Enjoy these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, perfect for fall. With a creamy filling and warm spices, they’re a delicious treat for any occasion!

Introduction

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect treat to celebrate the flavors of fall. These muffins combine the rich taste of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and they’re filled with a creamy, sweet cream cheese center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins are sure to delight. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe for these delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins!

Ingredients

Muffin Batter

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Assemble the Muffins

5. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
6. Fill Muffin Cups:
   • Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin cup, filling about 1/3 full. Add a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each. Top with more batter until each cup is about 3/4 full.

Step 4: Bake the Muffins

7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

8. Cool:
   • Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve:
   • Enjoy the muffins warm or at room temperature.

How to Prepare

First, prepare the cream cheese filling and set it aside. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them to form the batter. Fill the muffin cups with batter and cream cheese filling, and bake until done. Let cool before serving.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes about 12 muffins.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-drained and similar in consistency to canned pumpkin.

2. How do I store these muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

4. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to make these muffins gluten-free.

5. How can I make the cream cheese filling less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling or leave it out entirely for a tangier taste.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. The combination of moist pumpkin-spiced muffin and creamy, sweet cream cheese filling is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy treat, these muffins are sure to please. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice in every bite. Happy baking!