Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Print Version)

Pumpkin muffins with spiced batter and creamy center, perfect for fall mornings or as a comforting dessert.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cream Cheese Filling

01 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Pumpkin Muffin Batter

04 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
12 - 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
13 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
14 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
15 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 - 2 large eggs
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Topping

18 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or chopped pecans

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
02 - Combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a large mixing bowl.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
05 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
06 - Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into each prepared muffin cup.
07 - Place 1 heaping teaspoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin cup and press down gently.
08 - Top with remaining pumpkin batter, ensuring the cream cheese is fully covered.
09 - Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or pecans over each muffin, if desired.
10 - Bake for 20–22 minutes until muffins are set and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (outside the center) comes out clean.
11 - Let muffins cool in the tin for 10 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
  • Swirls real cream cheese into every muffin for a bakery style surprise
  • Stays moist for days so you can prep ahead
  • Warm autumn spices make your kitchen smell incredible
02 -
  • Excellent for breakfast or snacks and perfect for make ahead meal prep
  • Keeps well in the fridge for four days Bring to room temperature for best flavor
  • Higher in protein and lower in fat than most bakery muffins
03 -
  • Do not overmix the batter Stir just until the flour disappears for the lightest texture
  • Room temperature ingredients combine more evenly and prevent dense streaks in your muffin
  • For the prettiest swirl slightly flatten the cream cheese scoop before covering with muffin batter

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