As the cool fall air rolls in, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by baking these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins. Packed with warm spices, moist pumpkin goodness, and a luscious cream cheese swirl, these muffins are the ultimate autumn treat. Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of coffee or looking for the perfect snack for a gathering, these muffins deliver flavor, texture, and seasonal flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are a hit with both pumpkin lovers and those who adore a rich, creamy filling. The combination of spiced pumpkin batter and tangy cream cheese creates a beautifully balanced muffin that isn’t overly sweet, but just indulgent enough. Not to mention, they look impressive with that gorgeous cream cheese swirl on top!

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. You’ll love how the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin fills your kitchen as they bake. Plus, they’re perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Batter:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these delicious muffins, you’ll need:

• Muffin tin (12-count)
• Paper muffin liners or non-stick spray
• Two mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Ice cream scoop or large spoon for portioning the batter

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These warm spices give the batter that signature autumn flavor.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Muffins

Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 of the way with the pumpkin batter. Then, add about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

Place the muffins in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as the muffins can dry out quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Add a Crunchy Topping:

If you want to take these muffins to the next level, you can add a streusel topping. Simply mix together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture on top of the muffins before baking for a deliciously crunchy finish.

Make It Healthier:

For a lighter version, you can replace the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce, which adds moisture while cutting back on fat. You can also use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for extra fiber.

Gluten-Free Option:

Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check your baking soda and other ingredients to confirm they’re gluten-free as well.

Dairy-Free Option:

Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version (like almond-based cream cheese) and use a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, to keep this recipe dairy-free.

How to Store Leftovers

These muffins store beautifully! Once they’re fully cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, these muffins freeze well, too. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it at room temperature or heat it up in the microwave for a warm treat.

Food and Drink Pairings

Pair these muffins with a warm, cozy drink like a spiced chai latte, pumpkin spice coffee, or a simple hot chocolate for the ultimate autumn experience. They also go beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of herbal tea if you’re looking for something lighter.

For breakfast, you can serve them alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness of the muffin with some protein and tang.

FAQ

Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: It’s best to stick with pumpkin puree, as canned pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that could alter the flavor and texture of your muffins.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re baking for a crowd or want to freeze some muffins for later.

Q: How do I get the perfect swirl?
A: For a beautiful swirl, add a dollop of cream cheese on top of the batter, then use a toothpick or skewer to gently drag the cream cheese through the batter in a swirling motion. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls are enough!

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are the perfect way to celebrate fall’s cozy, comforting flavors. They’re simple to make, visually stunning, and bursting with the warm spice and creamy goodness that everyone loves during pumpkin season.

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