Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are just the ticket! They are soft, fluffy, and filled with a creamy surprise in the middle. I love making these muffins for family gatherings or even when I have friends over for coffee. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert—really, any occasion is better with these delicious treats!

What makes these muffins special is not just the pumpkin flavor but also the delightful cream cheese filling that adds a touch of indulgence. Each muffin bakes tall and proud, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty. Trust me; once you try these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, they will become a staple in your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip these up! With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, it’s approachable for everyone.
• Family-friendly: Both kids and adults adore these muffins. They’re a hit at breakfast tables and dessert platters alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh in the morning or freeze them for later.
• Deliciously spiced: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is a breeze with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll 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 also quite flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate twist: Mix in some chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.
• Sweeten it up: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the muffins after they cool for an extra sweet touch.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential because it ensures that your muffins rise beautifully and bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and ground nutmeg. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth. Combining wet and dry ingredients separately helps create a fluffy texture in your muffins.

Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat together room-temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy. This filling will add richness to each bite!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your muffins light and airy.

Step 5: Fill Your Muffin Tins

Spoon about half of your muffin batter into lined muffin tins. Add a dollop of cream cheese filling on top of this layer before covering it with remaining batter. Finally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for an extra crunch!

Step 6: Bake

Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is simply heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked to perfection, let your muffins cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature—either way; they are sure to bring smiles!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Baking these delightful pumpkin cream cheese muffins can be a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, ensuring even mixing and a better rise in the oven.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated prevents tough muffins. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, while gentle folding keeps them light and fluffy.

• Fill muffin cups generously: For tall, bakery-style muffins, fill each cup about 3/4 full. This allows them to rise beautifully and gives that perfect dome shape.

• Chill the cream cheese filling: Before adding the cream cheese mixture to the muffins, chill it for about 15 minutes. Chilled cream cheese will hold its shape better during baking, creating lovely pockets of creaminess.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of ginger or allspice can give your muffins an extra flavor kick that makes them truly unique!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are not only delicious but also versatile in how you present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal without overpowering the flavors.
• Chopped nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top provides a delightful crunch and complements the soft texture of the muffins.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries brightens up your plate and balances out the richness of the muffins.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a refreshing side that adds protein and texture.
• Herbal tea: Serve your muffins with a warm cup of herbal tea such as chai or cinnamon spice for a comforting experience that enhances their cozy flavors.
• Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with honey or maple syrup offers a wholesome addition to your breakfast spread, rounding out the meal beautifully.

Enjoy your baking adventure! These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are sure to bring warmth and joy to any gathering or breakfast table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making breakfast or snacks throughout the week a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the muffins cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum 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 fridge.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! If you have fresh pumpkin, simply roast it until tender, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. This will work perfectly in your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

What is the best way to store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Store your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well!

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will help maintain the texture of your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

How can I make my muffins taller?

To achieve tall muffins, avoid overmixing your batter and use room temperature ingredients. Additionally, baking at a higher temperature for the first few minutes can help them rise beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins as much as I do! With their soft texture and delicious cream cheese filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether it’s breakfast or an afternoon treat, these muffins are just what you need to brighten your day. Happy baking!