Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that’s perfect for those crisp fall mornings, look no further than these delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. They’re not just any muffins; they’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices that make you feel right at home. The added cream cheese filling brings a surprise of creamy goodness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them with your coffee on a busy weekday or serving them at a family gathering, these muffins are sure to become a favorite.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up! With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of fresh muffins ready in under an hour. Plus, they freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll be enjoying these delicious muffins in no time!
• Perfect for sharing: These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are great for breakfast or dessert and are sure to impress family and friends.
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake a batch ahead of time and pop them in the freezer for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
• Bursting with flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices makes each bite feel like a hug in muffin form.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins come together with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Muffins

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 15 oz Pumpkin puree (1 can of puree)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 3/4 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
• 1 Large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Sour cream (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
• Coarse sugar (like sugar in the raw)

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 TBSP White granulated sugar
• 1 tsp All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Milk
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!
• Mix in chocolate chips: If you love chocolate, add some mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
• Try different spices: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cloves to create your own unique flavor profile.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg. Whisking these together first ensures that everything is evenly distributed before adding any wet ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth. This mixture will bring moisture and richness to your muffins!

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are small lumps! Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat together the room-temperature cream cheese with white sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. This filling is what makes your muffins so special!

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tins

Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. Spoon about two tablespoons of muffin batter into each cup. Then add about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling on top. Finally, cover with another tablespoon of batter. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for an extra sweet crunch.

Step 6: Bake Your Muffins

Bake in your preheated oven for about 14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy these warm Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins as a delightful treat any time of day!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Making these pumpkin cream cheese muffins is a breeze, but a few simple tips can elevate your baking game!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, egg, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature helps them blend smoothly, creating a light and fluffy muffin texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins that lack the desired rise.

• Chill your cream cheese filling: If you chill the cream cheese mixture before adding it to the muffins, it will hold its shape better during baking, resulting in beautiful swirls throughout each muffin.

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your muffins are ready. This ensures they’re perfectly baked without being overdone.

• Store properly for freshness: To keep your muffins soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day! Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and makes the muffins look bakery-fresh.
• Chopped nuts: Add some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor that complements the pumpkin spice.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries pairs beautifully with the warm spices in your muffins.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy side that balances out the sweetness of the muffins.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea provides a soothing contrast to the rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese.
• Cheese platter: Offer assorted cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie alongside your muffins for a delightful sweet-and-savory experience.

With these ideas, you’re all set to enjoy your pumpkin cream cheese muffins in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can enjoy them fresh or store them for later, making it easy to grab a delicious treat or breakfast on the go. Here’s how to store them properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw muffins overnight in the refrigerator.
• Microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making pumpkin cream cheese muffins!

Can I make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins without cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like vegan cream cheese or even a thick cashew cream for a similar texture.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are done baking?

The muffins are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree your fresh pumpkin until smooth before using it in this recipe. It will add an extra layer of flavor!

How do I prevent my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins from sinking?

Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients. This helps maintain their height while baking!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these pumpkin cream cheese muffins! They are soft, flavorful, and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying one with your morning coffee, these muffins bring warmth and comfort. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own flavors—happy baking!