Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the warmth of fall right into your kitchen, then these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are just what you need! Imagine biting into a soft, spiced pumpkin muffin with a luscious cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. This recipe is special to me because it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a busy morning. They truly make any occasion feel like a celebration!

These muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re baking for breakfast or planning a delightful dessert, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have warm muffins ready in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of pumpkin and cream cheese. It’s a hit for all ages!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch and store them for those hectic mornings or surprise guests. They stay fresh and tasty for days.
• Deliciously spiced: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice creates an irresistible flavor that captures the essence of autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple, wholesome, and often staples in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create these delightful muffins!

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 these variations:

• Add some nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in chocolate chips: If you’re feeling indulgent, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves to tailor the flavor to your taste.
• Use different fillings: Try adding fruit preserves or apple butter instead of cream cheese for a fruity surprise.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the room-temperature cream cheese, white granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, and pure vanilla extract until smooth. This filling will add a delightful surprise inside each muffin, so make sure it’s creamy and well-blended!

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. Preheating is crucial as it ensures even baking from the start.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and ground nutmeg. This step allows all the spices to blend evenly into the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk. Whisk until everything is well combined. These wet ingredients bring moisture and richness to your muffins.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of fluffy ones.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon half of the muffin batter into each muffin cup. Then add about one tablespoon of your cream cheese filling on top before covering it again with more batter until they are about three-quarters full.

Step 7: Bake

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top of each muffin before placing them in your preheated oven. Bake for about 14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (though some gooey bits from the cream cheese filling are just fine!).

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins fresh out of the oven or stored for later – they’re sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Making these pumpkin cream cheese muffins is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter that mixes more evenly, resulting in fluffier muffins.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until the ingredients are combined prevents the muffins from becoming tough. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to dense muffins instead of the light, fluffy texture we want.
• Fill muffin tins generously: To achieve tall and bakery-style muffins, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full. This allows them to rise beautifully while baking.
• Chill the cream cheese filling: Before using it as a filling, chill your cream cheese mixture for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and keeps it from melting into the batter during baking.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom can give your muffins an extra layer of flavor!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins make for a delightful breakfast or snack. They’re perfect on their own but can also be paired with various accompaniments for an elevated experience.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes for a pretty presentation.
• Chopped nuts: Top with some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the rich flavors of the muffins and adds a healthy touch.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet muffins.
• Herbal tea: Sipping on warm herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, enhances the cozy vibes of enjoying these muffins.
• Honey or maple syrup: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the muffins for an indulgent sweet touch that enhances their flavor.

Enjoy serving these delicious pumpkin cream cheese muffins at your next gathering or as a cozy treat at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to make the most of your delicious muffins:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator 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. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the muffins on a baking sheet and reheat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave a muffin for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful muffins!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, cook it down, mash it, and then measure out 15 oz for this recipe. It will give your muffins a lovely flavor.

How do I prevent my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins from sinking?

To avoid sinking, ensure that your cream cheese filling is thick enough and not too runny. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter; gentle folding is key!

Can I substitute ingredients in the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Yes! You can use non-dairy milk instead of buttermilk or sour cream if needed. Additionally, feel free to swap out spices based on your preference.

How long do Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins last?

When stored properly, they can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. If frozen, they’ll maintain their quality for about 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins as I am! The combination of warm spices and creamy filling makes them truly special. They’re perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat with coffee. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your baking experience with me—I’d love to hear how they turn out!