Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the warmth of fall into your kitchen, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are just what you need! They are incredibly soft and fluffy, with a delightful surprise of creamy goodness in the center. Every bite is a burst of pumpkin spice flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special breakfast, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these muffins are sure to be a hit!

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Even on those busy days when time feels tight, you can have these delicious pumpkin cream cheese muffins ready in under an hour. Plus, they freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep or snacking throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These muffins come together in just 20 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the combination of pumpkin and cream cheese—it’s like a hug in muffin form!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them in the freezer for quick breakfasts or snacks later.
• Bursting with Flavor: The warm spices and rich cream cheese filling create a delightful balance that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious treat!

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 topping

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! Feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for an extra kick.
• Chocolate Delight: Fold in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut oil for butter and almond milk for buttermilk.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, blend together the room-temperature cream cheese, white granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, and pure vanilla extract until smooth. This filling adds a delightful surprise inside each muffin! Set it aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and ground nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your muffins.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk until well combined. The wet ingredients bring moisture and richness to the muffins—don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our muffins to stay fluffy and tender.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Tins

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. Spoon about half of the batter into each muffin cup. Then add about one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling on top before covering it with more batter until each cup is about two-thirds full.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top of each muffin before baking. This will give them that delightful crunch on top!

Step 7: 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 filling your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store them in an airtight container once they’ve completely cooled down.

Now go ahead and bake up these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins—you won’t regret it! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Baking these pumpkin cream cheese muffins can be a delightful experience with the right tips in your back pocket! Here are some pro tips to ensure your muffins come out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature allows for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier muffins.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so treat your batter with care!

• Fill your muffin cups generously: To achieve those tall, bakery-style muffins, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full. The rise of the muffins is part of their charm!

• Experiment with spices: While the recipe calls for cinnamon and nutmeg, feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra flavor kick. It can elevate the taste profile beautifully!

• Cool completely before serving: Letting your muffins cool on a wire rack helps maintain their texture and flavor. Warm muffins can feel too soft and may crumble when you try to serve them.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins make a delightful addition to any breakfast or snack time! Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch that contrasts nicely with the spiced pumpkin flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the muffins.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy side that complements the moistness of the muffins.
• Herbal tea: Enjoying these muffins alongside a warm cup of herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for leisurely mornings.
• Smoothie: A fruity smoothie made with banana, spinach, and almond milk can provide a nutritious boost that pairs wonderfully with these delicious treats.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll find that enjoying your pumpkin cream cheese muffins becomes even more delightful! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can bake a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• Remove muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a quick reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• If you prefer a crispy top, reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delicious muffins, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use other types of flour for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the texture.

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

The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached. They should also feel springy to the touch.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure not to overload the batter.

What makes these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins so special?

The combination of pumpkin puree and cream cheese creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. They’re moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you savor them at breakfast or as an afternoon treat, they’re bound to bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate to share your creations with family and friends—these muffins are truly meant to be enjoyed together!