Pumpkin cream cheese muffins combine the warm, spiced flavors of fall with a creamy, tangy surprise in the center. These delightful treats are perfect for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or as a quick dessert. With their moist pumpkin base and luscious cream cheese filling, they’re a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
This easy-to-follow recipe will help you bake bakery-quality muffins at home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these muffins are straightforward to prepare and can be customized for various occasions. Learn more about the health benefits of pumpkin here.
Looking for more autumn-inspired baking? Don’t miss our guide to cozy fall desserts for inspiration!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools Needed
- Muffin tin (12 cups)
- Paper liners or non-stick spray
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
Want to stock your kitchen with the essentials? Check out our guide to must-have baking tools.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Here’s a helpful guide to making your own pumpkin pie spice at home.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and tender.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
Fill each muffin cup about ⅔ full with pumpkin batter. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the filling into the batter for a marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (away from the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Love baked goods with a swirl? Try our cinnamon swirl loaf for another marbled delight.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in the filling. Learn why room temperature ingredients are essential in baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the muffin cups to prevent batter from spilling over during baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving for the best flavor.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the freshest taste.
For more baking tips, visit our perfect muffins guide.
Variations on the Recipe
- Streusel Topping: Add a crumbly streusel topping made with flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Want to explore more pumpkin recipes? Check out our pumpkin spice treats for more ideas.
FAQs
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?
Yes! Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the microwave before serving.
Can I Use Homemade Pumpkin Puree?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly but may contain more moisture, so blot it with a paper towel before use. Here’s how to make your own pumpkin puree at home.
Can I Make Mini Muffins Instead?
Yes, this recipe works for mini muffins. Reduce the baking time to 12–15 minutes and watch closely to avoid overbaking.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cream cheese muffins are the ultimate fall treat, combining warm pumpkin spice flavors with a rich cream cheese center. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or holiday gatherings, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Ready for more seasonal baking? Explore our fall muffin recipes or try easy holiday desserts for your next sweet creation.
Bake these muffins today and savor the cozy flavors of fall!
Internal Links Added:
Easy Holiday Desserts
Cozy Fall Desserts
Guide to Must-Have Baking Tools
Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
Perfect Muffins Guide
Pumpkin Spice Treats
Fall Muffin Recipes