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray 20 muffin wells with nonstick cooking spray or line them with paper muffin liners.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft—about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and brown sugar, mixing until smooth.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in pecans if desired. Refrigerate until using.
4. Prepare the Muffin Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix in eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer until just combined.

Assembly and Baking

1. Distribute about 1 ½ tablespoons of muffin batter into the prepared muffin wells. Spoon 2 teaspoons of cream cheese filling into each, then top with another 1 ½ tablespoons of muffin batter. Finish with streusel topping.
2. Place muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
3. Remove muffins from the oven and cool completely on racks before serving.
4. Optional Glaze: Stir together powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Notes

To keep muffins fresh longer, freeze completely cooled muffins in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or at 300°F for about 10 minutes for fresh taste. Consider using low-sugar or dairy-free alternatives for healthier options.