Go Back
To make these tasty muffins, you need a few key items: - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt These ingredients create a moist muffin with creamy filling and warm spices. When you shop for ingredients, look for the best options: - Pumpkin Puree: Choose 100% pumpkin without additives. - Cream Cheese: Select a full-fat cream cheese for richness. - Spices: Freshly ground spices give more flavor than old ones. - Eggs: Use eggs at room temperature for better mixing. - Flour: Sift all-purpose flour before measuring for light muffins. Quality ingredients make a big difference in taste and texture. You can add fun twists to your muffins: - Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch. - Chocolate chips: For a sweet touch, mix in some chocolate. - Dried fruit: Raisins or cranberries can add sweetness. - Zest: Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor. Feel free to mix and match these options to create your own unique muffins! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, get your muffin tin ready. You can use paper liners or grease it with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix the canned pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to blend everything well. It should look smooth and creamy. Now, take a medium bowl. Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix it on medium speed until it is nice and creamy. Gradually add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the cream cheese. Make sure it is well combined. Set this mixture aside for later. Take your muffin batter and scoop half into each muffin cup. Fill them evenly. Next, add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter in each cup. Cover it with the remaining pumpkin batter. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. To keep your muffins moist, use canned pumpkin puree. It adds moisture and flavor. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix smoothly. Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined to prevent dryness. You can swap vegetable oil for applesauce. This change reduces fat and adds natural sweetness. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for more fiber. You can also cut the sugar in half. The muffins will still taste great! Don’t skip the spices! They bring warmth and depth. Add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth. If you love nutmeg, increase it slightly for a bolder taste. Experiment with pumpkin pie spice, too. It creates a rich and cozy flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can easily make gluten-free pumpkin cream cheese muffins. Just swap regular flour for gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works well for baking. Many brands offer a one-to-one substitute. This way, you do not lose taste or texture. To make vegan pumpkin cream cheese muffins, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use a non-dairy cream cheese for the filling. Coconut or almond milk can replace the vegetable oil. These swaps make your muffins plant-based and delicious. You can enhance your muffins by adding fun extras. Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Chocolate chips can make them sweeter and more indulgent. Dried cranberries or raisins add a fruity kick. Just mix in half a cup of your choice before baking. This adds new flavors and textures to every bite. Store your pumpkin cream cheese muffins in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for longer. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Make sure they cool completely before storing. This helps to avoid sogginess. These muffins freeze well. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. To reheat, take a muffin out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, microwave it for about 15-20 seconds. I love serving these muffins fresh. Warm them slightly before serving. Dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty touch. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack. For a fun twist, try adding a dollop of whipped cream on top. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. First, cook the pumpkin until soft. Then, scoop out the flesh and mash it until smooth. Make sure to drain excess water for a thick puree. This may change the taste slightly, but it will be delicious. The best way to measure flour is to use the spoon and level method. First, fluff up the flour in its container. Then, spoon it into a measuring cup. Do not pack it down. Finally, use a straight edge to level off the top. This gives you the right amount. To check if muffins are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the muffins are done. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. This ensures they are baked through. These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are a tasty treat. We covered all the key ingredients, from essentials to optional choices. Quality matters when picking your ingredients, so choose wisely. I shared step-by-step baking instructions to help you succeed. You now have tips for moisture, health swaps, and flavor boosts. Plus, I included fun variations like gluten-free and vegan options. Remember to store muffins properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy your baking journey! You’ll create delicious muffins everyone will love.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight Muffins! Packed with creamy filling and warm spices, these muffins are sure to impress your taste buds. Learn how to whip up this delightful treat in just 35 minutes, from prepping to baking. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these muffins are a cozy addition to any autumn gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it with cooking spray.

    In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Gradually mix in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until well combined. Set this mixture aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

        In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture using a spatula, mixing until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

          Spoon half of the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup, filling them evenly. Then, dollop about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter in each cup. Finally, layer the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese, ensuring the filling is completely covered.

            Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

              Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful muffins warm, lightly dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a truly enjoyable experience. For a rustic presentation, arrange the muffins on a charming wooden board and garnish with a few cinnamon sticks or autumn leaves to evoke the cozy essence of fall!