Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe: Autumn’s Sweet Joy

Autumn’s crisp breeze brings these delectable pumpkin cream cheese muffins dancing into your kitchen.

Cozy mornings call for something special that warms both heart and soul.

Soft, fragrant spices swirl through tender batter, promising pure comfort in every bite.

Cream cheese adds a luxurious richness that perfectly complements the earthy pumpkin notes.

Bakery-quality treats emerge from your own oven with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Sweet meets tangy in a harmonious blend that feels like a warm hug.

Fall flavors will make you the neighborhood’s most celebrated home baker.

Bake these muffins and watch smiles bloom around your breakfast table.

Common Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Questions

• Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually recommended for consistent texture and flavor.

• How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking to the bottom of the muffins?

Ensure the cream cheese balls are cold and rolled tightly, then gently place them in the center of partially filled muffin cups.

• Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that the texture might slightly change.

• Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these muffins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans and mini chocolate chips can be mixed into the batter for extra flavor and crunch.

Why Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Are So Cozy

• Boost Breakfast Magic: These pumpkin cream cheese muffins transform ordinary mornings into delightful culinary adventures with their surprising cream cheese center and warm fall spices.
• Skill-Friendly Baking: Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with seasonal flavors and a creamy surprise inside, these muffins guarantee smiles from kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches.
• Quick Preparation Delight: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can enjoy fresh, homemade muffins without spending hours in the kitchen, providing maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What’s Inside Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the muffin's structure and texture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spices that add depth and classic fall flavor to the muffins.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.

• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and classic pumpkin flavor to the muffins.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
• Milk: Contributes to the smooth batter consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, warm flavor to the muffins.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy center that contrasts with the sweet pumpkin muffin.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line it with paper liners or lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs

Mix until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined. The key is to avoid overmixing, which can make muffins tough.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

Let cream cheese sit at room temperature. Divide into 12 equal portions and roll each into small, smooth balls.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Fill each muffin cup halfway with pumpkin batter. Place a cream cheese ball directly in the center of each cup.

Step 7: Cover Cream Cheese

Carefully spoon remaining batter over cream cheese balls, completely covering them.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove muffins from the oven. Let them sit in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these muffins warm or at room temperature for the most delightful taste and texture. Watch them disappear quickly!

Tips for Baking Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Right

• Prep Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, easy rolling into balls without cracking.
• Prevent Overmixing Disaster: Stir wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined – overmixing leads to tough, dense muffins with a rubbery texture.
• Distribute Cream Cheese Evenly: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion cream cheese balls precisely for consistent filling in every muffin.
• Freeze for Make-Ahead Magic: Baked muffins can be frozen up to 3 months – wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for quick breakfast or snack options.

Try These Fun Takes on Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Nutty Pumpkin Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter and sprinkle some on top before baking for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Splash: Mix 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, sweet contrast with the pumpkin spice.
• Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Treat: Create a streusel topping with 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter, and 1/4 cup chopped nuts, sprinkle over muffins before baking.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Savor Spiced Autumn Tea: Brew a warm chai or spiced black tea that complements the muffins' warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes, enhancing the pumpkin's rich, comforting flavor profile.
• Pair with Creamy Caramel Latte: A smooth caramel latte with its sweet, buttery undertones perfectly balances the tangy cream cheese and adds a luxurious depth to the muffin's spiced essence.
• Indulge with Maple Whipped Cream: Dollop fresh maple-infused whipped cream alongside the muffins, creating a decadent companion that amplifies the seasonal warmth and adds a velvety texture contrast.

How to Store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Well

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their freshness and preventing cream cheese from spoiling.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum preservation of texture and flavor.
• Keep muffins at room temperature for up to 2 days in a sealed container, ideal for short-term storage when planning to consume quickly.
• Remove frozen muffins from the freezer and let them defrost at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or gently warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore their soft texture.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35-37 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm autumn mornings welcome pumpkin cream cheese muffins, a delightful seasonal treat blending spicy pumpkin goodness with creamy cheese centers. Homemade comfort awaits when you pull these golden-topped delicacies fresh from the oven, promising pure breakfast bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, blend pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and uniform.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender muffin texture.
5. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature, then divide it into 12 equal portions, rolling each into small balls.
6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with pumpkin batter, then place a cream cheese ball in the center of each.
7. Carefully cover the cream cheese balls with remaining batter, ensuring they are completely enclosed.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove from the oven and let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Measure dry ingredients precisely to ensure the perfect muffin texture and rise.
• Softening cream cheese completely prevents lumps and creates a smooth, creamy center.
• Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to maintain a light, tender crumb and avoid tough muffins.
• Experiment with alternative flours like almond or gluten-free blends for dietary restrictions, adjusting liquid ratios as needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg