Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

There’s something undeniably special about Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins that brings back memories of crisp fall mornings. Picture this: you wake up to the scent of warm spices wafting through your kitchen, the golden leaves rustling outside, and a cozy feeling wrapping around you like a soft blanket. These muffins are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of the season! Whenever I prepare these delightful muffins, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia. I remember my first attempt at baking them, the thrill of seeing the batter transform into a fluffy, golden delight. The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese creates a perfect marriage of flavors that encapsulates the essence of fall.

What to Buy for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

To create the best Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, it’s essential to use quality ingredients. The combination of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and a blend of warm spices works beautifully together to create muffins that are moist and flavorful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing out the best in this recipe.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the muffins, providing structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Contributes a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings depth and richness.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Enhances the pumpkin flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides leavening for a fluffy texture.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• 3/4 cup oil: Keeps the muffins moist.
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins.
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, lending flavor and moisture.
• 4 oz plain cream cheese, softened: Creates a delicious filling.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the topping.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed: Enhances the flavor with caramel notes.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Binds the streusel topping.
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces: Adds richness to the streusel.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For the streusel topping.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is a delightful process, and trust me, the end result is worth every minute spent in the kitchen! Follow these steps for delightful muffins that will fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas.

1. Cream Cheese Filling: Start by preparing the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, mix well until smooth and creamy. Set the mixture aside to chill in the refrigerator while you make the muffin batter.
2. Muffin Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir well to combine and set aside. This dry mixture will form the base of your muffins.
3. Muffin Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, granulated sugar, and pumpkin puree. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a lovely flavor to the muffins.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which is perfectly fine.
5. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cold butter, and ground cinnamon for the streusel topping. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will add a delightful texture to the muffins.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a standard muffin pan or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
7. Fill Muffin Cups: Using a heaping tablespoon, fill each muffin cup with batter until it’s about halfway full. Then, take a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese filling and place it in the center of each muffin cup. Finally, add more muffin batter until each cup is filled about ¾ full.
8. Add Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over each muffin. This will create a beautiful, crispy layer on top as they bake.
9. Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready!
10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are best enjoyed warm, with a smear of butter if desired.

Change It Up

Looking to add some flair to your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins? Here are some fun tips to switch things up!

• Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. This will keep them fresh and delicious!
• Freezing: You can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be ready for a quick treat later!
• Pairing: Serve these muffins with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
• Add-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for a little extra crunch and flavor!
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the muffins for an extra sweet touch.

Serving Options for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

When it comes to enjoying Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, the possibilities are endless. Here are some serving ideas:

• Breakfast Delight: Serve these muffins warm for breakfast alongside a fresh fruit salad for a nutritious start to your day.
• Brunch Treat: They are perfect for brunch gatherings, so consider serving them with a selection of other baked goods and seasonal fruit.
• Party Snack: Cut them into smaller pieces and serve at parties or gatherings; they’re sure to be a hit!
• Seasonal Celebration: Serve them at fall and Thanksgiving gatherings for a festive touch.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an air-tight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• To Warm Up: Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm, just like fresh from the oven!

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with their warm spices and rich flavors. They’re not only delicious but also easy to make ahead, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and savor the comforting aromas that will fill your kitchen. Your family and friends will surely love these muffins, making them a favorite in your household!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

The ultimate comfort food for fall, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are moist, flavorful, and filled with a delicious cream cheese surprise. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 18 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 18 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Muffin Tin
• Pastry Blender

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup oil
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• 4 oz plain cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

 

• Cream Cheese Filling: Prepare cream cheese filling by combining the cream cheese and powdered sugar and mix well until smooth. Refrigerate while you make the muffins.
• Muffins: In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir and set aside. In a separate large bowl, combine the eggs, oil, sugar and pumpkin puree. Mix until well combined. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Streusel Topping: Add the streusel topping ingredients to a bowl and mix to combine using a pastry or fork, until crumbly.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a standard muffin pan, or line with paper liners.
• Fill each muffin cup with a heaping tablespoon of batter. Place a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin cup. Add additional muffin batter until the cups are ¾ way full. Sprinkle crumb topping over the top of each.
• Bake muffins for 18-20 minutes. Remove from muffin pan and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Storage: Store pumpkin cream cheese muffins in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 3-5 days.
• Freezing: Place muffins in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword Cream Cheese Muffins, easy muffin recipe, fall desserts, pumpkin muffins

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Meet Natalie Cole

I’m Natalie! I appreciate simple, honest food that nourishes the soul without requiring hours of effort. I’m always looking for smart shortcuts that save time but never sacrifice quality or taste. I cooked and photographed this meal right here in our kitchen, capturing every step to show you that a beautiful, cozy dinner is completely within reach.