Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are not just any muffins; they’re a delightful combination of soft pumpkin goodness and creamy filling that will warm your heart. I love whipping these up on busy weekends or for family gatherings. They disappear quickly, and I promise your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

What’s special about these muffins is their perfect balance of spices and textures. The cream cheese filling adds a wonderful surprise in each bite, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Plus, they are so easy to make that you can enjoy baking them even on the busiest days!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have fresh muffins ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves these sweet treats, making them ideal for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with creamy filling create an irresistible flavor that’s hard to resist!
• Perfectly Moist: These muffins are super soft and fluffy, thanks to the pumpkin puree and buttermilk.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins! You probably have most of these in your pantry already:

For the Muffin Batter

• 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)
• 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)

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

For Topping

• Coarse sugar (like sugar in the raw)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter and cream cheese.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This step ensures that your muffins release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout your batter.

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 smooth. Combining wet ingredients separately allows for better incorporation into the dry mixture later.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps left! Overmixing can lead to tough muffins instead of fluffy ones.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese with white sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy. This filling is what makes our muffins extra special!

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon about half of the muffin batter into each muffin cup. Then add a dollop of cream cheese filling on top before covering it with more batter until each cup is about three-quarters full. This layering technique creates that lovely surprise when you bite into your muffin!

Step 7: Bake

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired before placing your muffin tin in the oven. Bake for about 14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell while they bake is simply heavenly!

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy

Allow your muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature – either way, they’re delicious!

I can’t wait for you to try these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins! They truly are a comforting treat perfect for any day.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These muffins are a delightful treat, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they come out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture and fluffier muffins.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined ensures your muffins stay light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins that don’t rise well.

• Cool the cream cheese filling slightly: If you let the cream cheese mixture cool a bit before adding it to the muffin batter, it will create a lovely contrast with the warm pumpkin muffins when baked.

• Try different spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or allspice for added warmth and flavor. This keeps the recipe fresh and lets you customize it to your palate.

• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your muffins a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are not only delicious on their own but also lend themselves beautifully to various serving ideas that enhance their flavor and presentation.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Drizzle with maple syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly, adding a touch of natural sweetness.
• Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream: For a vegan-friendly option that adds richness and creaminess, top your muffin with some homemade whipped coconut cream.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the muffins while adding a refreshing note.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a delightful contrast in textures. The tartness of yogurt pairs beautifully with sweet muffins.
• Nutty granola: Serve these muffins alongside crunchy granola for a satisfying breakfast or snack option that adds extra fiber and nutrients.
• Herbal tea or coffee: Pairing your muffins with a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying this delightful treat.

Enjoy indulging in these fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins! Whether as breakfast or an afternoon snack, they’re sure to bring joy to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for meal prep! They save beautifully, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the week or have them ready for unexpected guests.

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 storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to label them with the date!

Reheating

• Remove muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
• For a warm muffin, microwave on high for about 15-20 seconds, or until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making these delicious muffins!

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your muffins.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are extra moist?

Using room temperature ingredients like butter, sour cream, and buttermilk helps incorporate air into the batter, making your muffins soft and moist. Also, be careful not to overmix!

Can I substitute the cream cheese filling with something else?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese or a blended mixture of silken tofu and maple syrup.

What spices work well with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are all fantastic choices. Feel free to adjust spice levels based on your preference!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins as much as I do! They’re not only soft and flavorful but also bring warmth and comfort any time of day. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to impress! Enjoy baking these treats and share them with loved ones—they’ll surely be a hit!