Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Fall is here, and with it comes the delightful aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen. If you’re looking for the perfect treat to embrace the season, look no further than these delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. The blend of moist pumpkin, creamy cheese filling, and warm spices creates a muffin that’s not just a snack but a cozy hug in a wrapper!

Fun fact: these muffins are a perfect way to use up leftover pumpkin puree, making them a go-to recipe after Thanksgiving or a holiday gathering. What makes these muffins truly special is their balance of flavor—it’s like a piece of pie in muffin form! And unlike some elaborate recipes you might find on the internet, these muffins are a breeze to whip up, making them an ideal baking project for the whole family. If you love the comforting taste of pumpkin but want something a little different from the usual pie, these muffins will be your new favorite. So, let’s dive in and treat your loved ones (and yourself) to this delicious recipe!

What is Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

So, what’s in a name? If you’ve ever wondered why we call these delightful baked goods “Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins,” it’s pretty straightforward—pumpkin and cream cheese are the stars of the show! But hold up, have you ever thought about what pumpkin actually represents? It’s not just a culinary ingredient; it’s also a symbol of harvest and abundance, much like the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who wouldn’t fall in love with a moist muffin bursting with flavors? Plus, with a little cream cheese surprise inside, you’re in for a treat that’s simply irresistible. So why not give these muffins a shot? I can guarantee they’ll make your heart (and stomach) smile!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are more than just a delicious snack; they pack a punch in many delightful ways:

1. Flavor Explosion: The muffins are moist with the perfect blend of spices, complemented by the rich, creamy cream cheese filling. Imagine biting into a muffin and discovering a hidden treasure of tangy cream cheese that just elevates your taste buds to a whole new level!
2. Cost-Effective: Making these muffins at home is wallet-friendly! Instead of picking up pricey specialty muffins at the bakery, you can create a batch of warm, fluffy muffins with simple, inexpensive ingredients found in your pantry.
3. Endless Customization: Whether you top them with nuts, chocolate chips, or simply enjoy them as is, these muffins are versatile enough to suit any palate. Plus, they’re perfect as breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, or even for a cozy dessert.

If you’re a fan of banana bread or coconut muffins, you’ll appreciate how these pumpkin muffins offer a similar cozy vibe while introducing a delightful twist! Ready to give them a whirl? Let’s get baking!

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Quick Overview

Making these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is as easy as pie (well, even easier!). With a prep time of around 15 minutes and baking time of about 20 minutes, you’ll have a batch of delicious muffins that fills your home with aromatic spices. They are perfect for those crisp autumn mornings when you want to treat yourself without spending all day in the kitchen!

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

To whip up these delicious muffins, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Muffins:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

And there you have it! Before we start mixing, take a moment to appreciate the colors and aromas of these seasonal ingredients; they’re part of the magic of baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with muffin liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add in the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a smooth batter.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
5. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
6. Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon a tablespoon of pumpkin batter into each muffin cup. Follow by placing a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter. Finish by adding more pumpkin batter to cover the cream cheese, filling each cup about ¾ full.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

What to Serve These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins With

While these muffins are delightful on their own, they pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent touch or alongside a warm cup of apple cider. If you’re hosting a brunch, add a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. They’re also fantastic with a side of Greek yogurt for a hearty breakfast. The possibilities are endless!

Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Make It Your Own: Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or chopped walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep your muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature for a more uniform mixture, which helps in achieving the perfect fluffy texture.
• Test Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your muffins during the last few minutes of baking. Use the toothpick test—toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for moist muffins.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, placing them in the refrigerator will extend their life for about a week. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Now that you have everything you need to create your very own scrumptious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and let the deliciousness begin! Happy baking!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Delicious pumpkin muffins filled with a creamy cream cheese surprise, making them perfect for fall and great for using leftover pumpkin puree.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Seasonal

Servings 12 muffins

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Muffins

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 pieces eggs room temperature
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened room temperature
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with muffin liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
• In another bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add in the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a smooth batter.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
• In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Spoon a tablespoon of pumpkin batter into each muffin cup. Follow with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top, then add more pumpkin batter to cover the cream cheese, filling each cup about ¾ full.

Baking

• Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat in the microwave for a quick treat.

Keyword Autumn Treats, Cream Cheese Muffins, Easy Muffin Recipe, Fall Baking, Pumpkin Muffins